A big thanks to Terranea for hosting our stay so we could provide this detailed review of our experience. This post contains references to products from one or more of our advertisers. We may receive compensation when you click on links to those products. For an explanation of our Advertising Disclosure, visit this page.
There are some places that feel like a getaway the moment you arrive and for our family, Terranea Resort is that magical spot. Nestled along the picturesque coastline of the Palos Verdes Peninsula, this 102-acre oceanfront paradise in Southern California has long been a favorite of ours. With sweeping views of the Pacific, coastal trails that invite you to slow down and a serene energy that sets the tone for relaxation, Terranea was the perfect place to celebrate Mother’s Day with three generations of our family.
This year’s celebration was extra special. It was my mom’s first visit back to Southern California since the pandemic and we wanted to give her a Mother’s Day she’d never forget. So my husband, our two little kids, and I packed up and headed to Terranea to soak up sunshine, family time and a whole lot of pampering.
Luxurious Two-Bedroom Casita
We stayed in one of Terranea’s two-bedroom casitas and it felt like our own private coastal retreat. With all the comforts of home, you’ll find yourself imagining what it would feel like to actually live there full-time, enjoying ocean views over coffee every morning.
Our casita had two spacious bedrooms, two bathrooms, a full kitchen, a cozy living room with a fireplace and an expansive private terrace. There was more than enough room for all five of us to relax and spread out in comfort. The casita was beautifully designed with high-end finishes and thoughtful touches throughout, from the luxurious linens to the deep soaking tub. Having the space and amenities of a home, combined with the service and setting of a luxury resort, made our stay feel effortless and indulgent.
A Brunch Fit for a Queen
We kicked off Mother’s Day at Terranea’s Mother’s Day Ballroom Brunch Buffet and it was nothing short of spectacular. The ballroom was elegant and festive, filled with the soft hum of live music and the clinking of glasses.
We were seated indoors, but there are also options to dine al fresco on the terrace, overlooking the sparkling Pacific Ocean.
The food spread was nothing less than a culinary celebration. From fresh seafood and carving stations to classic brunch fare, decadent desserts and special kid-friendly dishes, every craving was covered. Everything we tried was beautifully presented and delicious and the service was warm and attentive.
Just outside the ballroom, a FeatureBooth photo booth was set up for guests. We got some fun and candid family photos, the kind that will be treasured keepsakes for years to come.
On the terrace, families were crafting corsages and hand-tied bouquets at flower stations, while kids (including ours) could color and fill out large “All About My Mom” posters. Ours came home with us and the kids finished it at home. It was the sweetest handmade gift I’ve ever gotten.
Time to Unwind
After brunch, we strolled the grounds and soaked up the sunshine. The ocean breeze was perfect and the kids had a blast running around and making new friends on the lawn while the grown-ups relaxed. One of the things I appreciate most about Terranea is how peaceful and secure it feels. There’s a calm here that makes it easy to unplug and simply be present.
During our stay, my mom and I escaped to The Spa at Terranea, which recently underwent a stunning $4.5 million renovation … and it shows. The revamped spa space blends modern luxury with coastal tranquility, drawing inspiration from the resort’s natural surroundings. Light, airy interiors in shades of soft blue and sandy neutrals are complemented by hand-crafted tile, contemporary art and elegant furnishings. The new double-sided fireplace in the entry is a beautiful focal point and the indoor-outdoor flow throughout the spa invites guests to linger.
My mom and I both had the Relaxing Classical Massage and it was every bit as soothing as the name suggests. My mom described her therapist as having magic hands because the treatment was so soothing for the chronic pain she experiences from rheumatoid arthritis.
The refreshed treatment rooms feature Living Earth Crafts spa beds and warm wood accents, making each treatment feel personalized and indulgent. Afterward, we relaxed in the newly updated co-ed lounge, which boasts ergonomic loungers and calming ocean views.
More Than a Stay: It’s an Experience
No matter how many times you visit Terranea, you’ll find you never run out of things to do, like exploring hidden coastal trails or trying a new activity like archery or kayaking. The resort offers so many amenities that cater to all ages: a 9-hole golf course, four swimming pools (including one with a 140-foot waterslide that my kids can’t get enough of), eight distinct dining venues and a luxury boutique for shopping.
But more than the impressive amenities or oceanfront luxury, it’s the feeling that keeps us coming back. At Terranea, time seems to slow down just enough to savor it. This Mother’s Day wasn’t just a celebration, it was a memory in the making. One that reminded us how special it is to spend time together, surrounded by beauty and cared for in every way.
Whether you’re celebrating a milestone, planning a romantic weekend or just need a restorative break, Terranea delivers in every sense. We left feeling refreshed, grateful and already dreaming about our next visit. Book your stay here.
Read about some of our previous stays at Terranea here:
–Hotel Review: Terranea Resort, a Luxury Coastal Getaway in Southern California
–A Family-Friendly Getaway at Terranea Resort in Rancho Palos Verdes, California
–Celebrate Mother’s Day at Terranea Resort in Southern California
Want more travel news, tips and deals? Sign up to Johnny Jet’s free newsletter and check out these popular posts: The Travel Gadget Flight Attendants Never Leave Home Without and 12 Ways to Save Money on Baggage Fees. Follow Johnny Jet on MSN, Facebook, Instagram, Pinterest, and YouTube for all of my travel posts.
