Terranea Resort
- Walking trails with dramatic ocean and cliff views hug the coast just steps from the resort, with complimentary guided hikes available on Saturday mornings for guests interested in learning about the local flora and fauna.
- There’s a convenient shuttle service to restaurants, boutiques, spa, pools, cabanas, golf, and nearby attractions.
- The newly renovated spa, overlooking the Pacific, offers an expansive terrace with a large pool, private cabanas, firepits, lounge chairs, and a restaurant.
- Terranea offers a large variety of room categories and multi-bedroom villas with features, such as fireplaces, full kitchens, and ocean views, near its pools, restaurants, or in secluded areas surrounded by lush landscaping.
My journeys as a travel writer typically begin at Los Angeles International Airport, lugging my carry-on and wondering what I forgot to pack. However, on this rare occasion, I’m actually heading for a staycation—an idea I often promote but hardly ever do for myself. No airport, no rushing to the gate this time, just a leisurely drive to the plush Terranea Resort on the nearby Palos Verdes Peninsula.
The stunning Mediterranean-style resort is set on 102 acres along the rugged cliffs overlooking the Pacific, where once Marineland of the Pacific, an oceanarium-inspired theme park, stood for decades. I was pleased to learn during my recent visit that 45 of Marineland’s mature trees were preserved and replanted on the resort’s grounds as a tribute to the area’s history.
Terranea Resort
After my husband and I left our car with the most charming valet—the first of many staff members who made us feel truly welcome—I did what I imagine all guests do when they set foot here. I walked straight through the lobby to the outdoor terrace to take in the view of the ocean and Catalina Island. The resort’s coastal location provides many perfect spots to see the sun sinking into the Pacific each evening (preferably with a cocktail or a glass of wine in hand).
Upon check-in, we received a map of the resort—a helpful guide for exploring the expansive grounds, and rode in a shuttle to our one-bedroom casita. Its modern kitchen was stocked with all the appliances, dishes, glasses, and flatware that would make it convenient for families or longer stays. I, however, had no plans to cook—Terranea is home to eight dining venues. I looked around and noted how private and secluded my casita was, with a grassy lawn, shrubbery, and a walking path between me and the bluff that rises from the sea.
Even when the ocean isn’t part of your view at Terranea, the green hills, rocky cliffs, and abundant vegetation create stunning panoramas in every direction. The well-tended gardens near our casita infused the air with the scent of jasmine, while tropical flowers like bird of paradise added to the relaxing vibe. One of the most romantic spots in the resort and a popular wedding ceremony location is a verdant lawn with the ocean in the background, according to resort manager Nicholas Untermann.
Below is my full review of Terranea Resort in California’s Rancho Palos Verdes.
The Rooms
The Mediterranean-inspired architecture and decor of the resort’s 582 accommodations perfectly complement its setting above the Pacific. Balconies, patios, and meticulously maintained landscaping highlight views of the ocean, rugged cliffs, and gardens.
We stayed in a 1,100-square-foot one-bedroom casita (also available with two or three bedrooms), which featured a separate tub and shower, a full kitchen, a fireplace, and a furnished patio. Upper-level casitas also come with balconies and panoramic views of the ocean.
Terranea’s bungalows are located near the spa and coastal walking paths, with options for one or two bedrooms, main or upper level. An exclusive enclave of luxurious villas is set away from the main hotel overlooking the Links at Terranea golf course. (They are serviced by golf cart valets for transportation to the lobby, spa, restaurants, or activities.) Privacy, opulence, and spacious interiors—up to four bedrooms and 2,900 square feet—make these villas a popular choice among many resort guests.
Terranea’s lobby building houses 326 guest rooms and 34 suites, including the 2,200-square-foot Vanderlip Suite, the resort’s largest oceanfront accommodation, which comes with a private balcony and a telescope for whale and dolphin watching.
I toured several of these rooms and suites, and the furnishings are stylish and comfortable, highlighting the Mediterranean style of the resort with art, accessories, and neutral shades. Every window, patio, and balcony is a reminder of Terranea’s coastal location among the stunning hills and cliffs of the Palos Verdes Peninsula.
Food and Drink
Manuel Mazzanti/Terranea Resort
The resort offers in-room dining 24/7, so my husband and I enjoyed breakfast in our fluffy robes on the patio while adorable bunnies hopped around on the lawn nearby. At Nelson’s, casual dishes are served indoors and outdoors, about as close to the cliff’s edge as you can get. My seafood cobb salad was excellent, loaded with lobster, shrimp, and fresh greens. Tacos, burgers, sandwiches, and a great selection of cocktails, wine, and local beers round out the menu.
Catalina Kitchen serves new American cuisine, focusing on local ingredients. Bashi, with a menu inspired by Chinese, Japanese, and Southeast Asian flavors, offers wok-style dishes, sushi, handmade rolls, and a selection of sake and Asian beers. Guests can dine poolside with light bites and cocktails from The Grill, while The Lobby Bar & Terrace is the place for nightly cocktails with a view and live music.
Solviva specializes in nutritious, wellness-focused fare like vegan flatbread and morning chia seed bowls, but on Fridays and Saturdays, it hosts Sips and Sunsets gatherings with fine wines, charcuterie by the spa pool. For a picnic or an outdoor snack, Sea Beans has convenient grab-and-go coffee, pastries, gelato, breakfast, and lunch options.
Mar’sel is the resort’s fine dining spot for an elegant dinner or Sunday brunch. Overlooking the ocean with 270-degree views, the restaurant offers outdoor or indoor seating and a menu that includes caviar, oysters, lobster risotto, and Angus beef filet, the latter of which my husband ordered and loved.
Activities and Experiences
Terranea’s ocean-inspired activities include: a guided kayak tour among dolphins and sea lions; tide pool exploration; a stand-up paddleboarding tour; snorkeling; a cruise through the kelp forest to look for leopard sharks; and surfing lessons. Archery, tennis, pickleball, movie nights, self-guided nature walks, morning and sunset yoga, stargazing, and s’mores on the beach are also available.
Back in the resort, as I was working on a resin-adorned charcuterie board, I realized adults love arts and crafts projects just as much as kids do. I would have loved to try one of the painting classes or the guided mandala painting, too. We also enjoyed an exciting half-hour demonstration from Terranea’s falconer and his birds of prey.
I’ve played the nine-hole Links at Terranea golf course several times, and it’s fun each time with just enough challenge in gorgeous surroundings. Guests can up their game with private instruction or learn a bit about course management by playing with one of the PGA instructors.
Four pools offer swimming and sunbathing options, including a family-friendly resort pool with a waterslide, splash pad, and cabanas, and the adults-only Cielo Point pool overlooking the Pacific.
The Spa
Surrounded by panoramic ocean views, The Spa at Terranea has just completed a $4.5 million renovation, unveiling upgraded treatment rooms and relaxation lounges, a reimagined entry and lobby, refreshed locker rooms, and newly furnished poolside cabanas. The 50,000-square-foot wellness sanctuary includes 25 treatment rooms, landscaped outdoor areas with a private spa pool, hot tubs, cold plunge pool, and firepits.
The adults-only oceanfront saltwater pool is kept at a comfortable 82 degrees. I dozed off to the sound of ocean waves in a nearby lounge chair at the cliff’s edge.
After warming my toes around a firepit, I spent some time in the hot tub before my HydraFacial, a pleasant 60-minute experience, and one of many on offer here. Body treatments and massages incorporate natural ingredients, such as local honey, Ayurvedic plant extracts, and seaweed oils.
If you’re the type who likes to maintain a workout routine while traveling, the gym offers cardio and strength training machines, free weights, Peloton bikes and rowing machines, TRM treadmills, stair climbers, in a light-filled space with expansive windows and stunning views. Yoga, Zumba, aqua conditioning, meditation, group fitness classes, and personal training sessions are also available.
Family-friendly Offerings
Terranea’s multi-bedroom casitas, villas, and adjoining suites make it convenient to vacation with family members of all ages. The 5,000-square-foot resort pool features a water slide, splash pad, poolside bar and grill, and cabanas with room for six. There is even a separate teen-friendly pool and hot tub for those 13 and older.
The Terranea Kids Club entertains young guests (between three and 12 years old) with crafts, educational activities, sports, and outdoor games, guided by CPR-certified staff. Best of all? Meals are included for morning and evening sessions.
On the Cielo Point Lawn, there’s a variety of family activities, including a caricature artist, a tie-dye station to create colorful T-shirts, watermelon eating contests, and more. A schedule of daily events is published each week, and the concierge can make arrangements for special experiences, such as Meet-a-Mermaid for a photo in the sand or a beachfront s’mores party.
Accessibility and Sustainability
The resort has 31 ADA-compliant accommodations across all room types, including rooms specifically designed for guests with visual and hearing disabilities. All guest rooms have closed captioning on TVs or a decoder. In the main building, accessible rooms include a King and Double with wide bedroom and bathroom doors for wheelchair access, lowered emergency evacuation instructions, and grab bars in the bathrooms. Accessible one- or two-bedroom ocean view bungalows are available. Complimentary ADA-compliant shuttle service takes guests throughout the property to restaurants, spa, and activities, as well as to local attractions.
Terranea has been committed to protecting wildlife habitats and enhancing local water quality. The resort has incorporated eco-friendly practices, such as replacing single-use water bottles with aluminum in all guest rooms, installing multi-use bath amenity dispensers, and reducing water consumption with high-efficiency toilets and faucets. Sensor-controlled lighting fixtures and LED energy-efficient bulbs have been installed, and dimmers, motion detectors, and low-voltage devices are utilized to reduce lighting energy consumption.
Sustainable spa amenities include razors, hairbrushes, and dental kits, made from wheat straw. Hybrid and low-emission vehicles are used for on-site shuttle service to reduce carbon emissions. Seasonal dining menus incorporate local ingredients and organic produce and herbs from the chef’s garden.
Additionally, Terranea partners with the Marine Mammal Care Center and International Bird Rescue to support animal rehabilitation efforts. The resort’s naturalist-led tours guide visitors to track whale migrations, spot endangered El Segundo blue butterflies, and appreciate the coastal flora and fauna specific to the peninsula and Catalina Island.
Location
Terranea Resort is located approximately 17 miles south of Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) and 30 miles southwest of downtown Los Angeles. Long Beach Airport (LGB) is about 23 miles away. Guests arriving by air can reach the resort by taxi, ride share, or rental car, but once at the destination, a vehicle is not necessary unless visitors want to explore the area extensively.
Terranea offers complimentary shuttle service within the property and to nearby points of interest such as Point Vicente Lighthouse, Portuguese Bend Riding Club, and Abalone Cove. In addition, guests may have complimentary use of a Lexus vehicle for up to three hours. (This service is available to those at least 21 years old with a valid U.S. driver’s license and current valid auto insurance.)
Nearby, the Point Vicente Interpretive Center features a museum, Marineland photos, a gift shop, and seasonal (December-April) opportunities for whale watching. The South Coast Botanic Garden boasts more than 2,500 different species of plants, special exhibits, and workshops.
About eight miles away in San Pedro, the Marine Mammal Care Center cares for seals and sea lions and offers information and exhibits. Nearby, the Cabrillo Marine Aquarium displays Southern California marine life and interactive experiences, while the 150-year-old Point Fermin Lighthouse is also open for tours.
Book Now
Terranea Resort’s loyalty program, Terranea Beyond, allows guests to earn two percent cashback on each booking, which they can redeem for hotel credit, cash back, or donate to a charity.
Teranea Resort is part of American Express Fine Hotels & Resorts program, so guests benefit from perks, such as room upgrades upon arrival and 12 p.m. check-in when available, complimentary WiFi, daily breakfast for two, $100 resort credit, and guaranteed 4 p.m. check-out.
Travelers can also book a stay through Virtuoso, which includes a daily breakfast credit of $40 per person for up to two guests per bedroom, served in-room or at Catalina Kitchen, complimentary WiFi, $100 resort credit, and early check-in and late check-out, based on availability.
Terranea is a Coral Tree Hospitality resort, and with their Beyond by Coral Tree loyalty program, guests may earn cash back with stays at member resorts.
Nightly Rates at Terranea Resort start at $733.
Every T+L hotel review is written by an editor or reporter who has stayed at the property, and each hotel selected aligns with our core values.
