Dec 13th AN EVENT INSIDER DEEP DIVE

NEWPORT BEACH

Welcome to Newport Beach, California, where coastal elegance meets unforgettable experiences. We not only have a passion for creating experiences here at POP | X, but a passion for discovering the finest of venues to create these experiences.

Given our CEO is on the board of MPISCC and Newport Beach is hosting its annual [We]Con event in April 2024, we thought it would be a great idea to spotlight the area. So, let’s dive in and discover the hidden gems that make Newport Beach a coastal paradise like no other…

THE RESORT AT PELICAN HILL

The Resort at Pelican Hill effortlessly combines the charm of the Mediterranean with the splendor of the Pacific Coast. From the moment you step onto the property, you’re transported to a world of timeless elegance and relaxation. While the Tuscan-inspired architecture, panoramic ocean views, and classic landscape inspired by the Italian Renaissance are quite remarkable, what truly sets Pelican Hill apart is its world-class and highly awarded service. It’s a haven of luxury that promises an unforgettable stay or event.

But – once you see what’s on the other side of the door of the expansive and comfortable bungalows and villas, we can’t promise you won’t want to ever leave. Or re-do your whole house.

Each guest room features plush furnishings, Italian marble bathrooms, and private terraces/balconies. The decor pays homage to true Mediterranean sophistication.

The event lawn and Rotunda is the focal point of this venue and has become the most exclusive venue for events on the California coast. Gala or yoga class, it’s seriously beautiful, no matter the occasion.

One thing that should not be missed is the Crystal Cove Beach Experience – a turnkey beach day. Below the Resort sits one of the most beautiful beaches on the West Coast – so beautiful it’s distinguished as a National Natural Landmark. With its many tidepools, 18 miles of bluff-top trails great for biking and hiking, and three beachside restaurants (if you choose not to do the curated beach picnic), you’ll find yourself on island time in minutes.

Unfortunately, this level of unparalleled luxury the resort offers across the board does come at a premium price, so it may not fit the budget for larger groups…

The etceteras:

36-hole golf course
Coliseum Pool (one of the largest circular pools in the world, with 1.1 million hand-cut glass mosaic tiles lining the bottom). Yes, it is iconic.
Over 23,000 square feet of indoor and outdoor function space (including two ballrooms with private terraces, fireplaces, and wood beam ceilings!)
Forbes Five-Star spa
Cabanas
Fitness classes
6 dining options
Various kayak tours
Electric boat rentals
Proximity to Newport Pier and Corona del Mar Beach
Sustainability is top of mind

THE BALBOA BAY CLUB & RESORT

The Balboa Bay Club & Resort is a Newport Beach icon, and it’s easy to see why. This historic waterfront property exudes a timeless nautical charm that’s impossible not to love. Staying here feels like you’re part of a long-standing tradition of coastal elegance, but nonetheless, still exudes that “California cool.” Do keep in mind, though, that while the décor pays homage to tradition, some may find it slightly dated, and a few areas could benefit from modernization.

The highlight of this resort, we think, is its philanthropic initiatives – Hearts of Balboa and Lovebugs Rescue. Hearts of Balboa is a fundraising program designed to help support club/resort team members and their immediate family in times of hardship. And as dogs are treated equally as guests at this resort (we wholeheartedly support this!), you can imagine they are committed to supporting local nonprofit animal rescue centers.

The next thing we want to mention may not be important to everyone, but the quality of the fitness centers is always something we like to research before we go. And let us tell you, they have some top-of-the-line equipment. We’re talking the Lululemon Mirror. Now, that’s cool…

It just goes to show you they are in the know on the latest and greatest.

The etceteras:

Indelible views of the marina and Balboa Bay
Over 30,000 square feet of function space
Spa
Cabanas and daybeds
All things H2O – kayaking, duffy rentals, boat cruises, paddleboarding
Private yacht charters…talk about giving your guests an unforgettable experience….
Pool
Proximity to Fashion Island
Commitment to green initiatives
Dog-friendly

LIDO HOUSE, AUTOGRAPH COLLECTION

Lido House is a chic, coastal boutique dream come true. Its stylish design captures the essence of Newport Beach’s beachy elegance, making it a favorite for those seeking a contemporary, yet relaxed, atmosphere. It prides itself on the reimagination of an authentic beach house experience, and, we’d have to agree.

Its 130 guest rooms and five cottages are the perfect blend of classic Cape Cod and modern California. It’s also home to Newport Beach’s rooftop wine bar – who doesn’t love a rooftop bar??

It is important to note that this rooftop bar is a sought-out destination, so be sure to plan accordingly. And, generally speaking, the Lido House sits in a livelier area of Newport Beach, so we wouldn’t suggest this as the go-to if you’re looking for exclusive and quiet…

The coolest part? Be sure to order a glass of “The Lido Blend” and you’ll know why. (We’ll tell you anyway…)

Lido House is one of the very first hotels in the U.S. to blend and bottle their own signature champagne! Cheers to that.

The etceteras:

15,000 square feet of event space
3 dining options
Spa
Fitness center
Pool
Cabanas
Lawn games
Proximity to Lido Marina Village – where you’ll find all the al fresco dining, boutiques, and galleries the charming village of Newport Beach has to offer

VEA NEWPORT BEACH, MARRIOTT HOTEL & SPA

The VEA Newport strikes the perfect balance between California cosmopolitan and Pacific relaxation. The moment you walk in, the walls come to life – adorned with artwork from across the globe, including Brazil, Spain, New York, London, Paris, and California, each piece inspired by working with unique, never-before-seen mediums. While just looking at the pieces incites curiosity, VEA invites its guests to a self-guided walking tour of the cosmopolitan collection – to “renew your view.” And we absolutely love that.

The pool is one of our favorite spots here. Spending days poolside and nights watching swim-up movies, with vast views of Orange County as its backdrop, is something you don’t just do every day. But here? Yeah, doing that every day is 100% acceptable.

But let’s not forget about the spa! Its 14,000 square foot spa sanctuary adds that extra layer of relaxation you didn’t know you needed. Yes, you read that right. 14,000 square feet of pure bliss and rejuvenation. You can even design custom spa experiences for groups!

Lastly, the VEA offers several suites that can serve as intimate event spaces. Think fireside chats, exclusive breakfasts, hands-on mixology courses…

We’d say there’s definitely room for creativity here. Admittedly, this hotel is probably more suitable for smaller, more intimate groups, though. Its overall smaller footprint means fewer amenities and on-site dining options, which could be a downside.

The etceteras:

70,000 square feet of event space
5,000 square foot fitness center
Yoga classes
Edge Pool with LED screens
Private fire pits
Spa with a spa lawn and saltwater pool

HYATT REGENCY NEWPORT BEACH

Adjacent to the Upper Newport Bay Ecological Preserve, and nestled among 26 acres of palms and succulents, this conveniently located resort-style hotel has been home to lots of memory-making for over 50 years. It invites guests to relax, but also to play, explore and create (which could be why this hotel’s wear and tear is a bit more obvious, truth be told). Unlike Forrest Gump’s box of chocolates, you know exactly what you are going to get and therein lies the beauty of working with this property.

If your group is adventurous, bold, and curious, we can assure you, this is the place to be.

Our favorite spots? The Amphitheater and Garden Patio. Both spaces are beautiful enough on their own but offer the flexibility to get innovative and intimate. It is even an official venue for the acclaimed Newport Beach Festival and Summer Concert Series.

The etceteras:

26,000 square feet of dynamic space
Table tennis, shuffleboard, and volleyball
Beach cruiser bikes
3 pools
9-hole executive golf course
Firepits
Kayaking and canoeing
Spa
Whale and dolphin cruises
Pet-friendly
Fitness center
Proximity to Orange Coast Winery
Beer-tasting tours at local breweries

RENAISSANCE NEWPORT BEACH HOTEL

Last but not least – home of MPISCC’s [We]Con this coming April. It’s conveniently located to the Orange County Airport, but in no way your typical “airport hotel” and close to everywhere you might want to go.

The color palette of the lobby is friendly, inviting, and fun, while the rooms are clean, minimalist, and sleek. And for some reason, we love this juxtaposition.

It’s 2023 – you simply can’t go wrong with pickleball. I’ve played a handful of times, and it is addicting! What a great team building experience…just saying…