WINE DINE & TRAVEL MAGAZINE FALL 2013

carved by nature. To the south, undulating emerald green fairways of
the resort’s Tom Fazio-designed golf course gave way to dramatic views
of the Los Peñasquitos Canyon preserve. Ahead of us, The Grand Del
Mar rose like a fairy tale palace.
We pulled past Romanesque marble fountains to the stone-clad rotunda
and were greeted by a genteel valet. Seamlessly, we were ushered to reception
where cool fruit-infused teas and a warm welcome waited. Dazzled
by the old-world architecture, intricate detailing and jewel-toned
décor, we made our way through hallways accented by hand-painted
frescoes and artwork lit by gilded light sconces. By the time we arrived
at our private suite we’d forgotten the beach, in fact we’d forgotten San
Diego all together. We imagined ourselves in the Mediterranean region,
under the Tuscan sun.
We bounded through our suite’s double doors and explored the interior
like giddy children. The sitting room featured dark mahogany
furnishings draped in fine brocades. Bookshelves lined with leatherbound
classics flanked a formal fireplace. A filigreed balcony framed
soaring views from fairways to the rustic canyon beyond. Meanwhile,
the dining room had seating for eight under tufted ceilings hung with
an elaborate chandelier. A fruit and cheese plate with chilled San Pel-
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