Living an Actual Dream at Fairmont Grand Del Mar
While in college I worked as a babysitter at luxury hotels throughout San Diego. It was a fabulous job -- one where I got to be wined and dined on account of fancy children whose parents would allow us to order room service, meander through exotic corridors, and take over the pool like it was no one’s business.
Needless to say, Fairmont Grand Del Mar was always my favorite and I vowed, as a 20-year-old broke journalism student, to one day make it there on my own accord.
In early October my mission was accomplished. I stepped through the Mediterranean-inspired archway to be greeted by name by a mask-wearing concierge behind a COVID-friendly barrier. From beginning to end the experience lived up to the hotel’s 5-star reputation (rated Southern California’s highest awarded luxury resort, if we’re getting technical), and made me feel safe and welcomed, abiding by all of the CDC’s safety standards and protocols.
Nestled amongst 400 acres in the Los Peñasquitos Canyon Preserve in San Diego’s star-studded Del Mar (Bill Gates has a house here), guests drive up a palm-lined coastal canyon to arrive at an impressive 1920’s Hollywood / Old-World Mediterranean estate, complete with 249 rooms, suites, and villas with exquisite details and architecture, 4 sparkling pools, a 5-star holistic spa, 6 restaurant venues including San Diego’s only Michelin-starred restaurant, Addison, 37 miles of scenic trails, and an 18-hole private Tom Fazio-designed course. (Which, for those not on par with all things golf, is a big deal.)
The hotel itself was designed by another famous icon. Visionary architect, Addison Mizner (1872-1933) created the hotel as a homage to France’s glamorous coastal retreats, Florence’s exquisite decorative arts, and Spain’s great palaces.
I walked to my gold-plated room (and marble bathroom!) and was met with a bottle of Nicolas Feuillatte champagne. I popped it open on my private balcony overlooking the adult-only Relaxation pool and soaked in the tranquil oasis.
After exploring the hotel’s grounds -- the outdoor workout facility, the tennis courts, and the ladies in cocktail dresses enjoying afternoon tea on the Terrace Lounge -- I made it to my dinner reservation at the hotel’s indoor-outdoor European-style restaurant Amaya, which overlooks the property’s Aria Lawn (where they offer nightly fire pits complete with s’mores kits) and the Pavilion (which is basically every bride’s dream come true). I ordered the Filet Mignon and 52-Hour Short Rib, as well as oysters (because why not?) and a Fairway Fizz because the Italian vibe of it all seriously has you feeling like you’re “vivere la bella vita” on the Amalfi Coast. (Living the good life.)
The next morning I woke up early to get in another meal at Amaya (a Chino Omelet, Lemon Pancakes, and a mimosa, because again… why not?) before I circled back to the Relaxation Pool for a FloatFit class. (The hotel also offers yoga flow and tai chi meditation for guests who want to get their fitness fix in.) Led by a handsome Australian, he guided us as we stood on floating boards in the middle of the pool, working our cores and splashing the waters akin to a rowdy child I may have babysat 10 years ago. The workout was surprisingly hard and refreshing at the same time, and afterwards, lounging by the pool was a perfect way to cool off before a 4.5 hour game of golf.
We parked at the 50,000 square foot clubhouse, The Grand Golf Club, where we were met by a personal caddy in a golf cart. The golf course is gorgeous, spread over seven acres taking you to breathtaking elevations and through lush fairways. Our extremely helpful caddy, Tyler, basically talked me through a personal golf lesson, explained what clubs to use, and took all the pictures I asked for because honestly… that view!
It was a perfect weekend getaway. Close enough for a short drive, and far enough that you feel transported to another time. The romance, history, and classic luxury of the Fairmont Grand Del Mar lived to my extremely high expectations. It’s just as I remembered all those years ago: the epitome of class, the epitome of luxury, and the epitome of style.
And this time it wasn’t for anyone else… it was for me.
To book a stay at the Fairmont Grand Del Mar, visit GrandDelMar.com or call 858.314.2000.
Lindsay DeLong is the Editor-in-Chief of Laguna Beach Living. A brand strategist and web designer, she is well-versed at building brands from the ground up, establishing online identity, and floating in adult-only Relaxation Pools. Check in with her at lindsay@lagunabeachliving.com or on her personal site, iLikeLindsay.com.