Southern Cal’s new world-class retreat

In striking fashion, Pelican Hill in Southern California has completed its transformation from a thirty-six-hole complex with no accommodations to a world-class golf resort. The first phase, Tom Fazio’s renovations to his two seaside courses, was unveiled in 2007. Now comes the exquisite new Resort at Pelican Hill.

The facility, about an hour south of Los Angeles, is modeled after an Italian hillside village, complete with fountains, terra-cotta-tiled roofs and century-old olive trees. There are two types of lodging: single-story bungalows terraced above the ocean, and larger villas perched higher up on a bluff. Gourmet dining is available in three restaurants (one of which specializes in Tuscan fare), a clubhouse and a poolside loggia. The Italian fantasy is complete.