First Look: The Resort at Pelican Hill

The Resort at Pelican Hill, a new destination resort that overlooks the Pacific Ocean in Southern California, reports that it will open its doors on November 26, 2008.

The property will have 128 two- to four-bedroom villas, 204 bungalow suites ranging in size from 847 square feet to 2,486 square feet, a 22-room spa and a “Coliseum” pool, acclaimed as “the largest circular pool anywhere” with tiered decks and cabanas. The 36-hole Pelican Hill Golf Club was designed by Tom Fazio. The resort’s five restaurants will include the Italian-style Andrea, which will boast its own temperature-controlled pasta room and a wine room with 1,200 bottles on display.

The resort’s executive lineup includes Managing Director Giuseppe Lama, formerly the general manager of the Hotel Del Coronado; General Manager Thierry Grandsire, previously of The Ritz-Carlton, Doha; Executive Chef Jean Pierre Dubray, formerly the executive chef of The Ritz-Carlton San Francisco; and Spa Director Kasia Mays, who previously directed spa at the Ojai Valley Inn & Spa.

The Resort at Pelican Hill is located 15 minutes from Orange County’s John Wayne Airport and is 45 minutes from LAX.

Opening rates for bungalows start at $695, and $1,450 for villas, based on availability. Call 800-820-6800 or visit www.pelicanhill.com. The Resort at Pelican Hill is a member of The Leading Hotels of the World.

Take a sneak peak at the resort in the slide show below: