The palatial property just outside San Diego blends adventure, relaxation, and luxury.
The grande dame of the San Diego area is no doubt the Fairmont Grand Del Mar, which holds court on 400 vast acres alongside Los Peñasquitos Canyon Preserve just a short drive north of the city center. A veritable coastal canyon sanctuary, the posh Italianate property transports guests to the Mediterranean and boasts enviable amenities such as a Forbes five-star spa, six unique dining venues, four heated pools, a private Tom Fazio–designed golf course, and an equestrian center offering riding lessons and trail rides. Oh, and did we mention that the guest accommodations make you feel right at home—that is, in your own Tuscan estate?
We recently checked into the property to check it out, and we can confirm that it lives up to all the hype, including accolades like AAA Five Diamond honors, a Forbes four-star rating, and a top U.S. News & World Report ranking. Complementing the incredible accommodations is stellar service, which is apparent from the second you arrive. Valet drivers handily take care of your car, bellmen whisk away your luggage, and the friendly front desk team ensures your every question is answered. Indeed, no earthly need or desire goes unmet at Fairmont Grand Del Mar.
The posh property made its debut in 2007, with the venerable Fairmont hospitality brand taking over ownership in 2015 and putting its signature stamp on this Mediterranean majesty while honoring its storied heritage. (After all, developing the property required more than a million man hours from 800 craftspeople.) From the very start, the aesthetic beautifully married Old World grandeur with Old Hollywood glam.
We were especially wowed by the awe-inducing architecture, which deftly blends Spanish, Portuguese, Moroccan, and Venetian influences. The design also has a decided ode to iconic American architect Addison Mizner, whose indelible mark can still be seen in places like Palm Beach, Florida. The overall vibe is worldly yet welcoming, plush yet approachable—a delicate balance to strike.
Let’s get to those guest accommodations, shall we? The 249 options include guest rooms, suites, and villas that range in size from 550 to more than 3,900 square feet. That means there’s an arrangement to suit every type of visitor, from the solo traveler seeking sanctuary to the group of well-heeled globetrotters enjoying a girls’ getaway. Across all the accommodations, Classic European meets California chic thanks to delightful details like floor-to-ceiling windows, comfy living areas, private terraces, and marble bathrooms featuring deep soaking tubs, luxe linens, and Le Labo toiletries.
Foodies will love the six diverse dining options, ranging from casual (but delightful!) Cent’ Anni Café to three-Michelin-star showstopper Addison. It’s not an exaggeration to say that celebrated chef William Bradley crafts a culinary masterpiece at the flagship eatery in the form of his beloved 10-course tasting menu. Gourmets are guided on a journey honoring California gastronomy with global influences—think fan-favorite dishes like Regiis Ova caviar with koshihikari rice, smoked sabayon, and sesame. The other four onsite dining venues fall in between those two on the spectrum, ensuring plenty of delicious diversity during your stay. Bonus fun foodie fact: Afternoon tea is regularly served in the Lobby Lounge.
And oh, the amenities. Just as no foodie will go hungry here, no pleasure seeker will become bored, thanks to the property’s astonishing array of amenities. Wellness devotees, for instance, can opt to spend the day at the freshly reimagined 21,000-square-foot spa, which merges time-honored holistic practices with innovative therapeutic approaches. The result? Pure bliss. Afterward, the relaxation continues at one of the six onsite pools (including an adults-only option).
Meanwhile, adventure aficionados can choose between golf, tennis, pickleball, bocce ball, archery, equestrian sports, and countless other activities. You can also venture off property into the elegant Carmel Valley enclave, to the beach, into the city, or beyond in a customized excursion. In other words, there’s truly something to keep everyone in the group engaged, even (or should we say especially?) kids. In short, the Fairmont Grand Del Mar is nothing short of the ultimate escape—an Italian oasis basking in the San Diego sunshine.
PHOTOGRAPHY: Courtesy Fairmont Grand Del Mar
