Terranea Resort, A Romantic Getaway in Southern California

Last weekend, we celebrated my client’s wedding at Terranea Resort, the only luxury resort in Los Angeles County, which makes it a perfect romantic getaway in Southern California. I had heard about it for years, but for some reason, we had yet to visit. Located in Rancho Palos Verdes, you feel like you are a million miles from the manic energy of LA, where the beauty of nature is preserved and the cliffs meet the sea for views I thought only existed in northern California.

A Review of Terranea Resort

What I Loved: The Spa. You can get a day pass at the spa just to use the facilities, which includes a coed outdoor pool with fire pits, and outdoor hot tubs/steam rooms/saunas in both the men’s and women’s dressing areas. I do recommend splurging on a massage, though—it was incredible!

What Disappointed Me: The food. We ate at Nelson’s, Bashi, and the Spa Cafe, and everything just felt like overpriced, mediocre resort food—i.e. their avocado toast was just toast topped with guacamole. We decided not to splurge on Mar’cel for that reason.

What I’m Going to be a Snob About: The decor. Though Terranea opened in 2008, it is already in need of a revamp. Our Casita room had a gorgeous view, and a very nice bathroom, but the decor itself was bland and uninspired.

Where to Get the Hero Shot: An overhead shot just above Cielo Point where the pool meets the seaside cliffs.

Final Thoughts: Terranea is really great for families. They have multiple pools, though the beautiful adults-only Vista pool, is closed until summer. There are lots of activities to entertain kids, and there is a beautiful 9-hole golf course. Though it could use some improvements, I would return for the spa and the views.