When it’s a gorgeous, sunny Southern California day, nothing beats casual, poolside dining with the entire family (infants and little tots included!!) at Coliseum Pool & Grill at The Resort at Pelican Hill in Newport Coast.
You don’t have to stay at The Resort at Pelican Hill (which was Condè Nast Traveler, Readers’ Choice Awards 2011, #1 U.S. Resort, October 2011) to enjoy their family-friendly poolside dining. Rather non-resort guests are welcome to dine there for breakfast, lunch and dinner and provided with complimentary valet parking at the Coliseum Grill’s front entrance.
Throughout the Coliseum Grill, there is a balmy Mediterranean-feel that mimics the resort’s Palladian-inspired architecture from Northern Italy. Inside, there is spacious table and booth seating. There is also an impressive, nine-foot plasma TV for those not wanting to miss a sporting event in the bar area.
Coliseum Pool and Grille, The Resort at Pelican Hill
Hands-down, though, the best view in the house is on the terrace, overlooking the circular pool inspired by Rome’s magnificent namesake in addition to ocean front panoramic views of the Pacific Ocean in the backdrop. It’s highly recommended that you call in advance to reserve a table on the Coliseum Grill’s terrace.
Despite the gorgeous décor and breathtaking views throughout the restaurant, this is one place where the wait staff is extremely accommodating to families with infants and young children. And there’s something for everyone on the reasonably priced menu, including a variety of salads, burgers in addition to mango-glazed salmon and a portobello mushroom & tofu sandwich. The kids’ menu caters to both the pickiest of eaters (veggie sticks with dip and ABC Chicken Soup) to the heartiest of eaters (“Endless Pizza, Pasta and Gelato.”)
After a leisurely lunch, we recommend an afternoon of shopping at Crystal Cove Promenade™ which is minutes away from the Resort at Pelican Hill and hosts a unique collection of designer boutiques, well-known retailers including Williams-Sonoma and Banana Republic, fine home furnishings and distinctive dining – all with a stunning ocean view.
Camp Pelican
Additionally, the Resort at Pelican Hill is known for being a family-friendly resort, with Camp Pelican, where kids can enjoy a resort vacation of their own from their parents! Camp Pelican is made of two age groups. Kid’s Club is for children ages 4-12 years old and includes daily crafts, meals and exciting activities, and Teen Adventure offers off-site excursions to young adults 13-17, including surf lessons and kayaking excursions in Laguna Beach.
In March and April 2012, The Resort at Pelican Hill is offering a “Spring Break Family Escape,” which includes one night of accommodations and breakfast for four guests at Coliseum Pool & Grill, plus your choice of one full-day poolside cabana rental, or one full-day Camp Pelican visit for one child, or two half-day Camp Pelican visits for two children. Additionally, enjoy coach service to Crystal Cove Beach and Fashion Island shopping center with our compliments! Starting from $975* for one night (includes four guests).
Newport Coast averages 340 days of sunshine a year. It is located between the beach cities of Newport Beach and Laguna Beach. The Resort at Pelican Hill is a 15 minute drive from Orange County’s John Wayne Airport and 45 minute drive from Los Angeles International Airport. From northern San Diego, you can typically arrive in Newport Coast under an hour depending on traffic. - Christina Q. Cross
Tags: luxury travel with kids