Walking into the Balboa Bay Resort lobby and common areas this winter is a holiday wonderland with life-size polar bears, penguins, festive lights, and boughs of white garland. Executive Chef Prabeen Prathapan and his culinary team showcase a replica of the resort made out of 80 lbs of gingerbread dough, 40 lbs of frosting and icing and 15 lbs of candy.
On December 1, the resort kicks off the holiday season with a tree lighting ceremony. Besides live music playing holiday classics, the resort is offering complimentary treats and beverages with a donation of an unwrapped toy benefitting Toys for Tots. Reservations are not required and open seating is available after 5 p.m.
Guests visiting or staying overnight starting on December 14 through Sunday, December 18, can enjoy prime views of this year's Newport Beach Boat Parade. Make a reservation for a window table at A+O Restaurant and Bar out on the patio or watch the creatively decorated boats pass by your guestroom balcony. The parade begins at 6:30 p.m. circling Newport Harbor.
Dine overlooking many of Newport Beach's Top 10 luxury yachts on the outdoor dining terrace at one of the fire pits or heaters to keep guests warm when the sun goes down. Across the way, the homes on Lido Island are festively decorated for the holidays.
A+O menu items include crispy crab cakes, grilled fresh fish, a variety of seasonal fresh salads, and a black bean vegan burger served with some of the most delicious crispy fries and housemade ketchup.
Guestrooms are decorated in varying shades of blue to match the theme of the marina outside. The pillow-top mattress is dressed with luxury Frette linens. A complimentary bottle of wine awaits to be opened and enjoyed out on the private balcony, with some overlooking the waterfront.
Luxury suites range from 1,100 to 3,000 square feet with a private king bed, comfortable living room, walk-in shower and separate half bath. The Presidential Suite offers a dining room for twelve people and three private balconies looking out on the marina.
Come back on Christmas Eve or Christmas Day for a festive holiday brunch overlooking the water. There will be live music and strolling carolers entertaining guests. Dine on a spectacular display of seasonal seafood dishes that include lobster, clams Rockefeller, seafood cioppino, cranberry Chilean seabass. Enjoy pistachio-crusted rack of lamb, prime rib and glazed pork tenderloin, plus array of egg dishes, salads, sweet treats and a hot chocolate station.
Dress to impress and come back for a festive four-course New Years Eve dinner and dancing at Lighthouse. Each exquisite course is paired with a featured wine and finishes with a Chambord Raspberry Almond Delight dessert.
Say goodbye to 2022 and welcome 2023 at a lively 70s-style Studio 54-inspired dance party featuring 'The Funky Hippeez' band. Each guest will receive party favors, a flute of sparkling wine at midnight and late night snacks.
Tis the season at Balboa Bay Resort offering an array of holiday events throughout December that are open to the public and club members.
