I live about halfway between the two (Corona del Mar) and both are nice properties. There is definitely more to do in the immediate area of the Newport Beach Marriott Hotel and Spa (which as said, is across from Fashion Island Mall) but the immediate surroundings are not very "vacation-like". The Newport Coast villas are quieter, more secluded, and surrounded by multimillion dollar housing developments (there is little else in Newport Coast) and would in my opinion be better suited for a vacation base.