The Hamptons of Hollywood
A Two-Part Series
By Brandi Brower, Travel Editor
You've heard of Charles Dickens's famed novel "A Tale of Two Cities." With a creative license, I'm writing "A Review of Two Regions," a two-part series comparing and contrasting the Southern and Northern areas of the Golden State—specifically, the sun-drenched sandy city and conservative enclave of California, Newport Beach, vs. the majestic mountain magic and serene scene of South Lake Tahoe. Both beautiful. Both are variants of vacation vibes. It is a tale of two distinctly different destinations in one state.
The first stop is Orange County. Newport Beach is 80 miles north of San Diego and 40 miles southeast of downtown Los Angeles. With its proximity to Hollywood, historically, the calm waters of Newport have been a protective harbor for movie stars who want an easy escape. Some stars from Hollywood's Golden Age made Newport Beach their home, nicknaming it "The Hamptons of Hollywood." Just off the Pacific Coast Highway, driving on the Mariner's Mile, passing multi-million dollar yachts on my right and multi-million dollar homes to my left, I pull into the Balboa Bay Resort, imagining the summers spent here by stars from a bygone era like Bogie and Bacall.
The Balboa Bay Resort, a luxurious haven, shares its grounds with the members-only Balboa Bay Club. This private club, once the exclusive hangout of Tinseltown's elite, including John Wayne, Greta Garbo, and Clark Gable, exudes an air of privilege and exclusivity, making you feel like a part of an elite circle. Nestled on 15 prime waterfront acres along the Bay, this coveted real estate perfectly captures the nautical Newport vibe, with mega-yachts moored side by side. The spirit of old Hollywood starlets and influential politicians fills the halls, gracing the walls with black-and-white photos of the rich, famous, and almost famous who frequented the hotspot. It's an experience that immerses you in the nostalgia of the mid-20th century, leaving you feeling like those were the good old days.
The resort offers 159 rooms, 10 of which are suites, and three room categories depend on location and view. All accommodations are spacious, providing ample room to relax and unwind, and boast private furnished balconies, flat-screen TVs with premium channels, white Frette linens on pillow-top mattresses, marble bathrooms with dual sinks and walk-in showers, and writing desks. I was grateful for my Bayview room, which was the perfect perch to watch the water action and entice exploration.
Newport Beach can claim to be the largest recreational harbor on the West Coast. Home to 9000 vessels of all shapes and sizes, from adorable Duffy boats to mega yachts, it's not just a harbor; it's an H20 playground, perfect for those seeking an active and fun-filled vacation. Top of my list for adventure was to captain one of the cute electric 12-passenger Duffy boats the resort rents. No boating license is required because it only goes 6 miles per hour, like driving a golf cart on water. With Bluetooth capabilities, you can select your playlist and troll around the harbor, looking at the backyards of the beautiful homes abutting the Bay or checking out the backsides of the boats and the creative names of the vessels: Ex Ta Sea, Why Knot, Dances with Waves are just a few of the punny monikers we found.
What better way to top off a sunset boat cruise than enjoying bayside bites under the bistro lights and al fresco dining at its finest with modern-design fire pits and comfy couches? The celebrated onsite signature A+O restaurant/bar, Anchors & Oceans, is the answer. As the sun dips down, the spirits ramp up with live music, creative craft cocktails, and themed menu offerings: Taco & Tequila Tuesdays, Western Wednesdays, and Sushi & Sake Saturdays are clever culinary offerings. The rap around decking gives optimal viewing for sun settings and boat watching; the blue and white color palette is accentuated with umbrellas in a bright yellow. If the weather dips down to the lower 60s (Newport Beach has an average year-round temperature between 65 and 75), the staff will turn on one of the several outdoor patio heaters. California casual in design and cuisine, headed by 17-year-veteran Executive Chef Prabeen Prathapan, the A+O is a favorite scene for locals and guests. Sundays are reserved for the best brunch in town, held weekly in the waterfront Lighthouse room for a succulent seafood spread, made-to-order omelet station, charcuterie, and patisserie galore.
It's said that it never rains in southern California; in my experience, that's a true statement. I wake to another beautiful sunny day, stop at the Blend Cafe, a grab-n-go eatery at the resort, and take my overnight oats and chai latte out to the pool. The year-round heated open-air Olympic-sized pool with hydro-spa, cozy lounge chairs, and private cabanas are inviting. But today, a beach cruiser bike ride is the quintessential SoCal experience that calls. The concierge desk sets me up for success with a map and suggestions for seeing the sites. One of Newport Beach's unique features is its eight islands in Newport Harbor. These islands, primarily residential with some commercial areas, add a distinct charm. Each island has its character and history, waiting to be explored by those who seek a deeper understanding of this beautiful destination.
I decided to make the loop around most of Newport Harbor. The excursion is relatively flat, which is great because even though electric bikes were available, I chose the classic ride instead. I cross the bridge to Little Balboa Island and stop to enjoy a frozen banana at the original stand since 1940, a nod to any Arrested Development fans reading this. There are cute shops and the Balboa Island Museum and Historical Society. Better still, the charming streets, rows, and rows of beautifully designed homes are enjoyable to browse. Next, the Ferry ride across the harbor over to the Fun Zone. This 80-year-old landmark has fun fair fare with burgers, ice cream, pizza stands, arcades, and a few rides, including a colorful Ferris wheel. I ride down to the extreme Southeast corner of Balboa Peninsula to The Wedge, an excellent spot for powerful surf with the potential for 30-foot waves; it's a fantastic place to watch and admire the talented surfers who dare to tackle the sweet swells. Back on the bike, I take the path stretching along the Peninsula, from the Balboa Pier to the Newport Pier, a beautiful opportunity to take in the incredible views of both sea and sand. I hit the Lido Marina Village to window shop in the chic stores and pass by the Nobu and Malibu Farm restaurants, which are tempting. I'm hungry, but I pedal onward. There's something special about this area: the idyllic weather, glittering water, and so many fun things to explore; the proximity to the Balboa Bay Resort is ideal, and it's no wonder its famous Balboa Bay Club is known as the "Host of the Coast." The charm and beauty of the area are a welcoming breath of fresh sea air.
After a long but lovely peddle-pushing afternoon, some pampering may be on the agenda. Wellness is just a walk away in the Balboa Bay Club building, where skin care, massage, and body treatments are some of the spa services available. After enjoying the sauna, whirlpool, steam room, and relaxing lounge, spoil yourself just a little bit more with a perfect blowout at the Drybar, conveniently located on the premises. For those who don't need your hair done, spoil yourself with a libation at the Oasis Pool bar, offering zero-proof concoctions and clever cocktails with cute names.
When you wake up the next day, the weather will undoubtedly be perfect, the sun will be shining, and the tide will be high, another great start for more Southern California adventures. Balboa Bay Resort has the ideal location to travel in any direction and make memories. If the Fun Zone isn't your speed, nearby Disneyland, Universal Studios, Knotts Berry Farm, and Legoland are options. If you're a museum enthusiast, visit the Lyon Air Museum, Marconi Automotive Museum, and Orange Country Art Museum. A romantic at heart, take a boat cruise, hike down with a picnic lunch to Crystal Cove, or if the kids are in tow, the resort will plan a family beach day for you with all the necessities. If you like golfing, there are several golf courses to choose from. If you enjoy shopping, Fashion Island is a famous shopping stop. If you decide not to leave the comfort of your bayside retreat, you still have options. Kayaking, paddleboarding, fitness equipment, and classes are available, and you can pick up a little something for yourself at the Bayside Boutique or Spa Boutique onsite.
Balboa Bay Resort is ranked #1 for Newport Beach Resorts by the U.S. News and World Report, the only Forbes Four-Star, AAA Four-Diamond waterfront resort in Newport Beach. The iconic waterfront property has been here for over 75 years, a venerable sentinel overlooking the Bay for all the yachts that pass by, a revered respite for those that enter its gates. The laid-back luxury that is the Balboa Bay Resort has been open for just 20 years, yet it's an esteemed hotel that celebrates all that is coastal, Californian, and cool. Classic cool, like Bogie and Bacall.