Issue link: https://digital.copcomm.com/i/926592
B M & T ••• Novemeber/December 2017 ••• www.blackmeetingsandtourism.com 11 If you are looking for a great meet- ing space in a pristine coastal set- ting, then check out beautiful and serene Newport Beach, CA. Nestled among golden stretches of Pacific coastline between Los Angeles and San Diego, this seaside desti- nation is celebrated for its natural beauty and vibrant yachting community, stylish accommoda- tions, coastal cuisine, and upscale shopping. I recently packed my bags and discovered the charm and elegance of this city of 85,000 that combines business, leisure and style in 10 dis- tinct neighborhoods. While formerly known pri- marily as the getaway for Hollywood's rich and famous, today's Newport Beach caters to a vari- ety of groups and tourists. Up until the 1500s, Newport Beach was inhabited by the Native American Tongva and Juaneno/Luiseno people who made the area home for thousands of years. Europeans explored the area in the 1500s, and after the Civil War, the land was developed by American set- tlers. The most influential of these was Irishman James Irvine, for ranching, and Scotsman James McFadden for shipping. Later, Newport Beach developed into a tourist and recreational boating community. In the late 20th century, celebrities who resided and/or kept boats there included John Wayne, James Cagney, Shirley Temple, Humphrey Bogart and Roy Rogers and Dale Evans. In recent years, celebrities residing in the area have included Kobe Bryant and Nicolas Cage. My three-day visit began with my arrival at John Wayne International Airport, named for "The Duke", and one of the easiest airports I've ever traversed. In less than 10 minutes, I was checking into the Balbo Bay Resort, the only AAA, Four-Diamond, waterfront resort in Newport Beach. With stunning views, this Mediterranean-style hotel uses the colors of the sea, sand and sky, along with natural material and modern furnish- ings to reflect the area's casual luxury. With 159 guest rooms, including 10 suites, and six water- front meeting spaces, Balboa Bay Resort offers meeting planners several unique options. Its 7,000-sq. ft. ballroom features 18-ft. ceilings with a maximum occupancy of 1,000, and the total meeting space of 20,000 sq. ft. can accommo- date a variety of events. On my first night, I checked out the resort's waterfront restaurant, Waterline, specializing in fresh seafood, and enjoyed a scrumptious veg- etarian meal. My dish, prepared by chef Horacio Valdovinos, included grilled tofu with avocado, jicama, and marcona almonds; rata- touille stuffed squash blossoms with wheat berries and pepper puree; and milk chocolate mousse for dessert. For breakfast, the resort's Blend café offers fresh brewed cappuccino, breakfast burritos, smoothies, and a variety, of Balboa Bay Resort Governors Boardroom BY EDITH BILLUPS NEWPORT BEACH, CA OFFERS GREET MEETING SPACES AND ACCOMMODATIONS N E W P O R T B E A C H