A striking décor and a devotion to California-inspired wellness make this one of the most exciting resorts to hit the country in a long time.

Second only to the splendid Italianate lobby is the three-tiered pool with Roman tubs, islets, and cascading water that is, to put it simply, stunning.

There was no skimping on design resources here, and the luminescent Caribbean-styled guestrooms are another case in point. Standard rooms are beautifully decorated and have sizeable terraces with pool views, but if you can swing the added cost, the luxury three- and four- bedroom villas with breakfast butlers and personal pools absolutely glow.

Minds, bodies, and spirits are coaxed back into chi with Master Bujutsu trainers and kept in balance at the restaurant Malibu – one of five dining emporiums, as the resort calls them – with its towering 30-foot ceilings and designer lighting splashing down on healthy entrees. The submerged Agua Lounge takes you 20,000 leagues under the sea while creatures of the deep swim around in a thousand-gallon salt water aquarium.

Room Facilities: AC. Cable TV. Minibar. Internet access.

Hotel Facilities: 5 Restaurants. 8 bars (two swim-up style). Night club. 7 swimming pools. Spa. Shop. Floodlit tennis courts. Bocce ball court. Billiards. Table Tennis. Windsurfing. Kayaking. Floats. Snorkeling. Horseback riding. Introductory scuba diving lessons. Motorized water sports. Club house and mini disco activity for children. Child care & nanny services. Business Centre. Conference and banquet facilities. Dry cleaning.