Think Montage with a Tuscan-theme minus the seaside location and yawn of Craftsman-inspired décor. First and foremost Pelican Hill is a world-famous golf club that would be a destination even without the new five-star resort. Located above a new development of 6,000-sq. foot custom and high-end strip center with William Sonoma and Banana Republic, the hotel is removed from the main thoroughfare through a series of manicured driveways and sculpted hills that frame the golf course. Dramatic arched passageways are framed by stone columns and muted-stone floors intersected by natural woods and occasional vintage carpet. The hotel is home to three separate eateries including Pelican Grill with its serine dining room framed by an open kitchen and panoramic views of the Pacific. At the center of the resort is the Coliseum Pool, touted as the largest circular pool anywhere, with tiered decks and freestanding cabanas but beach access only by transportation which is the hotel's main downfall. Spa lovers will discover a world-class facility larger than the area competition with 22 treatment rooms and a menu of massage, facials and scrubs. 

The Room:

The resort is home to 128 villas and 204 luxuriously bungalow suites offering fully-outfitted vacation getaways with soaring ocean and golf course views under 16-foot rustic wood ceilings lined in Travertine flooring. Bungalows feature integrated living and sleeping areas with granite wet bars, 50-inch plasmas and Italian limestone fireplaces. Bathrooms feature a double-sink design with deep soaking tubs and walk-in rain showers lined in mosaic marble. Large villas are available with a two, three or four -bedroom layout complete with fully functional kitchens, great room with formal dining room and on-call butler service. There is also a separate clubhouse and pool exclusively for villa guests.