Discover The Grand Del Mar Resort

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Just east of the 5 Freeway, visitors and San Diego natives can find a local getaway to a European-style oasis. Freshly unveiled, The Grand Del Mar Resort is the most recent addition to the luxury lifestyle in San Diego.

Consisting of a resort-style hotel, multi-star restaurant, championship golf course, luxe villas, and a spa, this project is impressive even among the rise of posh boutique hotels in San Diego.

The Grand décor invites guests back to a time defined by heavy wood furnishings and earth-toned hues. But, don't be alarmed when the time machine disappears and the old-world feel vanishes behind flat-screen TVs and wireless communication.

One begins to wonder if the Grand staff ever wants you to leave when reading through the list of alluring amenities. In-room features include feather-top beds, dual vanities, and separate showers, and suite safes are large enough to secure your laptops and valuables. These opulent features add to the boutique appeal of all rooms, from the standard suite to the 2,840-square-foot presidential suites.

Live the Villa Life

The 3 bedroom, 4.5 bath villas are offered at 1/10th fractional ownership, starting at $360,000, guaranteeing four planned weeks. Up to 5,000 square feet, villas are personalized to the owner's taste and include personal elevators, two-car plus golf cart garages, daily housekeeping, and 24-hour security.

"We hope that The Grand Del Mar will raise the bar for the luxury market in San Diego," asserts Margaurite Clark of the resort's public relations team.

Addison is the resort's fine dining restaurant, named after architect luminary Addison Mizner. In the kitchen, native San Diegan Chef William Bradley, applies a contemporary French influence to prepare dishes such as Taylor Bay Scallops with hazelnut, rosemary and citrus. Sommelier Jesse Rodriguez pours fine wine, channeling his experience at French Laundry in Napa Valley. For those looking for intimate event spaces, reserve the Chef's Table, accommodating up to 10 guests, and enjoy an evening hosted by Chef Bradley himself. Addison dishes range from $40 to $47.

Other dining options on the property include Amaya, which offers breakfast, lunch and dinner in the ambiance of a proper dining room as well as Cent' Anni, a gourmet café. The Lobby Lounge holds the keys to a mellow nightlife scene featuring flamenco guitarists and other musical guests. An alternate restaurant, The Clubhouse Grill, offers comfortable dining overlooking the fairways.

The hotel guest and members-only access golf course was designed by renowned golf course architect Tom Fazio. The Grand Del Mar course features 78 bunkers over the 7,160-yard par 72 course - and is sure to leave a few players raking up the sand. The course also offers a full range of practice areas, a golf shop, and a members-only locker room facility.

Clark adds, "The Grand Golf Club is one of a few exclusive golf courses in San Diego County and is San Diego's only Tom Fazio designed course."

Although the course and suites are reserved for hotel guests and members, the spa is open to outsiders, as well as guests. At the lavish 21,000-square-foot spa and fitness center, complete with a salon, aerobic studio, Jacuzzis, and spa pool, it's easy to lose track of time at The Grand. The fitness center presents an opportunity to sweat off those extravagant meals while four pools, tennis courts, a croquet lawn, and a kid-friendly play center complete this resort's never-ending array of activity and luxury.

The abundance of this lavish North County escape comes at a high price. The Grand Del Mar rooms start at $395 and range up to a fairway suite at $785 per night. With sunny skies and the California dream as a backdrop, the resort rests its laurels on those who travel to San Diego for relaxation, and do so with lavish desires and opulent attitudes.