Confessions first: I’m a San Diego native currently living in Gaslamp and, until this summer, I had never tasted a true Coronado experience. I know – I’m ashamed of myself, too.
Of course I grew up with the holiday season scheduled around family trips to Hotel Del’s iconic Christmas tree and I’ve spent many a Sunday since sipping mimosas during destination brunch. But never had I dared to actually pack a bag and splurge on an extended experience in Coronado.
Little did I know, located just across the forever-vibrant blue bridge, Coronado is not just a tourist attraction; it’s a San Diego staycation paradise.
The month of July cleared June Gloom's lingering shadow and re-introduced us to the intense summer sun we locals crave all year. As the unleashed rays hit my Gaslamp city streets I knew it was time to make an Insider escape, and Coronado was next on my list. My destination of choice was Loews Coronado Bay Resort – a private 15-acre peninsula surrounded by water, shaded by flowing palms and overflowing with indulgent treats and attractions.
The Coronado Bridge ushered me into the community streets, down to the sandy shore and past the Hotel Del to a peaceful southern end of the island where Loews stands tall and proud. Ideal for families and couples, tourists and locals, Loews is one San Diego resort that deserves to be discovered. Take an Insider look at my Loews summer experience…
The Suite View
Upon check-in, the receptionist couldn’t hold back that he was jealous of the room we were about to enjoy. And as soon as we entered the two-room suite that seemed to stretch out into the ocean through huge beach and bay view windows, we understood why. Loews resort guest rooms and suites bring the waves inside from the sea. From the shades of blue flowing through the walls and bed linens to the bedroom’s unobstructed ocean view and soothing bay view from the private terrace, the Loews experience emphasizes its natural environment.
The expansive Loews resort features 439 rooms, including 37 suites – all with bay, marina, pool or garden views. In-room amenities include beds with pillow top mattresses, 300-thread-count linens, flat-screen TVs, high-speed internet, 2 digital phone lines, oversized executive desk, 24-hour in-room dining, mini bar and complimentary coffee with coffee maker.
The Pool Lifestyle
If your mindset is in-line with mine, your first destination post-check-in will be one of the several pools at Loews.
Bright blue umbrellas shade white plush lounge chairs that relax under clear sky. With the sun beaming down on me, I gazed up at the vibrant blue sky painted with picture-perfect tiny white clouds and sunk deeper into relaxation on rhythm with the waving palms leaves. From any chaise lounge on the patio, you are surrounded by the best of blues; look up to the sky, look left or right to the pools and fountains, look outside to the surrounding bay peppered with yachts and sailboats. Want to surprise that special someone? The Gondola Company offers a serenading gondolier and romantic gondola cruises through nearby Coronado canals.
I assumed the pool area to be populated by visiting guests from around the globe; however, my poolside experience made me realize Loews is an under-the-radar meeting spot for in-the-know locals. While sipping a strawberry-garnished mimosa and sunbathing on the watery steps, I overheard a group of two thirty-something couples reminiscing about the weekend and pinpointing their favorite spots in Gaslamp. One man couldn’t stop obsessing over the new it-spot Vin de Syrah hidden below Fifth Avenue, and his friend’s wife was in love with the rooftop scene at Stingaree. Trust me, they were no tourists … they had their Insider scoop in check.
Loews provides 3 outdoor swimming pools, including an adults-only section, whirpools, subtle fountains and expansive deck areas. If you’re craving some sand, take advantage of the direct access to Silver Strand State Beach via the Loews private pedestrian underpass. More seaside activities include bicycle, rollerblade, wave runner, sailboat, motorboat and paddle boat rentals, as well as surfing lessons and surf camps courtesy of The Coronado Surf Academy. Take a break from the water and test your skills on 3 lighted, bayside tennis courts with daily pro clinics.
With the last sweet sip of my mimosa, I realized it was time to hit the spa. Although wave runner and sailboat adventures were tempting, I simply couldn’t resist an afternoon at Sea Spa.
The Sea Spa Treatment
In nothing but a swimsuit, towel and oversized sunglasses, I made my way through the pool area, down past the tennis courts to Sea Spa – the signature full-service day spa and salon at Loews Coronado. From the lobby boutique full of luxury beauty products to the quaint relaxation lounge, stunning outdoor treatment area, fitness center and huge locker room complete with sauna and steam rooms, I was instantly impressed with Sea Spa, and I hadn’t even been introduced to the real goods.
Although I wanted to try every treatment on the generous menu that offers such indulgences as skin care therapies, body nourishments, Vichy rain showers, spray tans, nail care, and hair salon services, I decided on the Sea Spa Signature Massage.
Do like me… The Sea Spa Signature Massage is a unique combination of five of Sea Spa’s signature treatments transformed into one experience that includes a lavender foot treatment, a scalp massage, reflexology, a hot-stone massage and aromatherapy techniques. My 80-minutes of spa heaven were even further enhanced by chocolate covered strawberries and a glass of champagne personally delivered in the women’s locker room.
Sea Spa features 15 treatment areas for massages, facial and body services; spa manicures and pedicures; steam, sauna, relaxation lounge; and complete fitness center and aerobic studio with group and private classes. The only thing influential enough to make me leave this amazing spa was my dinner reservation at Mistral. I heard the restaurant’s view was unreal, and sunset was creeping up faster than I could finish my chocolate covered strawberries.
The Mistral Perspective
In a state of utter relaxation, I climbed stairs to meet the understated lobby of Mistral – the resort’s newest fine dining experience. Hands down, the most alluring element of Mistral is the panoramic view of the Pacific Ocean and Coronado Bay. As the sun began to fall into the deep sea, it was time for wine paired dinner overlooking the water.
Discover a fresh taste of Mistral in the summertime…
Rey River Asparagus Salad with frisee, white truffle vinaigrette, aged Bucheron goat cheese
Mano De Leon Divers Scallops with fava bean ragout, Meyer lemon foam
Sea of Cortez Prawn Risotto with saffron, green olive tapenade, cherry tomatoes
Pacific Salmon with Valdiva Heirloom tomatoes, Swiss chard, watercress beurre blanc
Brandt Beef Tenderloin Au Poivre with peppercorns, fingerling potatoes, baby vegetables, Cognac sauce au poivre
Named after a wind that blows across Provence to Italy, Mistral’s Mediterranean menu features locally-caught seafood, sustainable ingredients and fresh herbs from the resort’s private herb garden. Since Mistral opened in October 2007, it has set the standard for responsible food and beverage policies. Chef Batis’ Northern Italian and Southern French cuisine embraces organic fruits and vegetables from nearby farming communities.
New at Mistral is the Happy Hour special “Mussel Madness,” which features a bowl of steamed mussels paired with either a glass of house wine or a pint of beer for just $10.
Insider Tip: Are you budget traveling with the family? Loews Coronado now offers summer activities for free. Families will enjoy complimentary bayside marshmallow roasts, dive-in movies, pizza-making workshops, sandcastle building, family bingo, educational beach tours, grunion runs, Guitar Hero “Battle of the Band” competitions, family baking classes and herb garden tours. Activities change daily and are available through September 7, 2009.
For more info, visit Loews Coronado Bay Resort.
