Fairmont Grand Del Mar

This Del Mar property combines old-world grandeur with all the trappings of a luxury resort including a world-class spa, a spectacular golf course, several pools and horseback riding.

• The Renaissance body treatment at the spa, which entails resting in a hammock-like bed and receiving "touch therapy," including local herbs and flowers
• Hiking and horseback riding along the trails in the nearby Los Peñasquitos Canyon Preserve
• Addison restaurant’s tasting menu and extensive wine cellar

Taking design cues from American resort architect Addison Mizner, who drew inspiration from Europe’s palaces and coastal retreats, this sprawling 249-room property has old-world charm to spare. Channeling colonial Spain and France, in-room details include hand-stenciled ceilings and marble baths. The hotel’s scale is indeed impressive: it sits on 380 acres in the posh northern San Diego community of Del Mar, with an 18-hole Tom Fazio-designed golf course, a 20,000-square foot spa, four swimming pools and access to the 4,000-acre Los Peñasquitos Canyon Preserve for hiking, biking and horseback riding. The spacious rooms have views of either the golf course or preserve and feature traditional—if dated—décor, with silk-upholstered curtains, tartan-printed textiles and striped beige wallpaper.

The property’s six dining venues and their creative chefs offer guests a wide array of options. Tuck into Jidori chicken and lobster and crab pappardelle at the property’s all-day restaurant, Amaya. For a special occasion, the 10-course tasting menu at sophisticated Addison, located up the resort's hill and helmed by chef William Bradley, is a must. Other dining options include some grab-and-go cafés as well as a lovely afternoon tea served in the library.

Couples and families will feel welcome and at ease here.