Seas the Moment at Terranea, Southern California’s Premier Oceanfront Luxury Resort

*By: Deepi Harish*

Pronounced “terra-nay-a,” this 102-acre luxury estate overlooks the scenic Pacific coastline, as well as Catalina Island. Terranea is a 582-room resort made up of sun-filled guest rooms, spacious bungalows and suites, luxury villas and oceanview casitas. Easily accessible, the resort is conveniently located 30 minutes from LAX and 30 miles southwest of downtown Los Angeles.

Fun fact: Since Terranea is part of a dramatic landscape and oceanfront setting, many movies have been shot on the property, including Pirates of the Caribbean, The Aviator, Charlie’s Angels, This Is 40, to name a few.

What stood out to me on my visit was that this resort offers so many experiences that not only are they impossible to count, but it’s also impossible not to find something for your individual, niche taste. From falconry meet and greet, seaside yoga, guided hikes, singing bowl rituals, to test driving Lexus cars along the coast and sunset wine tasting. All the above-mentioned experiences are complimentary with your stay.

I was most interested in their culinary program offerings. Terranea’s on-site restaurants offer a slew of experiences on rotation — tableside Caesar making, caviar tasting, whiskey and sake tastings, seafood and chardonnay pairings, cocktail making by picking your own ice and smoking chips, the list goes on. Although these offerings switch often, you’ll absolutely find something you’ll want to partake in anytime you visit.

There are five styles of rooms to choose from at Terranea. The King Guestrooms sit at 450 sqft and include a 4-fixture stone bathroom with separate tub and shower, goose-down bedding, 65-inch LED flat screen and a private balcony or patio. The Suites range from 900 to 1800 sqft. Depending on size, the rooms come furnished with a separate living/dining room, butler’s pantry, a large master with a 5-fixture stone bathroom. The Bungalows sit at 1100 sqft and come with a kitchen area, living room, laundry and either a patio with a firepit or a large balcony with an outdoor fireplace and seating. Casitas range from 1100 to 2040 sqft. Amenities include an indoor and outdoor fireplace, kitchen, oversized balcony or patio, living room, kitchen and laundry. Casitas can range from one to three bedrooms. Villas are the largest accommodations available on the property, sitting at 2300 sqft. Amenities include two king-size bedrooms, a den, separate living room, full kitchen, laundry facilities, jacuzzi, large outdoor balconies, hot tub, indoor and outdoor fireplaces and a private garage.

Another fun fact: The Terranea grounds were home to Marineland of the Pacific. It was the world’s largest oceanarium when it opened in 1954. This gives you a little insight into how large the property actually is. Terranea went from concrete walls and buildings during its Marineland days to becoming a luxury resort committed to preserving its natural surroundings and eco-friendly practices. For example, the resort is lined with extensive walking, hiking, bird watching footpaths and carries 75-acres of untouched, natural landscape.

My favourite property feature is that it’s surrounded by flourishing lemon groves, herb and vegetable gardens. They even harvest their own sea salt on the property through the sea salt conservatory. 

Terranea is also known for its 50,000 sq. ft. luxurious spa and award-winning nine-hole, par-3 Southern California oceanfront golf course, named one of the best golf destinations in the world by Departures Magazine.

As for what’s to come for 2023, here are a few new experiences to look out for: 

• A sound bath class, new spa treatments and facials are being added to the comprehensive spa menu administered in 25 private treatment rooms.
• The Golf Lounge allows you can play virtually on some of the most famous courses through a simulator. 
• Point & Shoot Putting Clinic is a 60-minute session that will assist you to accurately read greens and enhance distance control with instruction from a PGA Professionals. 
• Family Golf FUNdamentals is Golf 101, designed for families or couples interested in learning the game. 

Terranea’s endless activities that take place on land, sea and air will keep anyone entertained in form of adventure, wellness, playtime and culinary experiences.