Surrounded by the San Gabriel Mountains, the stately five-star Langham Huntington, Pasadena (1401 South Oak Knoll Avenue, Pasadena CA 91106) combines traditional charm with contemporary luxury. We recently visited the 110-year-old resort to enjoy lunch by the pool at the Terrace Restaurant.

The Langham is just 10 miles east of downtown Los Angeles. It’s also within an hour drive to the Los Angeles International Airport (LAX), Burbank Airport (BUR), Disneyland and the beaches of Santa Monica. Pasadena is also the home of the famed Rose Bowl, Norton Simon Museum and the Huntington Library. The sand-colored, Spanish-mission-styled hotel was built in 1907 and named the Wentworth, but closed in bankruptcy the following year. It was then purchased by millionaire Henry E. Huntington and reopened in 1914.

In the early years, the Langham was open only from December to March, serving as a sunny California winter retreat for wealthy patrons from colder climates. Since 1926, the Langham has been a year-round resort and now one of the finest hotels in Los Angeles.

Before lunch, we strolled along some of the 23 acres of beautiful blossoming trees, lawns, flowers, pathways and duck ponds. It was the perfect way to work up an appetite while enjoying the natural surroundings.

The Terrace is next to the hotel's Olympic-sized pool and spa. It specializes in fresh California-grown foods, creatively prepared by prize-winning chefs. The lunch was served in colorfully-arranged platters, decorated with assorted lettuces and other vegetables. Prices were from $30 to $40.

There was also a basket of fresh hotel-baked bread varieties and large, spicy crackers. Among items we enjoyed were a shrimp cocktail, Asian chicken salad with dried beet chips, roast beef with pomme frites, crab roll with French onion soup and pan-roasted salmon fillet with asparagus spears. It was all accompanied by many choices of native California wines and a delicious experience in a beautiful setting.