Terranea

"This rambling resort on the Palos Verdes Peninsula overlooking Catalina Island "feels more Mediterranean than Southern California." "It’s hard to believe a resort as remote as this is only 30 minutes from L.A." The 102-acre estate has bungalows, casitas, and villas with granite countertops, hardwood floors, and vaulted ceilings. "From your room, you can look through the billowy white curtain and watch pods of dolphins swim by." There are eight restaurants; at the casual Nelson’s, take in sunsets and "the best chicken wings and cold beer." Catalina Kitchen offers a "can’t-miss" Friday night seafood buffet. "It’s super family-friendly," and the nine-hole golf course is "a jewel—every hole has a view." Staff seem to "truly enjoy their work environment and treat guests like family." The 50,000-square-foot spa has 25 treatment rooms."