Best Spa Hotels in Newport Beach

Balboa Bay Resort in Newport Beach, California, offers spectacular views of the water and passing boats. And while you're here, you can take full advantage of the property's maritime locale by renting kayaks, paddleboards or motor boats and taking to the seas. If you're more of a landlubber, get your fill of H2O by swimming in the outdoor pool, or get to know the area, which is home to many shops, golf courses and restaurants. But you won't have to go too far to find a good meal: The in-house Waterline Newport Beach restaurant offers fantastic (albeit pricey) locally sourced cuisine, while A&O Kitchen+Bar serves up more casual fare like burgers and sandwiches. Visitors rave about the rooms – the bedding, the size, the balconies – and the service. Some recent guests do observe that the resort caters mostly to the moneyed, 40-and-older crowd, with its high prices and subdued atmosphere.

Shoppers and golfers should be pleased with this Marriott because it's sandwiched between the Newport Beach Country Club and Fashion Island shopping center in Newport Beach, California. And guest rooms meet the needs of discerning visitors – accommodations house marble bathrooms (with glass-enclosed showers), plasma TVs and pillow-top beds, while boasting desirable views of the Pacific, the Newport Beach Yacht Harbor or the golf course. But not all guests are impressed: Some travelers complain that steep fees for internet use and parking can add up quickly. However, members of the Marriott Bonvoy program can save on extra fees by using accumulated points to cover the tab. Meanwhile, on the premises you will find two heated pools, a steakhouse, a spa and a Starbucks Marketplace – all features that customers do enjoy.

Just a few minutes from Balboa Island, about 45 miles southwest of Los Angeles, Fashion Island Hotel earns decent reviews from recent guests. For starters, visitors adore this hotel's location, since it puts them within walking distance to numerous restaurants and shops. Then, there's the staff –everyone from poolside waiters to manager receives compliments for their politeness and attentiveness. And lastly, amenities like the pool area and gym are described as in beautiful shape and make for excellent diversions. However, some visitors note that the decor in the guest rooms felt more generic than unique, and that the beds could use new mattresses. But despite the less-than-inspiring decor, the accommodations come with complimentary internet access, LED televisions and balconies. Should you crave a bite to eat, you can enjoy Southern California flavors in an alfresco setting at the Oak Grill.