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 Four resorts in San Diego County come close to golf nirvana with their proximity to top-notch courses, spa and fitness facilities, awesome surroundings, great service and an eclectic range of casual and fine dining choices. Yes, the golf is incredible, so be sure to bring your clubs. But with so many options for relaxing, indulging and feeling pampered, you may not feel like taking them out of the bag. Hey, we’re right there with you. RANCHO VALENCIA The vibe: Old-school ranchero crossed with bungalow hideaway. Tucked among exclusive estates and equestrian farms and set against the rolling hills of Rancho Santa Fe, this 49-room property is a retreat from whatever stress is ailing you, including a high handicap. If you must exert yourself, go in for some tennis on one of 18 hard courts or take in the area’s coastal beauty during a leisurely hike. Opt to be a true layabout this summer when the resort opens The Spa at Rancho Valencia, a 10,000-square-foot facility that will offer custom spa treatments, therapeutic and massage pools, couples rooms, and a Vichy and private steam room where hydrotherapies can be enjoyed. The view: Kick back in a one- or two-room luxury suite or a two-bedroom casita that features patio spas, steam showers and Jacuzzi bathtubs. Each guest room reflects a California hacienda style with exposed white-washed beams against cathedral ceilings and stucco walls, and each is designed with custom furnishings, hand-painted tiles and lush patio gardens. The accommodations are impeccable as is the service by the attentive staff. Golf in the vicinity: Guests have playing privileges at two neighboring private clubs — Del Mar Country Club and Rancho Santa Fe Farms. Within a few minutes’ drive are Del Mar National, Four Seasons Resort Aviara, Maderas Golf Club and Torrey Pines. Very nice: Feel like the queen at Wimbledon while holding court on the clubhouse terrace, where it’s easy to catch the tennis action below, or take in the hillside landscape views of the coastal valley. When in doubt, rest, relax and rejuvenate. Information: Call (800) 548-3664, (858) 756-1123 or visit www.ranchovalencia.com. L’AUBERGE DEL MAR The vibe: The elegance of a European hotel meets California cottage-by-the-sea. L’Auberge makes for the ultimate romantic getaway, and the historic property attracted Hollywood’s elite of the 1940s through the 1960s as the former Hotel Del Mar and Stratford Inn. The rich and famous still flock to the boutique resort of 120 guest rooms in the storybook downtown of Del Mar. What better way for the rest of us to at least feel like a million bucks (or for couples to get back that loving feeling) than by pursuing serious relaxation in a room decorated with Continental flair and indulging in spa pampering or a therapeutic massage before experiencing the culinary talent of chef Paul McCabe at J. Taylor’s restaurant? The view: Most private patios and balconies feature ocean views, and the beach is just a few hundred yards away. But why walk that far when you can catch the ocean breezes while sunbathing poolside or wiling away the time in one of the many lush gardens? Golf in the vicinity: Del Mar National, Four Seasons Aviara, Maderas Golf Club and Torrey Pines. Very nice: A nightcap in front of the fire at the resort’s cozy Durante Pub & Bistro. Information: Call (858) 259-1515 or visit www.laubergedelmar.com. FOUR SEASONS RESORT AVIARA The vibe: Lap of luxury meets blissful sanctuary. Wind down in stylish surroundings while getting a treatment in the updated spa — featuring the Solarium Lounge — or drinking tea in the elegant Lobby Lounge. Families will find a special welcome in the resort’s Kids for All Seasons area, which features a game room and family swimming pool. The view: Private balconies overlook Bati-quitos Lagoon, a nature sanctuary for coastal birds. The sight of graceful egrets, majestic blue herons and sprightly terns and meadowlarks are reminders that you’re in paradise. Glimpses of the ocean just past the lagoon guarantee that your stay will be picture perfect, particularly at sunset. Golf in the vicinity: Four Seasons Resort Aviara consistently ranks among the top courses in the Southland. Very nice: Vivace, the resort’s signature restaurant, delights the senses with its velvet-covered banquets and Venetian plaster walls, as well as the palate. Chef Bruce Logue of New York, a protégé of celebrity chef Mario Batali, reinterprets regional Italian cuisine with offerings such as Bisteca Tagliata for two, a 40-ounce, bone-in sirloin that’s been wood-fired and treated with garlic-infused olive oil and sea salt. Information: Call (760) 603-6800 or visit www.fourseasons.com. ESTANCIA LA JOLLA The vibe: Just a little over a year old, Estancia seems like a well-kept secret thanks to its timeless sense of place. That’s achieved in part by its Spanish Mission-designed buildings positioned hacienda-style around grass or stone-tile courtyards and old-brick patio. A greater part of its charm lies in the warm and attentive service paid by staff who strive to provide every comfort to guests — be they spa-goers, business travelers or corporate clients of the resort’s Learning Retreat conference center. The view: Many of the 210 guest rooms and suites have balconies and patios overlooking the garden courtyard and fountains. Rooms on the north side overlook the spa and pool, where you can reserve a private cabana to create a personal oasis. Golf in the vicinity: Torrey Pines is right around the corner. Very nice: The Mustangs & Burros bar has the ambience of an old ranch house, where drinks and relaxed camaraderie are enjoyed in front of a roaring fire — either inside the abode-style building or on the expansive patio courtyard. The spa and fitness center is a state-of-the-art facility where you can’t help but feel rejuvenated after spending time in a serene garden environment. Information: Call (858) 550-1000 or visit www.estanciajolla.com. |
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