Driving a Lexus LX 600 F Sport in different driving modes to the oceanfront Terranea Resort, I appreciated the V6 engine and smooth four-wheel drive while taking the hills and curves along the Palos Verdes Peninsula. This large luxury Lexus offers two comfortable bucket seats in the front and two rows of seats behind. There is plenty of room for suitcases and golf clubs for driving vacations.

The 10-speed shiftable automatic in Custom mode offers the most comfortable drive. The driver can turn a knob to Eco to ensure the most efficient fuel usage for 17 mpg in the city and up to 22 mpg on the highway, according to the U.C. Department of Energy. The Sport mode offers a more sporty ride.

Luxury driving features include an eye-catching red leather interior, perforated leather-trimmed sport steering wheel, and soft leather seats with heating and cooling enhancements.

The Lexus LX 600 F Sport incorporates a distinctive large front black mesh grill, and Torsen limited-slip differential for enhanced cornering on the exclusive 22-inch F Sport wheels. 

The steering wheel controls have an adaptive cruise control button, enabling safer driving and braking distance. The backup camera cautiously alerts the driver to approaching objects and automatically brakes when an object is too close.

Once at the oceanfront hotel, one notices a variety of Lexus cars parked in the entrance courtyard and driving around the resort. Terranea has partnered with Lexus to provide guests with a variety of perks and experiences.

Guests arriving in a Lexus will receive complimentary valet service when staying overnight at the resort. That is a $60 a night savings, plus Lexus guests will receive a $100 resort credit to use during their stay. Any overnight guest can test drive one or more of the Lexus cars during their stay.

The Lexus shuttle service transports guests throughout the resort for those who prefer a Lexus driving experience, instead of walking. The shuttle delivers guests to Golf at the Links, a 9-hole, 3-par golf course. Ocean breezes and views of Catalina Island are at tee placements located as far as 185 yards. Guests can take a golf lesson or enroll their little ones at Junior golf camp.

The Lexus SUV's also transports guests to Nelson's restaurant. On weekend's Nelson's offers the annual Sound Series concerts, with live music, drinks and dining along the the ocean cliffs of the Palos Verdes Peninsula.

The resort offers 582 luxurious guest retreats with comfortable furnishings, thoughtful amenities, terraces, and balconies overlooking mature California gardens and ocean vistas.

Those seeking an Airbnb alternative will enjoy staying in one of the Bungalows, Casitas or Villas. Many are steps away from the Terranea Spa and Fitness Center, Spa Cafe' and Nelson's. These spacious accommodations range in size from 1,100 to 2,2808 sq.ft.

Bungalows have an ensuite master bedroom with a king size bed dressed in European-style luxury linens. There is a queen-size sleeper sofa, indoor fireplace and half-bathroom plus a dining room and full kitchen. For those seeking to dine and relax outside, a large patio or upstairs balcony offers comfortable furniture and a fire-pit or fireplace. 

Casitas and Villas have up to three-bedrooms with multiple bathrooms, plus an outdoor private hot whirlpool. Thoughtful amenities include a full-size refrigerator, gas stove, microwave, dishwasher, dishware, and cooking utensils to make dining and entertaining easy.

Wellness equipment such as a yoga mat, resistance bands and dumbbells are available when requested.

An exclusive Veuve Clicquot Oceanfront Tastes of Terranea is offered at the stately Lobby Bar and on the panorama view Terrace at Terranea. Guests can purchase a glass of Veuve Clicquot Yellow Label or Veuve Clicquot Rose'. Splurge with a glass of Veuve Clicquot La Grande Dame for $75 or order a $300 bottle.

Alongside Champagne there is a featured cocktail to enjoy for $25. The Terranea VCP is made with Hennessy V.S.O.P., simple syrup, fresh lemon juice, a topping of Veuve Clicquot Yellow Label and a lemon twist.

These Champagne tastings pair nicely with a choice of three elevated bites for $25. With Executive Chef Andrew Vaughn Oceanfront tastes of Terranea includes a lobster knuckle sandwich on toasted brioche, and a seared Diver scallop with smoked bacon, Meyer lemon, caramelized onion and sea salt cultivated from the hotel's Sea Salt Conservatory. Other items to enjoy with Veuve Clicquot Champagne include crab cakes with Petrossian caviar and yellow sashimi with Granny Smith apple and a yuzu avocado puree.

Beef menu items include beef tartar Gougere, and Wagyu beef sliders with blue cheese, caramelized onion and house pickle.

Vegetarians will enjoy the Terranea olive crostini on a baguette and oven-roasted tomato. 

There are endless amounts of beauty and relaxation throughout Terranea Resort. The Spa offers one of the most beautiful oceanfront pools in Southern California. Aqua conditioning classes are offered on Monday, Wednesday and Friday at 8:30 a.m.

Guests find inner harmony with a variety of wellness classes in the Movement Studio that includes Good Morning Stretch, Seaside Yoga, Pilates, Sunrise Stretch & Flex, Seaside Cycle, Guided Meditation and Sound Baths.

Off the lobby on the ground floor is a large free form family-friendly swimming pool, hot whirlpool, exciting waterslide, splash pad and fountain. The grassy area offers ping-pong and lawn games.

Exciting dining opportunities include the elegant signature mar'sel offering stunning 270-degree views during dinner and for Sunday brunch.

The all-day catalina kitchen is a spirited dining experience featuring local ingredients from Catalina View Farm and the onsite garden for a la carte menu items and a children's menu. The popular outdoor dining terrace overlooks the main swimming pool. Happy Hour specials are available from 3 to 5 p.m.

Visit sea beans for grab and go coffee and pastries, breakfast, lunch and dinner items. Nearby at pointe discovery, guests can rent electric bicycles, attend painting classes and meet a falconer to learn about Terranea's falcon program.

Contemporary Asian dishes are offered at Bashi. Dine outside for flavorful wok prepared dishes, traditional and innovative sushi, and flavorful grilled proteins and vegetables. Karaoke is offered on Saturdays at 10 p.m.

Oceanfront summer celebrations include Vintner's dinners at mar'sel, movie nights at the main resort pool, kids club activities and Sound Series every weekend on the lawn next to Nelson's.

Escape the heat to Terranea Resort. Exclusive guestroom rates start at $499 during the summer for a sun-filled, ocean breeze stay. Use the promotional code: SUMMER.