Amid the daily hubbub, it’s sometimes easy to forget that we Angelenos live in some pretty extraordinary surroundings. Fortunately for us locals, Terranea, the luxury oceanfront resort in Rancho Palos Verdes, serves as a reminder that paradise awaits in our back yard. Terranea is an LA’s The Place Top Pick for 2010.Situated right above the water’s edge, Terranea offers breathtaking views of the vast Pacific Ocean and pristine Catalina Island, and guests can spend their days at the resort being pampered at the world-class spa, conquering the 9-hole golf course, dining at any of Terranea‘s numerous culinary offerings, or simply taking in the natural splendor of the resort grounds. So put down that passport and don’t bother dialing your travel agent–your seaside getaway is a short drive away, at Terranea, Southern California‘s premier seaside resort.

When you first come to Terranea you may want to take note of the truly special and unique experience you’re about to have. Your feet are planted on an ancient island. The Palos Verdes Peninsula was once part of the Channel Islands, a sister to the island you see to the west, Catalina Island. The Resort sits on the former site of Marineland of the Pacific. Over 50 years ago, Marineland planted scores of trees as small as 3 1⁄2 inches. Forty-five of these now majestic, mature trees were boxed, preserved and now serve as an integral connection to Terranea’s sense of place and historical context. In addition, the location is a favorite Hollywood film site featured in films such as Pirates of the Caribbean, Charlie’s Angels, Fun with Dick and Jane, Aviator and Pearl Harbor.

The Resort’s dramatic setting with its south facing, panoramic 270-degree views of the Pacific, makes this one of the rare places where one can see the sun both rise and set over the ocean from a single vantage point. This can occur during the months of December and January when the sun is at its most southern location in the sky. Each evening at sunset, the end of the day is signified by the ringing of crystal singing bowls, an ancient ritual known for healing and relaxation through sound and vibration.

Resort Amenities

Guests arriving at Terranea will easily notice the outdoor grandeur and the indoor luxury. Spread across five stories to maximize seaward exposure, the 582-room resort offers accommodations ranging from individual guest rooms to a 1,800-square-foot Presidential Suite to more expansive arrangements, including multiroom villas, bungalows, and casitas.

The bungalows and casitas provide an additional option; they can be locked up in combinations to allow two or three rooms.

In each guest room, you’ll find a balcony where you can enjoy the fresh marine air, and the majority of the rooms look out toward the Pacific Ocean. Guest room amenities include modern details, such as flat-screen TVs, wireless high-speed Internet access, and multimedia desktop workstations, as well as a range of bathroom accessories with which to pamper yourself.

Things To Do

Once they’ve settled into Terranea, guests can fill their days with a multitude of activities. The spa is undoubtedly a prime destination. This contemporary space overlooks the Pacific Ocean, and inside, its 25 luxury rooms are available for facials, massages, hydrotherapy, and other treatments. Couples can book their own spaces, and you’ll find the full gamut of lounges, open to men only, women only, or for co-ed use. Three VIP suites are also options, decked out with top-of-the-line appointments, such as copper soaking tubs, couples tables, and Swiss showers, to name just a few. Inside the spa, guests can replenish themselves with crystal quartz footbaths, body wraps, aromatic massages, or a combination of treatments, all using natural, organic products. Spa treatments correspond to the body’s natural bio-rhythms. In the morning, treatments and programs energize and invigorate. In the afternoon, treatments are calming and restorative. Of course, you can also indulge in the usual full salon services, with a VIP area designated for weddings and special occasions.

If you’re seeking more rigorous activities, the full-service Fitness & Wellness Center at Terranea features Life Fitness cardiovascular and weight-training equipment. You’ll also find a movement studio and an outdoor yoga terrace in this generous 5,000-square-foot space, and swimmers can dive into the spa’s lap pool for their workout. At Terranea, there are few better ways to start the day than with a brisk hike on the resort trails, breathing in the salt air and getting in touch with the local flora and fauna.

Terranea is all about accessible luxury, and this is especially evident in the resort’s golf course. On this nine-hole, par 3 course, elevation changes, strategic elements, and artful bunkers will challenge new and experienced golfers alike. Depending on the setup, they can steal away a few hours for a satisfying round or dig into an 18-hole course. Golfers will also get a sense of place as the tee box on each hole faces a noted area landmark. Additionally, beginners can migrate to the practice area to perfect their strokes. Players can look forward to a rousing round of their favorite sport, no matter what their choice of venue or the final score of their game, and it’s all within spectacular sight of the Pacific Ocean and Catalina Island.

Dining Options

In this day and age, no world-class destination is complete without correspondingly high-caliber dining options, and Terranea is hardly an exception. Guests can indulge their cravings for comfort food or explore newer cuisines at Terranea‘s selection of eateries. At Terranea‘s signature spot mar’sel, Chef de Cuisine Michael Fiorelli utilizes local, seasonal ingredients–some of which come from the on-premises herb and produce gardens–to craft contemporary takes on California cuisine. The exquisite dishes, in tandem with the sweeping Pacific vistas, add up to a truly memorable dining experience.

Terranea provides diners with casual settings as well. Nelson’s restaurant and bar overlooks the coves made famous almost 50 years ago by the hit television series Sea Hunt, which featured Lloyd Bridges as the lead character Mike Nelson. Nelson’s pays tribute to Lloyd Bridges’ lifetime efforts to protect the environment and ocean with furnishings all made of recycled materials including a centerpiece bar countertop made completely from recycled wine bottles. The restaurant provides a modern twist, offering sophisticated but familiar pub fare in a funky, contemporary setting.

Another option for dining, Catalina Kitchen, pairs Mediterranean cuisine with California flavors for adults and kids, friends and family, from breakfast to dinner. Guests can also stop in for cocktails and appetizers, or any time they visit the adjoining pool. Even if you live in the water, you can still get fed at the Terranea Grill, which offers poolside service throughout the day.

It’s hard to stay hungry or thirsty at Terranea! Take your pick from an extensive wine and beer list at the Lobby Bar, Living Room & Terrace, or perk up with a shot of caffeine at sea beans. The Spa Café serves lighter fare, or if you’re out on the trails, grab a picker-upper at Cielo Point or Discovery Trail Refreshments.

Beautiful Surroundings and a Green Mission

Terranea, for all its modern amenities and luxuries, is built–almost literally–on a commitment to the environment. If you’ve ever visited Palos Verdes, you know the gorgeous surroundings hardly need improvement, and in many ways, Terranea pursues a policy of doing more with less. During Terranea‘s development, no land was removed from the area, and builders recycled 80 percent of the materials from pre-existing structures on the property to create the new resort. Terranea’s commitment to going green can even be seen in the employee uniforms which are made from eco-friendly fabrics to minimize dry-cleaning. One material chosen is made from recycled water bottles and has a tremendously soft feel.

Sustainable measures have been implemented to protect open space and nearby wildlife, as well as to manage the freshwater supply. Even such details as biodiversity have been taken into account, and of the 102 acres that comprise Terranea, approximately 75 acres qualify as green space. This dedication is most evident in the abundance of wildlife at Terranea, from the whales migrating just offshore to the El Segundo Blue Butterfly flitting through the resort to the seabirds dotting the sky. The annual whale migration takes place right off the coast of Terranea and the official count is conducted at the nearby Interpretive Center. Terranea guests can participate in the whale count through the Volunteer Program.

In addition, three telescopes along the scenic bluffs allow guests to enjoy the views of nature, while at the same time using the experience as a “teachable moment.” The telescopes are dedicated to environmental non-profit organizations to further their exemplary work via these informational efforts and donations. To learn more about the natural surroundings, interested guests can sign up for guided tour led by Terranea‘s on-site naturalist.

A Luxury Resort Just a Short Drive Away…

This is barely the tip of the iceberg at Terranea. The resort offers fun activities for kids, and it reserves certain areas for guests aged 18 and over. Terranea is available for private events, from weddings and parties to corporate meetings. Guests can choose between two large ballrooms, which can, in turn, be divided into smaller venues, depending on the client’s needs. Boardrooms and hospitality suites are available as well, and many of the meeting rooms share the same ocean side view enjoyed by guests staying in the resort’s elaborate suites, villas, and bungalows.

We all dream of luxurious vacations in exotic destinations, but it’s not always easy to make the time or to put aside the money for such excursions. However, at Terranea, it’s possible to get away without really going away. Located in Rancho Palos Verdes and a mere 30 minutes southwest of downtown Los Angeles, Terranea is its own world where nature and luxury coexist comfortably, and believe it or not, it’s just a short drive away.

TOCS Trend

TOCS, an acronym for “Timepieces Of Color and Style”, combine bold shapes, interesting numerical layouts and high octane colors with high tech, shock resistant materials and rubber wristbands to create the ultimate in a watch – fashion forward yet durable and all under $75.  The Analog Round Glitz (pictured above) is perfect for that casual but upscale event with it crystal-studded face and bright colors. The Analog Oblong, the pick of Oprah, is more subdued and elegant but still comes in daring colors. People Magazine’s choice of TOCS, Analog Round Day-Date automatically changes the day and date and its whimsical design will surely brighten your mood.

Mens’ TOCS

Women aren’t the only ones that get to take part in the affordable fashion of the TOCS trend. The Mens Sporty Diver watch and the Mens Metal Sport are definitely in demand. The large round polycarbonate plastic case offers a classic yet trendy design coupled with colorful comfortable soft resin straps – great for casual or sports wear.

Solar Powered TOCS

You never have to wind a watch again or replace another watch battery because TOCS’ Ani-Digi Solar Alarm Chrono watch features a mini solar panel. It can be powered by the sun or by indoor lighting, but also features a lifetime back-up battery system just in case. If you spend time in the water, don’t let the solar panel deter you. It is water resistant up to 98 feet. It comes in six different colors and time is displayed using both analog and digital. It has a reminder alarm, a dual time zone feature and also a handy digital stop watch. Also a pick of  Real Simple, listed under Real Steals and LATP has to agree with them. For only $45 dollars, the Ani-Digi Solar Alarm Chrono watch is power packed with features and durability.

All About TOCS

Tocs are a bold new line of fashion watches from Gemtime, Inc., a 30 year old watch industry leader. Tocs maintains 3 offices in two geographic areas to provide their customers with great products and service, their showroom (New Jersey), corporate headquarters (New Jersey), and fulfillment and technology (Florida).

Gemtime, Inc.

Gemtime, Inc. is a third generation leader in watch design. For more than 30 years, they traveled the world, designing, packaging and globally distributing its many brands. Regardless of the brand, every detail of their watches is scrutinized for quality and overall appeal. Every single Gemtime, Inc. watch sold has met their rigorous production standards. Their mission is to produce a watch that is perfect for its intended owner.

Tocs are available online, click HERE to start shopping or find them at Bloomingdales.

Stay tuned for LAsThePlace.com Product Showcase!