L’Auberge Del Mar creates the illusion that you’re staying at your personal seaside villa, but it has all the amenities of a luxury resort. Located 20 minutes north of San Diego proper, right next to Del Mar City Beach, L’Auberge has been welcoming high-profile guests since the heyday of Lucy and Desi Arnaz.
Today, the resort is full of thoroughly modern touches. The decor of the 121 guest rooms was artfully curated by Orange County designer Barclay Butera, renowned for his glamorous coastal-chic style. Book a room with an ocean view—or go a step further with the 1,222-square-foot Del Mar Suite, which features three balconies, a wet bar, a fireplace, and a Roman tub. Step outside to enjoy the tennis courts, private beach path, or crystal-blue pool—the perfect spot for a midday dip or a sunset cocktail from Bleu Bar.
The standalone Spa L’Auberge is the resort’s crown jewel. Unwind in the herbal-infused steam rooms or by the cozy outdoor fire pit; indulge in a variety of treatments, many of which feature an ocean element (think a sea stone massage or a marine body scrub). Coastline restaurant stays on-trend with an oceanfront patio and farm-to-table cuisine.
Incredibly, the breezy serenity of L’Auberge Del Mar sits right in Del Mar’s city center. While the world might feel miles away, a smattering of boutiques, restaurants, and galleries can be found just outside your front door. Rent one of the hotel’s Electra bike cruisers to window-shop your way up and down U.S. 101. Less than two miles away, the Del Mar Fairgrounds and Racetrack are perennial points of interest. From mid-July through early September, the Del Mar Thoroughbred Club hosts its racing season—a posh backdrop for pony-watching. The annual Opening Day After-Party at L’Auberge Del Mar, with poolside DJs and elegant eats, is worth a trip in and of itself.