My husband and I had our wedding reception at the Terranea Resort, and it was phenomenal. From the location, to the scenery, to the delicious food, to the valet parking...we can go on and on about this place. The staff was out of this world and very helpful. They were very polite and continuously ready to serve. We and our guests enjoyed the wedding reception thoroughly. We hope to return very soon someday.

Terranea Terranea, how do I love thee? Let me count the ways...
We live in Los Angeles, and we come to this beautiful resort at least 4 times a year, every year for our little staycations. It truly is the best place to go in LA if you have small kids and dislike plane rides.

The property is amazing. Terranea is built on what was once the Marineland of RPV. You have unblocked, unedited views of God-created nature - the ocean, the cliffs. If you look out in the Pacific Ocean, you will always spot schools of dolphins and sometimes, blue whales. The resort is SO classy they have a pet hawk there to mind the pidgeons and pests. This is really a treat for little children to see!

The rooms are equally upscale. We have stayed in all types of rooms - from the standard room, to the suites, to the villas, the casitas and the spa bungalows. The villas and casitas are perfect for family gatherings . The lower units have private firepits that you can sit around and drink wine and roast marshmallows. The casitas are located up near Mar 'Sel and down by the family pool...and the villas are located up near the golf course (which by the way, though only 9 holes, rivals Pebble Beach). The villas are all owned, and kept in amazing shape. Every single detail is carefully tended to.

Every time we are here, the children and adults sleep HEAVILY. I had a law firm retreat here, and my associate, who is a mother of two - actually slept ALL night without wake until 10 am! It's like sleeping in a warm cave. Incredibly sound-proof rooms.

The service is outstanding. From front desk (who ALWAYS welcomes us back with champagnes) to the housekeeping staff, we always feel like we are royalty when we come to this 5-star resort. Also, depending on the time of the year, and availability, the front desk is always willing to make accommodations for children and offer complimentary upgrades.

The restaurants are all amazing. Nelsons is down by the water and the spa, and serves fresh seafood with awesome bloody marys. (so awesome they ran out last time we were there). Mar Sel is extremely upscale and a perfect place to host a law firm holiday party. Catalina Kitchen (where we always have breakfast) has these AMAZING buffets on weekends that is unheard of. Prime rib, sushi, three zillion types of desserts.

And who can forget the spa? I am a spa-addict, admittedly. This spa is world-class. Hands down, the most beautiful spa I have ever frequented. The therapists are amazing.

Terranea during the holidays is sooo fun, with all sorts of children's activities and treats.

We are so blessed to have a jewel like Terranea right in LA. I'll admit, it's quite pricey - but it is our only treat. We spoil ourselves rotten and come here on a quarterly basis just to "get-away". WE LOVE IT!!!

The staff was very warm and helpful. Every single one - groundskeepers, clean-up, front desk, sales. This is always a big part of a hotel for me, people who take pride in their work. As an example, one of the young women at the front desk that I spoke three times (once to request late check-out, once to have luggage stored, and the last time to ask a question) was always nice and never annoyed. I asked her to write her name down, but of course, I've lost it. Her name was Jennifer or Jessica Hendrikson or Henderson. My apologies - but I did try! The grounds and views are wonderful, and the room was peaceful, clean and comfortable. We stayed during low season and I was able to walk down the expansively wide, beautiful hallways between meetings and my room (7th floor) and never see another person! There were holiday trees up all over the place, and it was very festive. I enjoyed a winding walk along the shore and around the grounds past the spa, gym, Nelson's restaurant and the organic garden down to the cave and beach. The spa has a nice but small selection of giftable items (clothing and health and beauty) which I enjoyed browsing. There are two pools, plus a firepit and a very large water slide. It was disappointing in that the spa and gym were closed during our stay and that we were not told beforehand. I would enjoy staying here again and would like to take advantage of some of the activities such as kayaking, falconry and horsebackriding.

I stayed three nights in a casita the week before Christmas.  The whole family flew in from various parts of the country and most stayed together in a villa higher on the hill.

Our casita could not be beat: fantastic views of the ocean, spacious balconies, comfortable furnishings, great bed, etc.  There was simply no downside.

We cooked each evening in the villa, so I didn't enjoy any of the dining, but I wish I had.

The resort facilities that I saw in four days were fantastic: pools are well-maintained, walking paths are beautiful and well-maintained. The grounds were phenomenal, and I took dozens of pictures of the foliage.

I was expecting a beach, which doesn't exist at this resort, just rocks and cliffs.  Other than that, this was amazing and I will recommend it to anyone else looking for a US-mainland sort experience.