“Southern California’s luxury Terranea Resort in Rancho Palos Verdes is set to transform its breathtaking oceanfront setting into a holiday wonderland for the 2024 season, offering enchanting events and festive activities for guests of all ages. On November 30 the resort will unveil its Gingerbread Lounge against the backdrop of the Pacific, showcasing a 7-by-7-foot gingerbread masterpiece where visitors can savor seasonal treats and enjoy live music. The grand Tree Lighting Ceremony will illuminate Southern California’s coastline with a majestic 30-foot tree complemented by caroling, dance performances and whimsical photo ops with Santa.”
“Guests seeking tranquility can unwind during the Silent Night meditation session at the resort’s oceanfront spa. The Winter Solstice Hike promises panoramic ocean vistas along a scenic trail, and guests can craft succulent wreaths, enjoy a cozy Beach Cove movie night and partake in festive activities at the Kids Club. Terranea Resort invites everyone to celebrate the season surrounded by its stunning coastal beauty and festive cheer.”
“Located on the Palos Verdes Peninsula, Terranea Resort is the premier luxury oceanfront resort in Southern California with 102 acres of unparalleled Pacific Ocean views. Terranea opened in 2009 and proudly celebrates more than 15 years of service and memorable guest experiences in this scenic Southern California enclave. The resort offers world-class accommodations that range from hotel suites to bungalows, oceanfront casitas and luxurious villas. Amenities include The Links at Terranea, a nine-hole, par-3 golf course; award-winning 50,000 sq. ft. oceanfront spa, fitness, and wellness center; four swimming pools and a 140-foot waterslide; 135,000 sq. ft. of meeting space; and eight dining venues showcasing its farm-to-Terranea culinary philosophy utilizing local and seasonal ingredients. Terranea’s bountiful land boasts herb and vegetable gardens, lemon groves, a Sea Salt Conservatory and more.”
“Terranea Resort’s Culinary Externship Program, led by Culinary Institute of America (CIA) graduate Executive Chef Andrew Vaughan, offers aspiring culinarians a unique opportunity to develop their skills in a dynamic, hands-on environment. Through a partnership with the CIA, the program selects 10 promising students each quarter, placing them in various culinary departments across the resort’s eight exceptional dining venues, bakery, and banquets kitchen. The program emphasizes seasonal, sustainable cooking, utilizing locally sourced ingredients from Terranea’s grounds, the Palos Verdes Peninsula, and Southern California. This immersive experience fosters a two-way exchange of knowledge, where students gain valuable mentorship and practical training while the culinary team benefits from fresh perspectives and ideas, underscoring the ever-evolving nature of the culinary arts.”
Our well-informed guide to Terranea Resort for the Holidays and their Culinary Externship Program is Executive Chef Andrew Vaughan.