Blue skies, surf city vibe, Cali-cool attitude, waterfront hikes, and bonfires on the beach…… Welcome to California’s beach city- a true luxury vacation destination. San Diego, California, with over 70 miles of stunning coastline, almost 364 days of perfect weather, five-star travel amenities, a thriving urban center with food, art, family attractions and music. This Luxury Travel Consultant is off to explore San Diego, Palm Springs, and beyond.
Whether a 2-hour drive from L.A. or a 5-hour drive from Phoenix and Las Vegas, getting here is road trip worthy. Additionally, flights into San Diego International Airport are frequent from all major cities. With gorgeous beaches, world-class attractions like, the San Diego Zoo and Safari Park, SeaWorld and LEGOLAND, multitudes of playgrounds and parks, it’s no wonder San Diego is consistently ranked as, “One of the top family destinations in America”.
The Pendry
Heading downtown to the heart of the historic Gaslamp Quarter, Pendry San Diego, is located amid bars and eateries, beaches, shopping, and more. The hotel is comprised of 317 rooms and suites – each offering modern luxury in a California chic setting. Nowhere better to experience that indoor-outdoor California lifestyle, than to stay in a Cabana Pool Suite, with a large living area that opens up with direct access to the pool and rooftop pool bar. The Pendry is known around town for its collection of six unique restaurants and bars, and is a lively urban entertainment hub for locals and visitors alike. Guests can experience modern coastal cuisine at Lionfish; gourmet coffee at Provisional; light bites and poolside drinks at The Pool House; inspired craft cocktails at Fifth & Rose; over 24 local craft beers on tap at Nason’s Beer Hall; and dance the night away at Oxford Social Club. It’s all here and served up with SoCal warmth and friendliness.
The US Grant
Also, in the historic Gaslamp Quarter, we find The US Grant, A Luxury Collection Hotel . Dating back to 1910, it has welcomed guests for over 100 years. This grand and glamourous lady incorporates timeless décor and lasting spirit. The 227 rooms and 43 suites, are historic and still encased in the original crown molding. Of course, the US Grant is totally updated with all the modern amenities and sophistication, one would expect. The location is ideal for excursions to the San Diego Zoo, Petco Park and Balboa Park, all situated nearby. Explore the Gaslamp with a plethora of unique shops like Goorin Bros. Bold Hatmakers, for a custom chapeau, or pick up a few Hoyo de Monterrey Epicure №2’s at Cuban Cigar Factory. Après shopping, stop by Rendezvous Bar, the French-inspired cocktail bar, featuring handcrafted cocktails, curated French wines and cask ales, before heading to your suite for a relaxing evening in your custom soaking tub.
Fairmont Grand Del Mar Golf Resort
Splendidly placed on 400-acres of coastal canyon, is Fairmont Grand Del Mar Golf Resort and Spa. You will be captivated by this Forbes Five-Star and AAA Five Diamond resort featuring the private Tom Fazio designed golf course, a five-star spa, four pools, tennis courts, yoga and fitness classes, Explorer's Club for kids and family pool area, nightlife and fine dining, to include Addison, Southern California's only Five-Star and Five Diamond restaurant. The resort has 249 beautifully appointed rooms and suites, plus two, four-bedroom private villas, all designed with warm Mediterranean charm. The Grand has a curated hike along the La Jolla cliffs with a naturalist, to point out wild flora and fauna, as you stroll the awe-inspiring cliffs above the Pacific. Within close proximity to the property, is an adventure excursion into Los Peñasquitos Canyon Preserve, one of the largest parks in the US, with 37 miles of hiking, biking and horseback riding trails. On property, we highly recommend spending some time in The Center for Wellbeing, one of only 60 Forbes Five-Star spas in the world, featuring a comprehensive menu of treatments, such as cleansing facials, therapeutic massages, scrubs, and wraps, all utilizing their own organic line of products. We were intrigued by the Water Cure signature service, where you discover the spa’s best kept secret, sanitas per aqua (Latin for “health through water”), with an experiential teaching curated by an ASTECC master therapist. Learn one of the oldest, richest and simplest ritual practices, combining the healing power of water, contrasting temperatures and repetition, to unleash profound rejuvenation potential. As relaxing as it is therapeutic, this experience naturally restores balance to the nervous system and promotes cellular exchange.
The Lodge at Torrey Pines
You don’t have to be a golf lover to be entranced by the craftsman charm of, The Lodge at Torrey Pines. Overlooking the world-renowned Torrey Pines Golf Course with views of the Pacific Ocean, the AAA Five Diamond resort will WOW the most experienced traveler with everything available there. The resort features 169 spacious guest rooms and suites with custom designed furniture and fabrics to truly emote California dreaming. The shining star is the proximity to Torrey Pines Golf Course, a 36-hole facility, originally designed by William F. Bell. The Lodge also offers exclusive golf packages like “Play Where the Pros Play”, that includes a three-night stay with a complimentary round at the legendary course. Did you know that Torrey Pines will host the 2021 U.S. Open? With world-class dining and an on-property spa, the Lodge is sure to exceed all your expectations.
Before we leave San Diego, let’s head to La Jolla Shores, a mile-long sandy beach with small, slow waves that make it an ideal place for younger kids to play in the shallow water and older kids to learn surfing, body boarding, and other fun water activities. A wide cement boardwalk separates the beach from a large grassy park, ideal for picnicking and volleyball games. If traveling with teens, our favorite hangout beaches are Pacific Beach and Mission Beach, which are connected by a three-mile boardwalk. Adjacent to Mission Beach is Belmont Park, featuring the vintage "Giant Dipper" roller coaster, an amusement arcade and the Wave House, home to San Diego's only FlowRide, a simulated surfing platform with a non-stop wave. The bluffs above the beach are part of the Torrey Pines State Reserve Park that is dedicated to preserving its namesake, the Torrey Pine tree (which grows only here). Eight miles of trails offer breathtaking views of the Pacific Ocean, both family-friendly paths and more advanced trails, the park provides a great hiking experience for all levels.
La Quinta Resort and Club
About 2 hours from San Diego, we arrive to iconic Palm Springs, a desert oasis for health and fitness, and the gorgeous, La Quinta Resort and Club, a Waldorf Astoria Resort. Scenically located at the base of the Santa Rosa Mountains, just 130 miles east of Los Angeles or 30 minutes from The Palm Springs International Airport. Set on 45 acres of land, the resort features 620 hacienda-style casitas and suites, and 98 private villas with 1 to 3 bedrooms (this remarkable resort has been a haven to Hollywood stars since 1926). All the accommodations are designed with the upmost luxe and comfort in mind. Plus, who wouldn’t love Salvatore Ferragamo bath amenities! All the rooms, suites and villas, are nestled around one of the 41 pools (YES, you read that right). Together with PGA WEST, the resort offers five unique golf courses designed by legends Nicklaus, Dye and Norman. But here, homage is also paid to the tennis player, as La Quinta Resort & Club, is home to one of the top five rated tennis facilities in the country. Guests of all skill levels can enjoy instruction and play on 23 tennis courts on clay and hard-court surfaces. And here’s one I bet you didn’t know, La Quinta is also the proud home to 8 pickleball courts. Being the fastest growing sport in the US, the resort has staff certified ITPTA professionals to teach and coach. It’s time to take lessons! La Quinta has a variety of dining options, get dressed up and enjoy some fine dining at Morgan’s in the Desert, with New American cuisine, inspired by two-time James Beard Award winning chef, Jimmy Schmidt. Our family loves The Marketplace, where we can grab specialty coffees, breakfast sandwiches and pastries, light fare and wood fired pizza, along with a wide selection of cold beverages, beer, wine and spirits. Whether we take out for a picnic or relax on the terrace amidst the stunning splendor of the Santa Rosa Mountains, the Marketplace is a great way to go. For the grown-ups, check out the Après Swim program at PLUNGE, La Quinta Resort’s adults-only pool and pool bar. This très magnifique program is in partnership with premiere champagne house, Veuve Clicquot, so gather poolside as you toast the sunset with a glass of France’s finest bubbly…. We say, ‘Oui mais bien sur’!
WIT has very close relationships with these properties, so we can extend exclusive perks and special amenities to our clients. Typically, you will receive complimentary breakfast for two daily, $100 or more resort credit to be utilized during your stay, room upgrade, either at the time of booking or arrival, and early checkin-in/late checkout, both subject to availability.
At Well Inspired Travels, we love being luxury travel consultants and creating the ultimate experiences for you. So, pack your digital bags and follow us as we uncover exceptional luxury and wellness focused vacations. Check-in regularly for our top five-star travel ideas and tips, and as always, we continue to stay strong WIT you!
Comments