Cradled in the hills of Southern California’s affluent, sun-kissed Orange County, Newport Beach feels like a young St. Tropez—energetic, fit and vibrant. And here at the Balboa Bay Club & Resort, the only full-service waterfront property in Newport Beach, the resort glows like a beach-goer, relaxing in the sun on its own 15-acre blanket on the shore of Newport Bay.

Down the road from the bright lights and big city of Los Angeles, The Balboa Bay Club & Resort has attracted a long list of notable guests since it was founded in 1948. Today it remains a “Private Membership Club” called Balboa Bay Club, but also has an “Open To The Public” component with meeting and wedding space, restaurant, resort accommodations, bar, etc.

The Spa at the Balboa Bay Club is a special place, one that offers a peaceful and relaxing sanctuary of health and relaxation. Amenities were top-notch: full-size gymnasium, fully equipped cardio and weight room, and men’s and women’s separate spa change rooms with lounge, steam, Jacuzzi, sauna and every amenity you could think of. After a light workout, I made my way to the spa, where I was scheduled to receive an 80-minute BBC Massage and Propolis Scalp Massage. (Propolis, I learned, is a resinous material collected from beehives and is very nurturing to the scalp.)

All things must pass, and I left the Balboa Bay Club already knowing I wanted to return. The stunning property and picturesque location were delightful, but it was the people who really left me with a lasting impression.

~ Craig Oliver, Healthy Living + Travel

The Balboa Bay Club & Resort