Newport Beach is one of Southern California's top Girlfriend Weekend getaways for reunions, relaxation, and renewal. Staying overnight at Fashion Island Hotel offers memorable moments starting at the sparkling pool in a tropical setting. Another must is a visit to the hotel's luxurious spa, work out at the modern fitness center and toast the weekend at the foodie paradise Oak Grill offering craft cocktails, a stellar wine list and curated menus by a celebrity chef.
Splurge and join the Island Club up on the 20th floor to enjoy a complimentary hot and cold breakfast, snacks, wine and cheese hour at sunset and desserts throughout the day. Reserve one of the large corner guestrooms for a two-room suite featuring a large king size bed and queen size sofa bed in a large living space. The marble bathroom offers a separate bathtub and shower.
Across the street from Fashion Island Hotel is a fashionista shopping paradise, the luxury Fashion Island Shopping Center. Besides an array of designer boutiques, there is a Neiman Marcus, Bloomingdales and Macy's. Go see a movie together in the center's luxe movie theater, or enjoy a lively meal at Red-O, Fig & Olive and True Food Kitchen.
Daytime activities in Newport Beach include exploring Balboa Island for some retail therapy or rent a Duffy electric boat and cruise along multi-million dollar water view homes. Fashion Island Hotel offers bikes for guests to borrow and ride to three different beautiful gardens. The closest park offers the largest display of public art in a two-acre sculpture garden at Civic Center Park. Take photos of each other next to the whimsical rabbit Stonehenge, and stand on the glass viewing platform overlooking the Pacific Ocean.
Nearby is Roger's Gardens, a home and garden luxury improvement center that displays some of the most exquisite holiday and seasonal items. Now through Halloween, they offer an autumn display and spooky Alice in Wonderland boutique filled with unique Halloween decorations. During Christmas the interior shops become an inspiring Winter Wonderland There is a restaurant Farmhouse that has become a popular ladies lunch spot before and after exploring the gardens.
Sherman Garden and Library feature creative home and garden ideas and a museum of plants displayed among brick walkways and bubbling tile water fountains. The library is devoted to the study of the Pacific Southwest. Every garden offers an Instagramable moment for girlfriends to take photos of each other. One has a large colorful Adirondack chair, another has a hammock and a rope swing.
After exploring Newport Beach, come back to the hotel for some soothing spa time. Change into a plush robe and visit the showers, sauna or steam room before or after treatment. The cozy lounge area offers comfortable chairs that girlfriends can relax in while sipping a glass of sparkling wine and nibble on frozen grapes.
Girlfriend bonding happens at the hotel restaurant Oak Grill, while sitting outside on the deck among towering trees and hanging lights. Executive chef Brittany Valles oversees the seasonal menus served at breakfast, lunch and dinner. Valles gained a prestigious nomination for Star Chefs’ Rising Star Chef in 2017 and was the “Sandwich Queen” in an episode on munchies on Chef’s Night Out. She is a strong proponent of using locally produced ingredients and utilizes the whole plant or animal for her dishes, which feature bold, bright flavors.
On weekends the next door Aqua Lounge becomes a chic and vibrant night-time gathering spot with atmosphere lights and pulsating music.
Plan your next girlfriend reunion in Southern California at Fashion Island Hotel in Newport Beach. The hotel and nearby attractions offer fun activities that will appeal to everyone.
Fashion Island Hotel is one of the stops the free FRANC shuttle stops at along Newport Beach.
Guests rooms are elegantly decorated for comfort, relaxation and offer stunning Newport Coast views.
Fashion Island Hotel offers a Hawaiian vacation feel.
Dine under trees and hanging laterns at Fashion Island Hotel's Oak Grill restaurant. It's a local favorite.
Spa time at the Fashion Island Hotel offers a flute of sparking wine and plate of frozen grapes before or after your treatment.
Within walking or biking distance is the Newport Beach Civic Center offering a two acre sculpture garden to explore.
Across from the Fashion Island Hotel is the Fashion Island Shopping and Entertainment Center for retail therapy.
Jill Weinlein
Los Angeles based Jill Weinlein covers travel, food and lifestyle destinations for multiple newspapers, magazines and websites. Her areas of expertise include, luxury travel, culinary reviews, cruising and family travel destinations. Born in Los Angeles, Jill studied Communications and Theatre Arts at UCLA. She has a a Dine and Travel blog - www.dineandtravel.me and she writes a weekly restaur...(Read More)