When you stay in resorts, it is often easy to forget where you are… A three-tiered chandelier here, a large piece of abstract lobby art there, a white sun lounger in the periphery. Sometimes resorts can become so invested in modern decor and high end expectation, that they loose their individual character.

When I am in a city, I want to know at all times where I am. I want to feel as if I am surrounded by local design and architecture, as if it has been designed by a local (I mean, providing they are a local with impeccable taste and flair).

In San Diego with it’s Spanish influence, I want Hacienda, I want Spanish palatial, I want old-world Mediterranean! … Luckily this is completely obtainable and in fact, a certainty in the five diamond, five star Fairmont Hotel Grand Del Mar. Oh, and it happens to be TripAdvisor’s #1 Luxury Hotel in California and the #2 in the US! …

Consider if you will, a Mediterranean retreat within the Los Peñasquitos Canyon Preserve. Don’t know where that is? Look it up on google maps, it will be that large expanse of land and lakes you see.

The remote nature of the resort is what attracts so many influential people and celebrities who frankly want to play a couple of holes of golf (I clearly haven’t mastered  golfing terms) within relatively secluded surroundings.

So much so that the hotel was actually the venue for Lebron James’ wedding (for those outside the US, this is a BIG basketball name alert). He had his entire wedding and reception at the hotel and did I mention that they have their own chapel?

Rooms: 

The resort has 249-rooms on the property and each has a view of either The Grand Golf Club or Los Peñasquitos Canyon Preserve.

Each of the rooms are beautifully designed while still keeping that Mediterranean chic in mind.

They ALL have large, fantastic bathrooms with the kind of shower that makes you want to remodel your entire home bathroom.

The hotel is home to a number of Suites including the Manchester Suite named after original owner Douglas Manchester.

Then there are the Villas. If you want to really have a secluded holiday, you can go for one like the 5,000 square ft Villa Loggia with 4.5 marble bathrooms. Because frankly if i can’t shower in a different bathroom every night, I become a diva.

They are perfect for large groups or people that really want to just move in as a home away from home as they have a private office, gym and butler service.

 

Restaurants:

The Fairmont has not one, not two but six restaurants within the resort ranging from the post golf ideal at The Clubhouse Grill, to Amaya for refined/relaxed all day dining (including a sensational fire pit and some punchy gins). Also, Club M… Yes, they have their own nightclub with guest Djs every weekend.

Then there is Addison.  The infamous Addison restaurant. This place is seriously impressive and every inch award winning standard..

Addison has more awards than I have had carbs this year including, the AAA Five Diamond Restaurant, the Forbes Travel Guide Five-Star Restaurant, the Relais & Châteaux Grand Chef William Bradley, and the Grand Award, Wine Spectator.

Speaking of which, if you are interested in wine, then no big deal but it also has nearly 3,600 selections. It would be rude not to give at least 2 of these a go.

I met chef William Bradley who is in house almost every night ensuring that the food and the service is at it’s peak.

So, what do you do when you’re not eating or showering in one of your 5 bathrooms?

Well perhaps swimming in one of their 4 pools? (I think it is fair to say at this juncture that they like to give you a choice in everything). They feature underwater speakers, private cabanas and an outdoor Pool Bar.

Sometimes a girl just wants to sip a mimosa and listen to some underwater music while working on her synchronised swim.

Alternatively, you can play or take lessons on their two pro-style tennis courts.

Or perhaps if you are (not at all) like me, you will want to play golf? Their renowned course is designed by Tom Fazio. Incase you are not in the know, they have designed PGA and US Open courses in between winning awards like “America’s 100 Greatest Golf Courses”. 

If you are more concerned with your preening than your putting (oh hi there) then they also happen to be home to one of Americas small hand-full of Five-Star spas with just about every treatment, massage and hair care routine you can shake a rejuvenating bamboo stick at.

The truth is, this place is impressive. They have taken every part of your stay in to consideration and it feels every inch the Mediterranean luxury retreat. If you need any more convincing then I would raise serious questions about your character… I’ll see you by the fire pit.

Fairmont Grand Del Mar – 5300 Grand Del Mar Court, San Diego, California, United States
92130