This Oceanfront Los Angeles Resort Perfectly Balances Parental Restoration With Kid-Friendly Adventure
Finding a west coast resort destination that suits the preferences of parents and young children can be a tall order, even for the region's most decorated properties. Many offer stunning, ocean-front views, often a key requirement for visiting the region, only a few manage just the right balance of parent-friendly offerings and kid-specific amenities to ensure a restorative visit for the entire family.
Los Angeles' Terranea Resort offers a range of programming and service-specific offerings that can create an ideal itinerary for a weekend away: from decadent, 90-minute spa treatments and a famed, child-focused falconer, to an afternoon happy hour with room to roam and a toddler-friendly, multi-course brunch.
Located at the Southwestern periphery of Los Angeles in the swanky enclave of Palos Verdes, Terrenea has built a reputation for its accommodation of families and its feeling of being far, far away while still within Los Angeles County limits. Below are the property experiences available to guests that make it a wonderfully restorative weekend escape from Los Angeles, with amenities designed to help parents balance their own rejuvenation and the adventurous interests of children in tow.
A Winter Solstice Hike
Weekly, coastal hikes led by a naturalist are a regular, complimentary amenity offered year-round. On December 21, 2024, hikers are invited to gather for a four-mile, guided trek along the ocean to celebrate the winter solstice. The trail will wind along the scenic Alta Vicente Trail, concluding at the historic Point Vicente Lighthouse. Sightings might include sea-life such as whales and dolphins, with an uptick in whale sighting now that whale migration season has begun in early November.
Nature-inspired Body Treatment
While one parent keeps an eye on the children, or the kids set up shop at Terranea Kids Club, the other can escape to The Spa Terranea for the Crimson Revival: a 120-minute wellness journey that combines contrast therapy, thermal mud, Vichy shower, infrared sauna, a warming massage that uses oils and bamboo and an aloe gel mask. Typically performed in the spa's VIP Earth Suite, the treatment begins with a scalp massage and application of thermal mud made by Natura Bissé. Once absorbed by the skin, the remaining mud is rinsed off in a lavish Vichy shower, and afterward skin is soothed with an aloe gel mask. Once applied, it's time for heat therapy in an in-room infrared sauna. An invigorating massage using warm bamboo and detoxifying oils follows. The service finishes with a cooling gel application, followed by gentle, heated towel compresses. For parents whose children are enjoying the day at the Kids Club, the adults-only Spa Pool has a full menu for poolside bites and drinks.
Sips and Sunsets
Kids and traditional happy hours at resort bars are generally a mismatch, but no need to gaze longingly at a bar below from a guestroom balcony. Terranea's Sips and Sunsets, held every Friday and Saturday evening from 5-8pm at the Spa Pool, overlooks the pool and ocean beyond, lit by the golden glow of a setting sun. Charcuterie grazing boards (with accommodations made for vegetarian, vegan or gluten-free diners) are available to order, and a pop-up bar offers wines by the glass. The poolside location makes it ideal for children to be safely free-range, while lounging spaces make it easy for parents to relax.
Family-Friendly Falcons
Terranea's falconer is a highlight for animal-loving children, who get to visit up-close with a cast of birds of prey, from owls to falcons. Parents can breathe a sigh of relief at an easy transition away from the pool to escape the sun for a few moments, while also receiving an impressive education on Southern California's wild birds.
Poolside Cabanas
For an stress-free, private and full-service pool setup, five poolside cabanas are available alongside the 5,000 square foot Resort pool and splash pad. Available to book in advance, or day-of if availability allows, cabanas offer an amenities-rich home-base for a day of splashing in the pool. All cabanas come with a minifridge containing assorted refreshments as well as a fruit platter, and a personal cabana server makes sure everyone has what they need, all day long. To avoid having to go upstairs to a guest room for nap time, the shady privacy of a cabana offers a perfect space for young children (or tired parents) to nap.
Kid's multi-course menu at Mar'sel
While parents can indulge in a three-course Sunday brunch overlooking the water, next to a grassy knoll perfect for running out the zoomies, children are presented with a two-course menu featuring items such as waffles, pasta and a host of grownup-seeming, but child-pleasing proteins. A second, dessert course for children comes as a bowl of berries or vanilla gelato.
A Glorious SMS-based Concierge
While juggling a travel stroller and kid and snacks and a spilled water bottle, running up to the front desk to request an extra swim diaper is the opposite of restorative. Terranea's SMS concierge service, available to all guests, connects guests with a guest-services team-member who can look after requests from swim diapers to securing local dinner reservations. Have a sleeping child at the pool and need something from the room? Send a text. Need an escort to the spa because a child turned the property map into an artwork? Send a text. It's a small detail that can be a trip-saver.
An upcoming holiday wonderland
Starting November 30, the property's annual Gingerbread Lounge launches in the Lobby Lounge. A 7-by-7 square foot gingerbread house covered in gumdrops, candy canes and royal icing overlooks a functional bar and whimsical gingerbread village. This holiday installation is created using over 1,000 pounds of house-made gingerbread. Parents can order signature holiday cocktails, while children and grownups who abstain can enjoy hot chocolate and apple cider. Sweet treats available to order include ginger snaps, peppermint bites, gingerbread people and chocolate crinkles. Children who know what they want this holiday season can write letters to Santa and nibble complimentary cookies accompanied by live music daily from 7-11pm.
