The Villas at The Resort at Pelican Hill
At one time or another, most of us have found ourselves in a place where being understood, not to mention understanding others, poses a challenge. You step off an airplane onto foreign ground and trust that you can get where you’re going. Read the menu. Sleep comfortably. And head home with wonderful stories.
If your landing spot is Newport Beach, The Resort at Pelican Hill® has it covered. Upon arrival, a Resort staff member greets you—often in your own language—and escorts you to your private Villa. The next morning, just in time for tea or coffee, a digital foreign language newspaper shows up in your inbox. A Resort concierge is available around the clock to answer any and all questions, and special “guest surprises” can include evening room turndown in the form of cookies frosted with the logo of your favorite sports team or framed photos of the family showing up on the nightstand.
“These are what we call our TNT (tiny noticeable touches),” said Person Garcia, the Resort’s director of leisure sales. “Feeling at home away from home is so important to us that we work with travel agents who guide us in our preparations for each guest. People shake their head and wonder how we do it.”
The midweek Villa Stay program has become increasingly popular, especially as global travelers take advantage of nonstop flights into John Wayne Airport from Mexico and Canada. A growing number of visitors hailing from Europe, Asia-Pacific, the Middle East and Latin America are adding Orange County to their travel plans.
“Off-peak Sunday-through-Thursday stays enable Resort guests to enjoy a more relaxed and accessible experience,” said Nikolay Tevekeliyski, Villa general manager. “Restaurant reservations, shopping excursions, tee times and spa appointments can be had without having to book far in advance.”
Attention to detail is a major element of the initiative to attract an international clientèle to The Resort at Pelican Hill.® Food and beverage options include global menus and 24-hour room service. Villa Resort guests are welcome to dine quietly in a poolside cabana, or they can request that a chef come to the Villa to prepare dinner or host a cooking class.
Dedicated Villa butlers and concierges arrange activities, tours and transportation. They are always happy to create a customized daily itinerary and often provide Resort guests with a bilingual host.
“Pelican Hill has become a sought-after U.S. destination,” said Giuseppe Lama, managing director of The Resort at Pelican Hill. “We understand how challenging foreign travel can be, and we’re committed to going the extra mile to ease the process for all of our Resort guests.”
The Resort’s Villas include a two-car garage, a washer and dryer, WiFi access and a fully equipped kitchen. Guests enjoy a sense of privacy during their down time, and proximity to shopping, cultural sights and beaches when tourism calls.
“After a long overseas journey,” said Tevekeliyski, “our Villa Resort guests check in, whip up breakfast or a snack or order in, grab a nap or catch up on the day’s news out on the patio. We offer a true R&R experience and want every guest to carry wonderful memories with them on that plane ride home.”
