Tower 23 Hotel
Made for modern beach-goers in search of sleek, contemporary design, Tower 23 manages to combine the laid-back lifestyle of its Pacific Beach locale with high-end service and überchic accommodations. The rooms here are sizable and fresh with crisp white linens and dark wood accents; meanwhile, the bathtubs boast a supercool water spout that flows down from the ceiling into the tub. The beds are so comfortable it’s tough to get up in the morning (don’t say we didn’t warn you), and the complimentary cocktail upon check-in sets the mood from the start.
Sexy Waters: Perfect for a couple’s retreat, Tower 23 is not a noisy kid-filled beach resort, but an adult-friendly boutique hotel directly on the water. To enhance the romance, open the sliding doors of your suite and listen to waves all night long, or dine at JRDN, the only formal beachside restaurant for miles. —H.M.
858.270.2323, www.tower23hotel.com.
L’Auberge Del Mar
Del Mar may have made its mark on the map for horse racing, but non-equine enthusiasts have something of their own to appreciate here: the elegantly sea-inspired L’Auberge Del Mar. Thanks to a renovation in 2008, L’Auberge manages to feel like both an English country house and a laid-back beach resort. The open-air lobby, garden-level rooms, flowering walking paths and California-cool color scheme all soften the echoes of Tudor architecture. And the spa, which gets everything right, coupled with the resort’s acclaimed dining options, means L’Auberge has redefined the Del Mar experience.
Suite Life: Grab your significant other and book the couple’s suite at Spa L’Auberge where an idyllic patio—replete with an egg-shape nest for two, organic products and an alfresco bath—make a strong case for outdoor spa-ing. —E.E.
800.245.9757, www.laubergedelmar.com.
Rancho Bernardo Inn
If you want to experience that sun-drenched, lushly landscaped joie de vivre of the Golden State, the Spanish-style Rancho Bernardo Inn is the place to do it. Its 287 guestrooms all enjoy custom furnishings and balconies, many of which overlook the 18-hole championship golf course that’s hosted both PGA and LPGA events. The fountains, foliage and 265 acres give the place an air of seclusion, yet a day trip to the vineyards of Temecula, picturesque Del Mar or San Diego’s beaches are all within an easy distance.
So Fresh: Savor the happy union between culinary arts and relaxation with The Spa at Rancho Bernardo Inn’s Made Fresh Daily treatments, which incorporate products made on-site from seasonal and locally sourced ingredients. —E.E.
877.517.9340, www.ranchobernardoinn.com.
