2009 — A Call to Stewardship
From day one, Terranea Resort promised a sustainable vision for the 102 acres of breathtaking coastal property it inherited. Before breaking ground—years prior to opening day in June 2009—Terranea, under the guidance of visionary Bob Lowe, would go to great lengths to protect both the terrestrial and aquatic life of the Peninsula’s robust ecosystem. Plans were made to box each of the 45 surviving mature corals trees from former tenant Marineland of the Pacific and relocate them one by one to a new home on the property.
To protect and enhance the biodiversity of the flora and fauna—specifically the California coastal sage scrub habitat—landscaping features included a drought-resistant indigenous plant palette, locally cultivated from native plant material at a Palos Verdes seed bank and grown by the Palos Verdes Peninsula Land Conservancy.
Terranea is also committed to smart water management. The resort set aside 75% of its land as “green space” to allow moisture accumulation and drainage, which naturally recharges groundwater. Long-term initiatives like landfill waste deterrence, recycling, smart irrigation and localized farming all contribute to the resort’s ongoing effort to improve its ecological footprint every year.
2010 — A Worthy Gallery
Encompassing expansive landscape photography, large contemporary oils on canvas, finely rendered watercolors and educationally inspired prints of flora and fauna, the Terranea Resort art collection has something to interest every viewer. The extensive assemblage spans a wide variety of mediums and subject matter. The works are displayed throughout public areas inside the hotel, where guests can either view the pieces at their leisure or through a guided tour—initially introduced in the resort’s second year.
A significant number of paintings from the Palos Verdes-based Portuguese Bend Artist Colony anchored the initial collection, which is comprised of works by artists of both regional and international acclaim. Whether an obvious reference to Palos Verdes or a more subtle reference to the environment of an ocean-oriented community, the art on view at Terranea encompasses all facets of life on the Peninsula.
2011 — A Nod to SoCal Style
This year marked the debut of two popular retail stores at Terranea. marea boutique, named for the Italian and Spanish words for tide, is a luxurious showcase of resort style. This charming destination in the porte cochere features high-end fashion for both men and women, one-of-a-kind jewelry, accessories and a whole section devoted to the resort’s youngest guests.
Just a few doors down, pointe discovery offers resort guests a go-to place for those seeking adventure and merchandise inspired by Southern California’s surf culture, featuring several brands that give back to the community as well. Also in good supply: casual and athletic clothing and accessories, educational toys and books, and plenty of gift ideas to carry the memory of your visit home with you.
2012 — Collective Action
Founded in 2012, Chefs to End Hunger began as a Los Angeles initiative to provide meals to the hungry. The organization redistributes excess prepared food, which would normally go to waste in hotels, restaurants and other foodservice operations, to local food agencies that serve the meals. Statistics show that 49 million Americans are hungry—1 in 6 Americans and more than 1 of every 5 children. More than 17 million children are not sure when or where they will get their next meal.
Keeping with its philosophy of sustainable action and community engagement, Terranea’s Green Team joined forces with the nonprofit. In one month alone, the resort diverted 2,400 pounds of safely chilled, unserved food from going to waste to feeding the hungry. In 2018 Terranea Resort contributed 3.91 tons of food to the program.
Through Chefs to End Hunger, Terranea was also introduced to The Midnight Mission—one of the Los Angeles shelters where food is donated. In addition to meals, Terranea donates partially used essential oils, bathrobes, linens and toiletries—ideas that sprung from various departments, including housekeeping and The Spa. In one month alone, more than 1,300 rolls of toilet paper and 3,068 bottles of partially consumed shampoo, conditioner and lotion were donated to the homeless, equaling in excess of 414 pounds that would have otherwise been discarded.
2013 — A New Soundtrack
Music has played a key role in Terranea’s guest experience since opening day. In 2013 the resort turned the volume up a few notches with the introduction of two seasonal entertainment programs.
Music on the Meadows, a celebration of music, food, community and life brings local and internationally recognized talent to the Pacific bluff for an all-day concert event. Since its initial summer debut, the festival has welcomed Beach Boys band member Al Jardine, Colin Hay of Men at Work, and many South Bay jazz, blues and rock ‘n’ roll favorites.
At Nelson’s, the first Summer Concert Series kicked off on the Sunset Bluff. With a regular mix of acoustic performers, soulful crooners and crowd-pleasing cover bands, the season-long event became an instant hit and returns to the resort each year beginning Memorial Day weekend.
2014 — Haven on Earth
With the Bungalow Wellness program, Terranea unveiled wellness retreats for visitors in need of mind, body and spirit reboot. In addition to accommodations in bungalows adjacent to the spa and fitness facilities, guests partake in rejuvenating experiences such as indoor and outdoor fitness training, luxury spa treatments and healthful inspired dining. That program evolved into the Immersive Wellness experience that guests enjoy today.
From the beginning, The Spa at Terranea has been a favorite destination of both overnight guests and local day-trippers. A serene oasis that spans 50,000 square feet, the spa overlooks the Pacific and boasts 25 treatment rooms that offer everything from a revitalizing marine massage to a volcanic clay wrap.
Once a month yoga enthusiasts descend on the grounds, mats in tow, for a group-led Full Moon Yoga session. Most recently the resort introduced a new restaurant by the spa pool crafted around wellness. solviva welcomes a unique restorative experience, with dishes that benefit both the body and the mind.
2015 — A Salty Undertaking
Executive Chef Bernard Ibarra set his sights on bringing more than fish from the sea to the resort’s tables. He began collecting water from the Pacific for in-house sea salt production, which led to the official inauguration of the resort’s salt conservatory on Earth Day in April 2015.
Roughly 350 pounds of salt are now produced each year—some of which is infused with Meyer lemons, sage, rosemary, pinot noir wine and kelp. It is used in cooking for special events, welcome gifts, salting margaritas and is for sale at sea beans.
While gathering saltwater, Chef Bernard was always mindful of the kelp at his feet. “Like anyone who goes to the beach, I used to pick up things without giving it much thought—as I did with kelp a while ago,” he says. “We buy kelp and seaweed from suppliers, and it suddenly occurred to me to harvest it as food from the beach below the resort. One day last summer I took a bucket, filled it with kelp and took it to the salt conservatory where I washed it and dried it. It looked great and smelled like the ocean!”
2016 — Think Pink
In honor of National Breast Cancer Awareness Month, “Terranea Turns Pink” as part of a resort-wide initiative launched in October 2016. Over the last few years, Terranea supported Play for P.I.N.K, the Breast Cancer Research Foundation and Cancer Support Community Redondo Beach as part of its ongoing commitment to help raise money for research and a cure. Terranea’s Women in Lodging members have also volunteered with Chemocessories the past six years during this time.
Terranea Resort made charitable efforts a key component of its overall mission from the beginning. And much of the vision comes directly from president Terri A. Haack.
In addition to monetary support, the resort also encourages volunteerism and regularly raises awareness for the individual missions of its partners. Examples include the Children’s Hospital Los Angeles’ Make March Matter campaign; Earth Day and World Ocean Day in support of the Palos Verdes Peninsula Land Conservancy, LA Waterkeeper, Algalita Marine Research and Education, Heal the Bay and The Bay Foundation; and Terranea Traditions benefiting Toys For Tots.
The resort’s ongoing Chef’s Table Dinner Series and Full Moon Yoga offerings support Peninsula Committee Children’s Hospital, Habitat for Humanity, Chefs to End Hunger, Rainbow Services, Vistas for Children, Inc. and more.
2017 — In With the New
In 2017 Terranea completed a multi-year, $40 million investment into property-wide enhancements—from upgraded guestroom amenities to major projects including the addition of a fourth resort pool and a complete redesign of its hallmark casual dining venue, catalina kitchen.
A California-based interior design firm reimagined Terranea’s guestrooms and suites with aesthetic upgrades that reflect the Mediterranean style of the resort, including new décor and furnishings closely attuned to guests’ preferences. Elegant round marble tables, which enable a wider variety of uses, replace the existing desks, and each room also features new mattresses and bed linens. All previous furniture was donated to Habitat for Humanity.
catalina kitchen re-launched with a beautiful redesign that now features an open kitchen, all-new menus, revamped interior and exterior décor and the addition of a bar featuring signature cocktails. A variety of new experiential food stations now line the perimeter of the restaurant, including a seafood island at which guests can observe the chefs at work.
2018 — Romantic Rendezvous
It should come as no surprise that Terranea exudes an aura of amore. The majestic atmosphere alone attracts couples for a variety of occasions—be it an engagement, a wedding, an anniversary, a honeymoon, a babymoon or just a blissful weekend escape.
Over the years Terranea has hosted numerous weddings, each with their own signature personality and flair. While many brides and grooms have exchanged vows beneath a glorious sunset, only a handful of Terranea wedding couples can boast the arrival of a live elephant at the reception.
And that’s the magic of hosting a special occasion at the resort: exceeding expectations. You don’t just choose Terranea for its spectacular setting; you choose Terranea with the confidence that your day will be magical from start to finish.
“When our party ended, we asked for someone to help us back to our room,” remembers one bride. “As we were waiting for the car, the night manager began talking to both my husband and me. She gave us a piece of advice that we both really took to heart: ‘Whatever you did to win each other, keep doing it.’”
2019 — #TerraneaProud
As Terranea celebrates its first decade, the resort introduces an initiative to honor an employee culture that serves authentic hospitality from the heart: Terranea Proud. At its core Terranea seeks to build a strong and diverse culture—one where recruitment policies, a diverse workforce, in-house training programs and an inclusive environment reflect a workplace of which all associates can be proud.
Terranea Proud celebrates ongoing efforts to provide a work environment where associates feel empowered to go above and beyond and ultimately create their own dream career path. “Our job has always been to provide employees with resources, tools, training and support to make sure they continue to progress in their careers,” says chief strategy officer and executive vice president Agnelo Fernandes.
Of Terranea’s 1,250 current employees, nearly 200 have been with the coastal property since the beginning. During the first 10 years of operation, the resort has offered more than 1,000 promotion and transfer opportunities as associates grow into new roles, take on different responsibilities and continue building their careers.
“I get to be myself and carve my path at Terranea,” says national sales manager Shane Phelan, who started as a bellman at Terranea in 2009. “Every associate has the power to make a difference at the resort regardless of the position they hold. Empowered and well-treated employees create a wonderful work environment, and that’s what we have at Terranea.”
