We were standing on the Fairmont Newport Beach hotel rooftop, several stories above ground admiring the extensive views of Newport Beach, on a sunny gorgeous day.

It’s a serene scene; with the fresh salty ocean breeze sweeping by and there’s virtually no noise around … except for the sounds of thousands of energetic bees buzzing in front of us.

The local honeybees that call Fairmont home are working around the clock, cultivating the freshest and delicious honey you’ve ever tasted.

Fairmont uses the honey-bounty to create an abundance of ambrosial goodies exclusive for Fairmont Newport Beach guests and patrons.

Invited by new Executive Chef Brian Doherty, we had the exceptional opportunity to tour the rooftop, kitchen and even snack on some samples!

The story starts in 2011, when hotel officials found a hive of honeybees swarming a tall hedge on property. And what could have started as a pest problem for others, Fairmont saw an opportunity to implement their company’s eco-centric core values.

They called upon Orange County bee saving and relocation service, Backyard Bees, which came to the rescue. The bees were safely recovered and given a new home on the highest point of the hotel’s rooftop, far away from any guest interaction.

Now happy and healthy, the colony provides several hundred pounds of fresh honey per year exclusively for the Fairmont Newport Beach guest.

Crowd-pleasing commodities include luxurious Fairmont Beeswax Skincare Honey Cream, which feels so silky-smooth on your skin! There’s also Bee Balm and Lip Dew for your lips, and my lips have never felt so moisturized!

And out of bambú restaurant, Executive Chef Doherty uses several honey infused items for the menu; from addicting granola, which offers the perfect salt to sweet ratio, to rich truffle pop desserts – which was so rich and delicious!

Did we mention the refreshing Fairmont Newport Beach honey beer? I imagine myself poolside at the Fairmont Newport Beach cabanas quenching my thirst on a hot day!

What honey infused items would you want Fairmont Newport Beach to create?

Don’t forget to check out the harbor during your stay at the Fairmont Newport Beach, a Great North American Bucket List activity!