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Eat, sleep and soak in Southern California’s most romantic ocean view resorts.

The Lodge at Torres Pines, La Jolla and Bacara Resort and Spa, Santa Barbara

Views for the lodge at Torrey Pines over the golf course and the Pacific ocean. . Photo credits: Lodge at Torrey Pines.

Balanced on the coastal clips overlooking the Pacific Ocean, above the community of La Jolla, the Lodge has been drawing avid golfers and lovers to its sunny climate and majestic scenery for decades.

torres-pines-fireplace

A cozy outdoor fireplace attracts couples after dinner at the Lodge at Torrey Pines.

The elegant wood lodge is designed in the tradition of California Craftsman architecture. Designed with the comfortable look and feel of a private residence, with post-and-beam construction, rich Jatoba woodwork, natural stone surfaces, a natural color palace, stain glass doors, Tiffany-style lamps, expansive public rooms with fireplaces, large mantelpieces, overstuffed couches, leather chairs and bucolic views of the Torrey Pines Golf Course and the Pacific Ocean beyond. 

Behind the lodge is a heated pool with relaxing poolside cabanas, whirlpool, croquet lawn, and a large terrace with chaise lounges for basking in the Southern California sun.  You may not want to leave your large and comfy room outfitted with a fireplace, and marble and granite floors and counter tops in the large bathrooms.   

The lodge is deserving of its 2013 AAA Five Diamond award for luxurious amenities, caring and personal service.
While you’re there

torres-pinesSoak in the cozy Jacuzzi in the gazebo above the pool, with sweeping views of the emerald green golf course and the blue ocean beyond. Occasionally the bucolic scenery is punctuated by orange or yellow hang gliders soaring above the ocean in the distance.
Tee off on a world-famous  course. The Lodge is prominently situated adjacent to the 18th hole of the South Course of the Torrey Pines Golf Course, a Rees Jones beauty that is the site of the Farmers Invitational each February and ghosted by the U.S. Open in 2008. The Lodge offers hotel guest preferred tee times and special golf packages.
Order a glass of wine, and get to know your fellow golfers ’round the open fireplace nestled in an alcove above the club house and pool.

Lace up your hiking boots and walk Torrey Pines State Natural Reserve is located within San Diego city limits and yet remains one of the wildest stretches of land on our Southern California coast. There are 8 miles of trails, a visitor center, and guided nature walks on weekends and holidays.  

Photo credits:

take a dip in the pool, in the ocean, or relax in the spa. Photo credits: Bacara Resort and Spa.

 Bacara Resort and Spa, Santa Barbara  

Nestled on the bluff and beaches of the Gaviota coast between the Pacific Ocean and Santa Ynez Mountains, Bacara Resort & Spa offers relaxed luxury and stunning natural beauty for an unforgettable getaway in Southern California. Enjoy award-winning accommodations, beautiful event spaces and luxury spa services at this romantic Santa Barbara beach resort, located on California’s most spectacular stretch of Pacific paradise.

Bacara is located on 78 acres of ocean front property with two miles of natural beach. The two pools with relaxing poolside cabanas, ocean view Jacuzzi, and spa tempt you to spend the whole day in the resort.  The luxury rooms each have a private patio or balcony and views of the ocean, garden or mountains.  I was lulled to sleep each night to the soft sound of waves on the beach.

While you’re there
Eat your fill of oysters and fresh Pacific fish at the Miro Restaurant as the sun slips down over the ocean. We watched whales and dolphins from our perch in the elegant restaurant.  The ocean views from the heated outdoor patio or the elegantly appointed indoor restaurant make any meal a celebration.

 Pamper Yourself.  What luxury getaway would be complete without a little pampering? Don’t miss the spa’s pool, Jacuzzi, redwood sauna, eucalyptus steam room, whirlpool, lounge areas, fitness equipment and fitness classes at no additional charge. It will be hard to select just one massage, body scrubs, bronzes, hydrotherapy, polishes, masks or facial. I luxuriated in one of the most blissful massages I’ve had in years. There are 36 treatment rooms, an outdoor massage terrace and private sundecks, a heated infinity saline pool, which will not irritate eyes or dry out skin and hair and separate women’s and men’s hydrotherapy whirlpool spas, redwood sauna, and eucalyptus steam room.

Adventure outside of the resort. The concierge will reserve tasting for you through the Santa Ynez Wine Country or book surfing, kayaking or stand up paddle lessons.

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