Being all summer consumed by the mix of downtown and coastal lifestyle, I became accustomed to a cityscape foreign to anything green, albeit a few palms and man-planted parks.
However, a trip to Rancho Bernardo Inn Golf Resort & Spa reintroduced me to the other side of San Diego, just in time for the arrival of autumn. Boutique hotels and seaside resorts may be all the rage come spring and summer, but during fall and winter in San Diego, locals and visitors seek comfort, grandeur, and the flavors of the season - and that is precisely what you'll find at this Rancho Bernardo autumn haven.
I arrived at the Inn on an early fall evening, just as the post-daylight savings sun had set. A crisp chill edged its way through the air, and as I entered the lobby I was taken over by a distinct warmth that radiated from fire places to olive green lounge areas and cinnamon and chai hued rugs atop dark wood floors. The Inn is the antithesis of a modern boutique hotel - in a good way.
As guests check in and weave through the lobby, their hurry fades and they slow to embrace the welcoming old world charm. To the right, gothic black iron lanterns and ivory oval bulbs adorn the high ceilings, shading the room with a dim glow. To the left, an oversize antique spinning globe stands firm on a wooden fixture. Rustic paintings adorn most walls, indoor-outdoor fire places join autumn hued couches and lounge chairs, creating a series of miniature living rooms, and antique décor fills the space between.
Resort Accommodations
The guest suites at the Inn are spacious, inviting, and simply luxurious. Each suite offers a separate, full-size living room and expansive balcony with a stunning view of the property. From the sleek golf course to the sparkling spa pool and manicured gardens, there isn't a bad view at the Inn.
The Mediterranean tones and textures of the lobby resonate within the room accommodations. The ceiling offers several dimensions of exposed wood; creating a cabin-esque experience. The Inn took the bed headboard to a new extreme with an olive green backing that extends and elevates the bed.
The rest of the room speaks natural and rustic design, from the accent pillows to the copper picture frames, and gold tinted strands of dried plants perched in a dark brown metal box topped with black rocks. More amenities within the suites are deep soaking tubs and luxury Aveda bath products, 42" flat screen TVs, and a large work space with wireless internet.
With so many onsite options for entertainment and indulgence, one shouldn't spend too much time in the suite. The Rancho Bernardo Inn is renowned for the award winning Spa and fine dining restaurant, El Bizcocho, as well as the picturesque Championship Golf Course, Aragon Ballroom, and indoor-outdoor Meeting Space. From personal relaxation to business and social events, the Inn excels on all levels.
Resort Dining
Set in earth tones, the sophisticated elegance of El Bizcocho is the perfect setting for modern California influenced French fare. Popular with guests and locals, El Bizcocho is known for multi-course tasting menus created by chef de cuisine Steven Rojas, as well as the renowned Sunday brunch. Rojas' tasting menus reflect his background in French and Spanish cuisine, with such items such as Hot Jellied Lobster Consommé with Corn Custard, Espelette Marshmallows, and Flowering Gherkins; Roget "en Crôute" with Jamóm Ibérico, Marcona Almonds, Saffron-Cauliflower Puree, and Bottarga di Muggine; and Duo of Rib-Eye Pavé 24 Hour Short Rib with Glazed Bermuda Onion Leaves, "Croque Monsieur," Swiss Chard, and Beef-Banyuls Jus.
Resort Pampering
The Spa at Rancho Bernardo is part of the $25 million resort renovation, which was completed in late 2007. The spa features remodeled indoor treatment areas, five new outdoor treatment casitas within a tranquil spa garden, an outdoor patio with a Roman Pool, and a 2,500-square-foot saline Spa Pool boasting seven cabanas. After only one year, the Spa at Rancho Bernardo Inn was voted number one in Condé Nast Traveler's readers' poll of the best resort spas in North America in 2008.
El Bizcocho and The Spa at Rancho Bernardo have begun to work together, intertwining the flavors of fall cuisine and the scents and spices of autumn beauty. The new "Made Fresh Daily" spa treatments give guests a true taste of the Inn - spice and sugar infused spa treatments with food and wine pairings to match for the fall and winter seasons.
While San Diego is continually loved, and criticized, for its annual summer vibe, this year I discovered the essence of the seasons does exist in our SoCal town. Escape Gaslamp modernity, leave Del Mar beach chic and greet a glimpse of the seasons and old word grandeur at the Rancho Bernardo Inn Golf Resort & Spa.
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