WINE DINE & TRAVEL MAGAZINE FALL 2013

DREAM DESTINATIONS
The Grand Del Mar
BEAUTY BEYOND THE BEACH
It may come as a surprise to learn that California’s
best hotel is not in fact located on the sand.
By Julia Weiler
Despite the coast’s obvious draw, San Diego has an
equally grand attraction inland. Boasting a triple
sweep of Forbes Travel Guide’s Five Star Rating
for its resort, spa and signature dining venue
plus the prestigious AAA Five Diamond Award, the opulent oasis
known as The Grand Del Mar gives sun-seeking sojourners a reason
to stay and play beyond the beach.
I recently spent a three-day weekend at The Grand Del Mar. It was
my husband’s birthday and I wanted to provide a memorable experience
that would earn me carte blanche for the rest of the year. I’m terrible
with anniversaries and holidays, so I figured if I nailed the birthday
thing I’d be forgiven all else. The Grand Del Mar was named California’s
#1 Resort in Travel + Leisure’s 2013 World’s Best Awards, and while I
was mildly discouraged to learn of it’s off-the-beach location, I decided
to go forward with the booking. I couldn’t have made a better choice.
As my husband and I headed northeast of San Diego, our surroundings
softened from city skyline and sea to rolling hills and open blue skies.
Traffic thinned, hustle and bustle slowed to a crawl and all around us a
sense of peace and quiet set in. The resort’s winding driveway looped
below towering eucalyptus trees, lush palms and alongside chalky cliffs
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