What it is

Elegant resort with knockout food, spa, and activities in the San Diego sunshine.

What it isn't

On the water. The seaside town of Del Mar and its beach are a 15-minute (chauffeured) drive away.

What we think

Terra cotta roof tiles. Balustraded stairwells. Burbling fountains. If the Grand Del Mar reminds you of a Mediterranean resort—or South Florida—that's intentional. The architects were inspired by Addison Mizner, who popularized the Spanish Revival look in the 1920s at places like the Boca Raton Resort. In the same spirit, the Grand Del Mar offers all sorts of indulgences and activities, all at the highest standards. Join a Saturday morning hike in the adjacent Los Peñasquitos Canyon Preserve, or hop on a horse at the equestrian center. Play Tom Fazio's 18-hole championship course, or take a clinic at the extensive golf academy. Have dinner at the superb Addison restaurant, where chef William Bradley prepares contemporary French dishes using seasonal California-sourced ingredients. The spa has won multiple laurels for its treatments, classes and salon. The 249 honey-toned rooms are well sized (500 square feet and up), with traditional European-style furniture and verandas overlooking the golf course or canyon. Large marble bathrooms have gold fixtures and huge soaking tubs. If you want to extend your stay—and you will—consider one of the gorgeous suites or villas.

You're here because

Enjoying the great California outdoors is a priority—but the beach is not—and you want easy access to top-notch dining, spa services and other activities.

The Moment

The SoCal sun is beating down on your brow, so you get up from your towel, put down your sunglasses, and dive into the big blue swimming pool—and listen to the music from the underwater speakers.

Restaurants & Bars

Addison - Fairmont Grand Del Mar’s signature restaurant features Relais & Châteaux Grand Chef William Bradley’s artisanal approach to cooking, combining local ingredients with contemporary French influences. A seasonal menu offers an inspired evening of culinary expertise paired with a Grand Award-winning wine list of nearly 3,500 selections and Addison's world-class tasting environment, replete with ideal glassware, perfect storage of wines and knowledgeable service.

Amaya - Open for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. With stunning views of Fairmont Grand Del Mar's Mediterranean-inspired architecture and pristine golf course, you'll forget you're actually dining at a San Diego restaurant. Let Amaya whisk you off to the coasts of Spain, Italy and France, as you enjoy breakfast, lunch or dinner on the shaded terrace or within the relaxed yet refined dining room.

The Clubhouse Grill - Open for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. From pre-round pick-me-ups to late-night cravings, Chef de Cuisine Joshua Dorfner satisfies hungry diners with his delicious, approachable cuisine. Start the day with refreshing smoothies, breakfast classics or Chef's signature Chicken 'n' Waffles. Relax into the afternoon with grill fare, including sandwiches, burgers and Baja classics. Then spice things up after the sun goes down with a Southern California-inspired tapas menu. Savor Crispy Calamari, Ahi Tuna Poke or Smoked Chicken Wings while sipping specialty cocktails or local craft beers.

Cent'Anni Cafe - Open daily, 6 a.m. – 7 p.m. Cent’ Anni honors a traditional Italian toast meaning “one hundred years.” This gourmet café offers organic iced teas, steaming espressos, breakfast on-the-go, pressed sandwiches, seasonal soups, fresh salads, gelato and daily special offerings.

Afternoon Tea at the Library - Fairmont Grand Del Mar welcomes you for an elegant afternoon in the charming setting of the Library. Enjoy beautiful music and a perfect pot of fine tea, or glass of wine, with pastries and tea sandwiches to complete this time-honored tradition.

Lobby Lounge - Warm fireplaces and elegant furnishings highlight this resort's beautiful lobby, flanked on one side by the handsome Library – an intimate setting with antique books and comfortable chairs – and on the other, a commanding marble bar and rich colors set a sophisticated mood. Sip expertly crafted cocktails, like the refreshing Margarita Blossom or an Amor Dulce Amor Martini featuring strawberry-infused tequila. Pair one (or two) with light fare, such as the Crispy Tuna Roll, Mediterranean Tuna or California Cheese and Charcuterie.

Club M - Lose yourself in the rhythmic beats and pulsing lights of Club M, Fairmont Grand Del Mar’s sultry nightclub. Mix, mingle and dance the night away with live music and guest DJs every weekend.

Location

Just outside the charming beach town of Del Mar and just a bit further from La Jolla. The resort's fleet of cars will take you to the beach (chair and umbrella set-up included) or other close attractions. The San Diego airport is about 20 miles away.