First Look: Pendry Newport Beach

Take up residence in sunny Orange County with a stay at the recently opened Pendry Newport Beach, the eighth addition to the Pendry Hotels portfolio and the third in California. Located close to the historic Balboa Island area and popular Fashion Island, this boutique hotel combines laid-back vibes with quintessential hospitality.

The 295 guest rooms, including 114 suites, feature views of Newport Harbour, the Back Bay, or the mighty Pacific, and Toronto’s Studio Munge distills the area’s natural beauty and the relaxed atmosphere of Newport Beach into the sophisticated interior design. The abundant sunlight and space (the smallest room is 400 square feet, and the largest suite is 2300 square feet) allow the big-city design to embrace darker neutrals such as beige, olive green, grey, and black, grounding each room in modernity. The sleekly styled rooms also embrace symmetry, with beds flanked by custom screens, each with dark-brown framing and cream interior, a matching pair of table lamps, and night tables. Artwork includes colourful botanical prints, and couches are upholstered in olive green.

Exclusive to Pendry Newport Beach, The Elwood Club is tucked away behind the hotel’s Secret Garden and a striking light sculpture by L.A.-based British artist Anthony James. This private members club taps traditional style with a series of tailored rooms with walnut details, navy-leather walls, a vitrine stocked with vintage items, and an extensive art collection.

The club’s showstopper is The Cabaret, with clusters of low seating dressed in burgundy and red, while The Pub is wrapped in oak and includes a mix of antique and modern furnishings, a marble fireplace, and board games. Viamara, a garden-inspired oasis/Italian restaurant with floor-to-ceiling windows and a feminine colour scheme of cream, yellow, and grey, is the spot for an afternoon tea or a romantic dinner for two.

In addition to Viamara, Pendry Newport Beach has four in-house dining options, including The Pavilion, a sunny spot for breakfast or coffee. At Set Steak & Sushi, guests can sample chef Jojo Ruiz’s eclectic menu in the nautically inspired oak and navy dining room or outside below the old-growth trees. They can also enjoy an apertif or a glass of wine at Bar Pendry, with its intimate oval bar and high-top tables, or salads, tacos, and signature cocktails while lounging by the pool at Tree Shack Pool & Grill.

For those who want alone time, Spa Pendry offers restorative and rejuvenating treatments, and the fitness centre is open 24-7. Paintbox provides all-day activities for kids five-12 in a lively animal-themed environment, and all Pendry hotels welcome pets and provide amenities for furry companions.