Pendry Newport Beach

Worth getting out of bed for

Days at Pendry Newport beach could kick off with a yoga class in the studio or a pulse-raising Peloton sesh in the fitness center. But where’s the rush? You’re on Cali time, now. Catch your breath with breakfast out on the terrace, then curl up in a cabana by the pool. You might have every intention of asking the concierge about days out, but don’t be surprised if the eucalyptus lure of the steam room sidetracks you. Offload any residual real-world worries into capable (and extraordinarily moisturised) hands at the spa. And after a long, hard day’s holidaying, a craft cocktail or three at the hotel bar makes a fitting footnote.

Look, there’s a place called Fashion Island mere steps from your front door – we’re no fortune tellers, but we foresee a spree in your future. The open-air mall is home to luxury big-hitters from Alice and Olivia to Zadig and Voltaire, as well as a handful of local indie labels and the holy quaternity of department stores – Bloomingdale’s, Neiman Marcus, Macy’s and Nordstrom. A short drive away, Lido Marina Village has a curated selection of SoCal-based slow fashion and beauty boutiques. Stock up on beach essentials – sustainably made swimwear and a new signature summer scent, that is – pausing only for a sea-facing, small plates and Sauvignon pitstop.

Corona del Mar (CdM to those in the know) is a buzzy neighborhood with a family-favorite beach, where sea salt-sprayed cafés and bars cluster among luxury cottages along the coastline. Crystal Cove State Park has the whole gamut of Golden Coast allures – undisturbed stretches of honey-hued sand, prime scuba diving and snorkelling, plus hiking and horse-riding trails climbing away to the chaparral canyon, should you fancy swapping your wetsuit for spurs and a stetson. There’s some of SoCal’s best surfing to be had round here, too. Beginners will fare best with 36th Street’s gentler waves, but for super-size breakers, head for the Wedge. And budding Attenboroughs can catch a whale-watching cruise from Balboa Peninsula or Newport Harbor – this stretch of the OC coastline is a hotspot for blue whales and humpbacks.

Local restaurants

For an authentic Mexican feast (and as many margs as you can manage), make for Red O. Low lighting and live DJ-spun beats supply a scene-y feel; bonus points for being just across the street in Fashion Island, so you’ll only face a short stroll back after gorging on carne asada. 

Bello by Sandro Nardone has elevated Italian fare down to a fine art. Inspired by his Atina upbringing, Chef Sandro spotlights local, seasonal produce prepared with traditional methods. His menu of house-made pasta, steaks and finely spun seafood has put him firmly on the Michelin radar.

Local cafés

Over in Lido Marina Village, organic sourdough bakery Rye Goods takes its name from its all-important rye starter, nicknamed Winona Rye-der. The fun continues with a seasonal menu of sweet treats – a spiced cranberry donut or pumpkin muffin in winter, perhaps – plus deli sandwiches, pastries and enough artisanal loaves to feed a small army.

Local bars

Tucked between quaint waterfront cottages on Balboa Island, Royal Hen is a bijou, local-favourite spot with Cali craft beer on tap and an expertly curated wine list. For late-night larks in stumbling distance, Joey has you covered. This Fashion Island spot has a patio and firepit made for champagne-fuelled alfresco evenings, plus a gallery wall of local artists and a Bocci light installation, so you can practise your best cultured nod over mezcal-muddled cocktails.