By Diane Feen
If you’re looking for a change of scenery and a seaside hideaway to rest and restore from the commotion and clamor of reality, head west. Not to Parkland or Westin, but to Redondo Beach, California.
What makes Redondo Beach so alluring is the newly renovated Portofino Hotel & Yacht Club. This nautically themed hotel is graciously surrounded by the Pacific Ocean, with a pier and private marina. But it’s the views at this resort that make landscape artwork pale by comparison. As the sun goes down, the ocean is set ablaze with colors that defy one’s own imagination. You can witness this natural panoramic wonder from your balcony or see it from the large picture windows in the lobby of the hotel.
Diane Feen
Luckily, many of the rooms at The Portofino Hotel & Yacht Club face the ocean so you can meld right into Mother Nature’s bosom. You can watch people pedal boating (or you can rent a pedal boat yourself), listen to the chatter of sea lions as they commune in their native tongue (conversation is animated yet not discernable) or take a boat ride through this natural wonder.
Although living in South Florida has its own seaside miracles, the Pacific Ocean has an allure that sets itself apart from the norm. After watching one of these sunsets, I was sure I had gone to heaven, but I wasn’t sure where or what towns I was gazing at from my balcony. It turns out that this majestic view was that of the Palos Verdes Peninsula. Mix that with the sound and sights of the seagulls and sea lions frolicking in the dusk and it seemed that all of Mother Nature was singing a marvelous tune.
If this sounds way too romantic for a single person, don’t worry, you can always drift off to neighboring towns like Hermosa Beach or Manhattan Beach.
But, if you’re staying at The Portofino Hotel & Yacht Club you will jump at the chance to return to the hotel. The lobby is so beautiful (modern with nautical overtones) with huge windows, soaring ceiling with crystal chandeliers, palm trees, comfy furniture and a cozy fireplace.
The restaurant at the hotel, Baleen, is wonderful. This elegant space has views of the marina that are breathtaking. But, I found it hard to concentrate on the stunning view because the food was so outstanding. The warm asparagus and mushroom salad had brioche center with egg, truffle oil and black truffle shavings. The roasted sea scallops and braised beef short ribs are what culinary dreams are made of (foodies will get this) and the flourless chocolate decadence with was indeed decadently incredible (Chef Jesse Souza is a genius).
Portofino Hotel & Yacht Club in Redondo Beach
If you want a casual down home breakfast or lunch head over to Polly’s on the Pier (walking distance from the hotel). There you can enjoy simple yet great American food and watch the fisherman and bird life descend upon the grand landscape of this priceless alcove of beauty.
The Portofino Hotel & Yacht Club, 260 Portofino Way, Redondo Beach, CA – 1- 800-468-4292