By Julie Sahley

From beginning to end of your stay at The Grand Del Mar Resort, you can rest assured that every detail of your trip will be tended to. Once you’ve reached the main driveway that leads you to the resort- you know that you’re in store for a vacation that truly feels like you’ve left the city. Nestled high above main roads, you instantly find yourself amidst beautiful scenery surrounded by nature and perfectly manicured gardens. The Valet Service greets you as though they have been personally waiting for you all day. When you enter the main lobby you don’t know where to look first- in every direction there is something unique or beautiful to see. If old style Mediterranean married Modern day luxury- they would create The Grand Del Mar.

We were cheerfully greeted and escorted to The Palazzo Suite. Wow. You feel like you’ve stepped into a mini palace all your own. There are all the comforts of home combined with all the luxuries you would expect from a high end resort. The room was equipped with surround sound, iPod docks, multiple flat screen televisions (even in the bathroom mirror), a formal dining area and table, a fireplace, and oversized bathtubs. As if that wasn’t enough… The suite doors open up to two different private garden areas with sitting and sunbathing space. The whole time you are surrounded by lush, gorgeous greenery, overlooking the mountains. Say goodbye to L.A… It was a beautiful day and I decided to venture to the pool… There are different pool areas to choose from, one being an adult only, cell phone free zone and the other is a family friendly atmosphere with cocktail service and a poolside cafe. The wait staff promptly prepared my drinks and made sure I was comfortably set up to enjoy lunch from the cafe, which has a well rounded menu of options. The pool itself is an oversized infinity style with views of the golf course, the perfectly manicured hotel grounds and a mini sandy beach area. From there I scrounged up enough energy to walk through the gardens to the adult jacuzzi. The whole time you’re surrounded by the whistles of birds and sightings of small wildlife scurrying on and off the paths. It is so easy to relax there while taking in a beautiful breath of nature. Meanwhile back in the hotel, I hear guests being greeted with sincerity and I see staff gladly showing guests around the enormous property. The attention paid in detail can not go unnoticed while staying here. The floors have incorporated different textures, the walls have combined an array of materials and color pallets, even the ceilings have been decorated originally and tastefully. There are many dining options and lounge areas to choose from, both indoor and out. The coffee shop had a wonderful selection of pastries, authentic tasting espresso drinks, and superb service. Attached is a well thought out gift shop, with unique one-of-a kind gifts certain to please everyone on your list. I chose to have dinner at Amaya, the resorts Mediterranean style casual cuisine. Upon entering you feel warm and welcome. Fireplaces are crackling in the background while beautiful chandeliers create a dimly lit inviting ambiance. It was a warm, beautiful evening so I decided to dine on the outdoor patio. The service was impeccable. The waitress was extremely knowledgeable of the menu- particularly regarding ingredients and wine pairings. I took her recommendations and suggestions and was definitely not disappointed. I started with the Chilled Pea and Ginger soup, which was delicious and refreshing. Then I tried the Catalan-Style Shrimp which was to die for. For the main entree I opted for the New York Steak which was cooked to the perfect desired temperature and served atop Broccolini, Potatoes and Sweet Onions. All of the plates were displayed and delivered with the same detailed fashion that’s consistent with the rest of the hotel. Some almost too beautiful to eat… Then came dessert. It was a Chocolate Bread Pudding, drizzled with a rich Chocolate sauce and served with the most delicious Peanut Butter Ice Cream I’ve ever had. Dinner was a wonderful experience from beginning to end. For a night cap I wondered into the lobby bar and ordered a glass of Pinot Noir. I walked around the grounds some more and discovered a fire pit hidden alongside one of the paths. They kept it lit into the wee hours and it was truly the perfect end to a wonderful evening. Upon awakening, the two newspapers of my choice had already been delivered outside my door. I ordered room service for Breakfast and it arrived promptly and exactly as I had requested. It was now time to investigate the Spa. I booked their signature treatment- The Renaissance. I arrived early for my appointment and was so glad I did. The spa had all the amenities a girl could hope for! Top of the line products, a spacious changing room, soft plush robes, large whirlpool, steam and sauna areas and a very soothing decor. Right on time- my therapist, Julianna picked me up and escorted me into to the treatment room. She was very sweet and professional and explained the details of the service to me. It sounded so wonderful I hoped it would translate exactly the same on the table. I laid face up on the free-floating bed ( which alternates between a regular massage table and a bed that surrounds you in warm water without actually getting you wet .) Julianna rubbed my body from neck to toe in the most wonderful smelling potion of detoxifying mud and mineral rich oils. She paid particular attention to areas like my kidneys and digestive system. Then she wrapped me up in a warm cocoon of blankets and set me off to float in this amazing bed. You feel your body sink into the bed as if you were getting the best rest of your life… in a jacuzzi. All the while you lay happily warm and wrapped, she performs a Reflexology foot and scalp treatment. Voila! The bed alternates back to a table and she helped me sit up slowly. She walked me over to the Swiss shower and excused herself from the room- so I could scrub the mud off myself and enjoy this unique shower experience… which was incredible. It is an overhead rain style shower along with multiple shower heads placed vertically on all three walls. Your body is immersed in warm water from every direction possible. Upon stepping out of the shower there are warm towels waiting for you. Of course! As instructed beforehand I laid face down on the other unused massage table in the room. She came back in the room and proceeded to give me one of the best massages I’ve ever had, she was very intuitive, aware and thoughtful. By the time the treatment ended I was complete mush. It surpassed all my hopes and expectations ten fold. The Renaissance is a must try 90 minutes of heaven. I wouldn’t change one thing about my stay at The Grand Del Mar. This hotel truly stands out from the others of it’s class and beyond. You can reserve a getaway here and expect it will be exactly what you desire and exceed your highest hopes.

The Grand Del Mar 5300 Grand Del Mar Court San Diego, CA 92130 (858) 314-2000