Travel Guide

Discover San Diego’s Lavish Mediterranean Hideaway With An Adults-Only Pool & Michelin Star Cuisine

Posted on September 24, 2024 by Mohamed Jessie

24
Sep

Final Up to date 42 seconds in the past

San Diego is thought for having that quintessential SoCal vibe we have all seen within the motion pictures.

Whereas ‘America’s Best Metropolis’ is simply that – a superb metropolis – there are ample scenic seashore cities dotting the seemingly infinite shoreline crammed together with your typical dude-bro surfers and skate boarders.

However do not fret! You may simply escape the ‘bruh’ this and ‘bruh’ that and hand alerts with their pinky and thumb prolonged.

There are extra methods to cling unfastened than catching waves and grinding handrails.

Most vacationers set their sights for San Diego’s prime beachside actual property, however those that do are literally doing themselves a disservice by lacking out on a slice of Mediterranean paradise away from the all-but-guaranteed packed seashores. (Though, crowds are likely to dwindle down in fall)

Adults-only pool at Fairmont Grand Del Mar

Maybe you’ve got heard of Del Mar, a ritzy little seashore city roughly 20 minutes from San Diego correct the place celeb sightings are frequent and the typical home costs $2.725 million – sure, that is not a typo.

The typical traveler’s seashore house goals might come to a screeching halt right here, however splurging on a well-deserved trip ought to by no means be out of the query.

Nestled inland amongst rolling hills and huge canyons lies the Fairmont Grand Del Mar, a lavish 5-star lodge oozing Mediterranean vibes, the place adults can blissfully recharge by day, and take pleasure in Southern California’s solely 3-star Michelin restaurant by night time.

As a current visitor, I am unable to advocate staying right here sufficient. And when you should go to the seashore, Del Mar’s pristine seashores are lower than quarter-hour away.

No Passport Wanted: Let The Mediterranean Come To You

Upon arriving, you are glued to Fairmont Grand’s pure magnificence as if each throw pillow, each cocktail glass, and each glistening chandelier are meticulously positioned to exude class and luxurious at each flip.

Fairmont Grand describes themselves on their web site as a ‘Mediterranean property’, which is definitely an understatement feeling extra harking back to San Diego’s model of the Alhambra.

I walked the whole grounds a number of instances, and whereas not categorized as a “resort” per se, many facets really feel like one.

House to a number of swimming pools, a globally famend golf course, and world-class 5-star spa honored by Forbes, that is the final word place to unwind all with out even feeling such as you’re in San Diego; no less than the way it’s typically portrayed.

I booked a King Room overlooking the adults-only pool (extra to return on that!) and was delighted to see how spacious it was. Even 5-star accommodations can skimp on respiration room every so often, however not right here!

The lavatory alone felt greater than my entire condo and the gold-accented European-style soaking tub was the icing on the cake.

To not point out, the mattress was really heavenly, the complimentary espresso higher than Starbucks, and the secluded balcony was surprisingly peaceable for a poolside room.

I could not have requested for a greater strategy to the cap the day than having fun with the cool night breeze on the patio whereas catching up on studying and writing articles for you on their speedy wifi (you are welcome!).

A Household-Pleasant Lodge With A Non-public Haven For Adults

Bear in mind in Dumb and Dumber when Lloyd tried to make the ‘most annoying sound on this planet’?

Effectively, for a few of us, it is no matter Jim Carrey’s dissonant vocal cords blurted out, and for others, like me, it is the sound of screaming kids…or my ex’s bizarre TikToks, however that is a special story…

Youngsters could be quite a lot of enjoyable and deserve a trip like anybody else, however adults-only swimming pools are a complete different stage of peace, amirite?

Fairmont Grand Del Mar boasts 4 heated swimming pools, however the 1 adults-only pool is freed from children operating rampant and depressing dad and mom realizing they want one other trip whereas on trip.

Plus, the service was high notch from organising my soft lounge chair, providing complimentary sunscreen, to serving an ice chilly Mexican cerveza poolside.

Accompanied by an equally blissful secluded scorching tub, the adults-only pool lived as much as the identify. I have been to different accommodations the place workers flip a blind eye to clearly obnoxious youngsters invading my quiet zone, however this was really an adults-only haven.

Though, most spectacular was how spotlessly clear the whole lodge was – a rarity for a kid-friendly and pet-friendly keep.

If the grown-ups want a secure area for the kiddos, try the Explorer’s Club.

Whether or not You Relaxation Your Head Right here Or Not, You Should Eat Right here!

San Diego is likely one of the greatest foodie locations in America, however eating at Fairmount Grand ranges up your tastebuds.

House to Addison, Southern California’s solely 3-star Michelin restaurant, together with Amaya, a superb restaurant the place Paris meets SoCal, you may’t go incorrect.

Though, Addison’s twilight views are arguably as grand as their menus. Diner be warned, although, Addison is so sought-after you have to ebook a reservation nicely prematurely, which could be finished here on OpenTable.

The closest open availability I may discover is over a month away for a late 9pm dinner, for instance.

Amaya, nonetheless, is under no circumstances a nasty various, the place I had an unimaginable dinner to recollect from savory appetizers just like the Burgandy Escargot Vol Au Vent to domestically sourced wine for dessert – yeah, you learn that proper.

The star of the present was the ‘Chef’s Particular’, not even listed on the already spectacular menu. So spectacular the truth is, the waiter needed to make 4 journeys earlier than we determined what we needed to order.

The imported Dover Sole was divine and cooked to perfection, so particular because of our pleasant, educated server, Ignacio, for the advice!

My girlfriend and I could not cease raving about how superb our meal was as we strolled by way of the gorgeous grounds with a post-meal glass of wine in hand.

Their wine choice was in depth and so nicely included with their impeccable delicacies that we opted for an additional spherical over dessert since Amaya permits friends to take wine to-go.

See? ‘Adulting’ actually is one other stage right here!

Tip: if ordering the Steak Tartare, ask for the ‘parmesan espuma’ on the aspect for the proper chunk paired with fairly probably the perfect bread I’ve ever had!

Horsing Round: Fairmont‘s Enjoyable Actions

Fairmont Grand is a well-liked golf getaway, however there’s way more to do than hit the hyperlinks. Nonetheless, when you’re not avid golfer and wish to study, clinics are offered for less than $50 on Friday and Saturday.

After pigging out at Amaya, a Monday morning yoga sesh was out of the query for me, so I opted for a pool day.

On Tuesday, although, I made a go to the lodge’s very personal Equestrian Heart, which if you already know something about Del Mar, must be no shock.

Del Mar is the ‘Kentucky Derby’ of San Diego, house to the extremely popular Del Mar Racetrack.

Fairmont Grand presents Equestrian Path Rides, Pony Rides, together with the prospect to ‘Feed the Horses‘ on Tuesdays; a few of that are retired racehorses. Evidently, they’re completely beautiful animals!

Behind the Equestrian Heart is a trailhead of mountain climbing trails alongside the golf course, winding by way of open canyons for some terrific views of the encompassing surroundings – the proper strategy to begin your day with a complimentary cup of espresso out of your room, and better of all, mountain climbing is free!

For a full calendar of occasions, try Fairmont Grand’s Event Calendar.

_{**Journey Off Path was a visitor of Fairmont Grand Del Mar, who helped with the creation of this itinerary by internet hosting a few of our lodging and points of interest. Our opinions, suggestions, and options stay our personal.**}

Sam Sears

Sam, our Lead Author & Journalist based mostly in San Diego has visited 30 nations and written over 400 articles with a deal with sharing his personal journey experiences and shining a lightweight on lesser-known gems.
↓ Elevate Your Journey↓

Sign Up Now For Travel Off Path Premium! No adverts, VIP Content material, Private Journey Concierge, Large Financial savings, Every day Offers, Members Discussion board & Extra!

✈️Join Our Travel Off Path Community Forum: The place vacationers unite, ask questions, share experiences and even discover like-minded journey buddies!

SUBSCRIBE TO OUR LATEST POSTS

Enter your e-mail handle to subscribe to Journey Off Path’s newest breaking journey information, straight to your inbox.

This text initially appeared on TravelOffPath.com

Opinions expressed listed here are the creator’s alone, not these of any financial institution, bank card issuer, lodge, airline, or different entity. This content material has not been reviewed, accredited or in any other case endorsed by any of the entities included throughout the submit.