Prevue May/June 2015 - (Page 38)

Newport Beach is a natural beauty, one that is quite possibly, picture perfect. Two words-"comfortably chic"-sum up the inviting luxury of this fabulous coastal gem. W ith 10 miles of pristine coastline, small town charm and big city opulence, Newport Beach is one of the most beautiful and sophisticated destinations along the California coast. "We're a comfortably chic destination; upscale and inviting with an abundance of natural beauty and yearround sunshine," says Michelle Donahue, senior vice president of sales at Visit Newport Beach. "Many planners are looking for a unique experience or a taste of something different. Newport Beach has the ability to provide that refreshing change. Just the setting alone can stimulate the senses, inspiring creativity and productivity." Located in Orange County, CA, midway between Los Angeles and San Diego, Newport Beach is 10 minutes from Orange County's John Wayne Airport and accessible from both Long Beach and Los Angeles International Airports. San Diego is about 90 minutes to the south and much of the drive parallels the ocean offering scenic ocean views. Enriching Experiences Whether your group desires complete relaxation and fine dining or exciting adventures and casual outdoor eateries, you'll find both in this coastal paradise. Boasting the largest pleasure craft harbor in the United States and one of the wealthiest areas of Southern California, Newport Harbor provides a beautiful setting for a private dinner cruise aboard a gorgeous yacht or a more intimate relaxed glide through the water aboard the comfortably quiet electric boats, one of the areas most unique activities. In the 1920s the harbor provided an escape for Hollywood's elite. The iconic Balboa Pavilion hosted many parties attended by such noted celebrities as Marilyn Monroe, Frank Sinatra, and, of course, legendary actor and longtime Newport Beach resident, John Wayne. Wayne often entertained his Rat Pack buddies aboard his private yacht, the Wild Goose, which is still docked in Newport Harbor today and available for private events. Newport Harbor's many inlets, along with its natural, upper bay estuary is often frequented by stand up paddleboarders and kayakers. Spanning almost 800 acres, the Upper Newport Bay Ecological Reserve is one of the largest natural estuaries remaining in California. A 10.5-mile loop around the reserve is popular for hiking, biking or even segwaying. Just south of Newport Harbor is the highly recommended, Crystal Cove State Park. Once a small community of private beach cottages, this serene little cove prevue center stage / Newport Beach Newport Beach CenterStage.indd 2 4/22/15 11:21 AM

Table of Contents for the Digital Edition of Prevue May/June 2015

Planner’s Pick: South Africa
Fresh Meets: Sheraton Expands in China
Bureau Buzz: Meet Hawaii
Good Business: Accor on Gender Equality
Sea Shores: Windstar Cruises
Experience Luxury
MOUNTAIN MEETINGS
On Location: Destination Resorts
ORLANDO
On Location: Northeast Florida
EUROPE
COPENHAGEN
GAMING
On Location: Iberostar Playa Mita
On Location: Manchester Grand Hyatt San Diego
Checkout: Hyatt Ziva Rose Hall & Zilara Rose Hall

Prevue May/June 2015