La Costa Resort and Spa
Situated on 400 acres of gardened property, there is plenty of space for families to romp around at La Costa, making it a popular destination for summer getaways. Vacationers can head to the golf course, the Splash Landing water park pool, the 17 tennis courts or the three restaurants. Youngsters will be well taken care of at Kidtopia Kids Club or Vibz Game Lounge, while moms and dads will love the family-friendly accommodations, including the two-bedroom family suites with kitchens. San Diego’s nearby attractions, like LegoLand and the San Diego Zoo, are also part of the family-vacation appeal of La Costa’s Carlsbad location.
The Great Escape: While the kids are having a blast at the various summer camps and programs, you can relax at the stunning Spa at La Costa, one of Southern California’s most-lauded spa environments. It’s a don’t-miss part of the resort experience. —H.M.
800.854.5000, www.lacosta.com.
La Valencia Hotel
Dubbed “The Pink Lady of La Jolla,” San Diego’s historic La Valencia Hotel is just as glamorous today as when it made its debut in 1926. Located on La Jolla’s bustling Prospect Street, this Mediterranean Villa-inspired hotel is just steps away from world-class galleries, shopping and dining, but still manages to maintain its intimate, Old World charm.
Sky High: While it’s true that La Jolla offers an array of fine-dining options, one favorite you won’t want to miss is The Sky Room, conveniently located on the 10th floor of La Valencia. With sweeping ocean views, 12 intimate tables and mouth-watering French cuisine, The Sky Room serves up an impeccable dining experience not soon forgotten. —A.S.
858.454.0771, www.lavalencia.com.
Riviera Resort and Spa
In its heyday, the Riviera Resort and Spa was the exclusive desert hideaway to Hollywood greats like Frank Sinatra, Sammy Davis, Jr., and Elvis Presley. After undergoing a $70 million modernization in 2006, the Palm Springs retreat unrolled its red carpet in 2008 to unveil its new 1960’s-inspired mod-glam mystique. The 24-acre property encompasses 406 rooms and suites; green gardens and intimate courtyards anchored by fire pits; two swimming pools; an 11,000-sq.-ft. spa; and several dining destinations.
Sweet Retreat: The contemporary-style steakhouse, Circa 59, fixes many memorable dishes like the short ribs with house-made ricotta, wild mushrooms and truffle mousse. But it’s Executive Chef Bradley Manchester’s grandmother’s famous sticky toffee pudding that will leave you speechless. —C.W.
866.588.8311, www.psriviera.com.
The Grand Del Mar
Minutes from San Diego’s coastline, The Grand Del Mar sits atop 420 acres overlooking The Grand Golf Club and the picturesque Los Peñasquitos Canyon Preserve. The resort’s Mediterranean influences are seen throughout its 249 elegantly appointed guestrooms and eight Villa offerings. With 80 one-tenth fractional ownership opportunities (and access to all resort amenities), the villas echo the resort’s European-style warm hues and perfectly placed marble and stone accents.
The Dish: William Bradley, the highly touted chef of The Grand Del Mar’s Addison restaurant (and former executive chef of Scottsdale’s now-defunct Mary Elaine’s and Vu), is at the helm of the only Southern California restaurant to have garnered both the AAA Five-Diamond Award and the Mobile Five-Star Award. —C.W.
858.314.2000, www.thegranddelmar.com.
