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every hole, and the 5-star Spa at Pelican Hill. Many resort experiences are open to non- guests as well, such as dining at property restau- rants (with the exception of Piccolo restaurant, located at the Villa Clubhouse, which is only open to resort guests). "Even if you are staying in the Newport area or passing through, we invite you for a meal with a view, a spa day or to play a round of golf," Starr says. "Those are all available to the public with complimentary valet parking for locals. It's our way of saying to the community, 'This is your backyard too. We've got live entertainment and great sunsets. Take advantage of our location up on the hill." The dining choices vary enough to keep things interesting, from sushi to spaghetti. There's the globally current menu of delectable share- able plates at Piccolo; the homemade pastas at Andrea (guests can take classes with the chef); the creative seafood and steak options at Pelican Grill; and the alfresco breakfast buffet, lunch, lounge, dinner and poolside service at Coliseum Pool & Grill. The property also offers two cafes and light bites and drinks in the Great Room Social Lounge. Treats like homemade gelato are among the resor t's signature creations, along with an impressive wine list from the generous collec- tion, and many craft cocktails, compliment the large array of expertly prepared dishes. "The food is simple enough to be recogniza- ble but the chefs focus on letting the flavors speak for themselves," Starr says. Lucky spa guests can refresh at the 23,000- square-foot Spa at Pelican Hill with a 28-foot Palladian rotunda, meditative wall of flowing water, renewing treatments, saltwater Roman soaking tubs, 22 private treatment rooms, a salon and fitness center. Only natural and organic ingredients are used at the spa, such as wild sage and Sorrento lemons, and guest preferences or allergies are accommo- dated in massages, wraps, facials and more. The personalized experience and "harmony with the natural landscape" is consistent throughout resor t offerings. "We want to customize the guest experience in the most thoughtful and gracious way," says Starr. "It is an emotional experience and a con- nection to the place. We are building relation- ships one guest at a time and we get to wel- come them back in the future." The Resort at Pelican Hill is located at 22701 Pelican Hill Road South, Newport Coast, Calif. www.pelicanhill.com or 949/467-6833. C A R M E L M A G A Z I N E • H O L I D A Y 2 0 1 7 193 The Spa at Pelican Hill offers soothing treatments that utilize ingredients from the local area. Options include massages, facials, body polishes, wraps and more.