The welcome pavilion

Location:

Front of the estate

To manage the gentle arrival of 135 guests, Hearst Castle's front courtyard and adjoining citrus grove are transformed into a fluid, elegant welcome pavilion—open yet intimate, structured yet soft. Guests are greeted with immediate comfort, refreshments, and seamless organization, ensuring they feel held from their first moments on-site.

PURPOSE

To provide an easy and relaxing entry into the week’s stay:

Arrival staff to help check guests in.
Personal concierge appointments
Individual tours of the estate grounds and guides to personal bungalows.

Features

Arrival Flow Coordination
Guests are greeted directly from private charter arrivals. Luxury shuttles, tracked in real time, deliver guests straight to the shaded courtyard where hosts are ready to receive them—no lines, no waiting.

Personalized Check-In Pods
Minimalist stone podiums replace front desks. Each guest is welcomed by name and guided through a personalized welcome with hand-written keycards and curated packets.

Wedding Party & Family Lounge
A partitioned, open-air lounge under the citrus trees offers quiet, elevated hospitality for core guests—complete with expedited service and personalized briefings.

Design Intent
The layout favors natural light and flow. Neutral-toned furnishings, soft linens, sheer drapery, and embroidered ZxJ crests echo the coastal air and soften the grandeur of the castle walls.

Amenities

Refreshment Station
Curved stone bar serving:
• Lavender lemonade
• Cold-pressed juices
• Still + sparkling waters
• Champagne on rotation
• Small bites including minted watermelon, cucumber sandwiches, local stone fruit, and almonds

Custom Wellness Corner
• Aromatherapy towels
• Rosewater facial misting
• Shoulder massage service (3–5 min)
• Staffed by estate wellness therapists

Concierge Services
• On-site coordinators available for:
– Luggage requests
– Tailoring needs
– Dietary & villa adjustments
• Liaison between arrival and accommodation

Private Lounge
• Exclusive private suites for relaxing while your guest bungalow is being prepared.
• Soft instrumental jazz, ambient florals (lavender, rosemary, jasmine), and personalized touches throughout.