Greer's OC | The latest in Orange County fashion, dining, and trends.

Former Fashion Island Hotel Transforms into Pendry Newport Beach

By Greer Wylder

February 18, 2022

Montage International and Eagle Four Partners will debut Pendry Newport Beach, a transformation of the former Fashion Island Hotel. Pendry Newport Beach will become the brand’s third property in Southern California, following the opening of Pendry San Diego and most recently Pendry West Hollywood—marking another milestone in the brand’s rapid expansion. Pendry Newport Beach will bring the brand’s signature perspective on ‘new luxury’ to Newport Beach when it opens in Summer 2023. Pendry Newport Beach will feature approximately 295 guestrooms, including 82 suites, each with floor-to-ceiling windows that open to step-out balconies or private patios with ocean, harbor, and bay views. The hotel will deliver three unique…

VEA Newport Beach, A Marriott Resort & Spa, Debuts Spring

By Greer Wylder

January 24, 2022

VEA Newport Beach, a Marriott Resort & Spa, will officially debut this spring. Formerly the Newport Beach Marriott Hotel & Spa, the property is undergoing a complete top-to-bottom refresh, including new coastal-inspired luxury guest rooms, the introduction of two new suite categories, three newly imagined restaurant and bar concepts, a wellness-focused spa, and high-performance fitness center, expansive new indoor and outdoor event spaces, and a luxury destination pool experience. Translating to mean “see,” VEA’s namesake celebrates its defining ocean and city views of its location within Newport Beach. It will be a destination for socializing (with live music regularly, a…

Midnight Moon Cabins in SoCal’s Idyllic Big Bear Lake Resort

By Greer Wylder

January 12, 2022

Recapture your spirit of adventure, or rekindle romance at Big Bear Mountain in the glorious San Bernardino National Forest. Forward-looking designer and real estate expert named Sarah Salvatore - debuted modern, upscale, eco-friendly and unique vacation rentals dubbed: Midnight Moon Cabins.Stylish yet homey, elegant yet bucolic, and supremely romantic yet eminently family and dog-friendly, Midnight Moon Cabins represents the best of all possible worlds to anyone visiting Big Bear – comfort, natural authenticity and stunning design all a short walk, drive or cross-country ski hike away from Big Bear Village and Big Bear Lake, as well as the star attractions…

Catalina Island Offers ‘Best Of Winter’ Packages

By Greer Wylder

January 10, 2022

Catalina Island has been a welcome respite as travelers seek a getaway with outdoor activities and open spaces. Now through March 25, 2022, Catalina Express and hotel partners offer combination boat and accommodations packages at 10 hotels in Avalon as part of its popular annual “Best of Winter” offering. With activities galore to experience from Eco tours into Catalina’s interior, undersea adventures in a semi-submersible submarine, to kayaking, parasailing, hiking, and enjoying the myriad shops and boutiques, many with locally made products, there’s no reason not to stay a night or two in Avalon. With events such as the family-friendly Kite Festival on February…

Lido House Debuts New Holiday Cottages

By Greer Wylder

November 24, 2021

'Tis the season at Lido House in Newport Beach, as they are spreading holiday cheer this winter by transforming two of its residential-style Cottages into festive getaways (with a SoCal twist) for families and groups to enjoy. These transformed cottages just debuted and travelers can now experience a sprinkle of the holidays at this coastal getaway all season long. Curated by Newport Beach designers Grace Blu & Blackband Design, the Balboa and Collin’s Cottages decked out each three-story, 1,500+ sq. ft. space with festive holiday decor -- from traditional-style stockings and classic children's books to modern ornaments, white tinsel trees, and hot cocoa-making kits. These seasonal cottages are the perfect gathering place for families and friends to reconnect during the winter season as each cottage features…