The Restaurant at Terranea Resort

"Of its six restaurants, the seasonal California cuisine at mar’sel is the current foodie favorite, but the more casual Nelson’s boasts the best view, rivaled by the wrap-around balcony at the Lobby Bar & Lounge"

"Of the resort's two formal restaurants, the Catalina Room is the more popular, but the waitstaff's kindness and enthusiasm are more impressive than the food"

"The two worth trying most are Mar’sel, a fine-dining Cali-cuisine spot with artisanal cocktails and late-night snacks overlooking the ocean and Catalina Kitchen--which is the main hotel restaurant"

"Trails wrap the property, skirt the wild coast and are open to the public, as are the five restaurants and nine-hole golf course"

"Guests can while away the time at the luxury spa, with 24 treatment rooms, at the nine-hole golf course, or enjoying the gastronomic offerings of the restaurant"