Nestled in a stunning Mediterranean-inspired estate in Carmel Valley, this luxe resort features plush rooms, four heated pools, a top spa, and acclaimed dining—all surrounded by picturesque gardens and golf courses.
"The luxury resort transforms into a winter wonderland with holiday teas, glice skating, and four-course feasts on Christmas Eve and Christmas Day at the Amaya restaurant. Guests can choose to dine on buffets, brunches, holiday teas, or prix fixe meals on the Carmel Valley property." - Helen I. Hwang
"The high-end and expansive Fairmont Grand Del Mar is a top pick for family-friendly lodgings." - Travel + Leisure Editors
"Fairmont Grand Del Mar is grand, indeed; the majestic 400-acre resort, operated by the team behind The Plaza in New York City, and The Savoy, has a luxurious Mediterranean vibe thanks to a rose-colored facade, intricate ironwork, roof tiles, copper accents, and towering cypress and palm trees. It feels a little like a palace in Spain or France —with California burritos and great surf just a few miles away." - Archana Ram, Beth Demmon
"The luxury resort transforms into a winter wonderland with holiday teas, ice skating, and dining options at the Amaya restaurant. Guests can choose to dine on four-course feasts, Nutcracker holiday teas, or a Christmas Day buffet in the Manchester Salon." - Helen I. Hwang
"Why did this hotel catch your attention?Fairmont Grand Del Mar is grand indeed; the majestic 400-acre resort, operated by the team behind The Plaza, in New York City, and The Savoy, has a luxurious Mediterranean vibe thanks to a rose-colored facade, intricate ironwork, roof tiles, copper accents, and towering cypress and palm trees. It feels a little like a palace in Spain or France —with California burritos and great surf just a few miles away. It's an antidote to anyone tired of overly slick, minimalist hotels geared toward millennials. What's the backstory?Inspired by the architecture of Addison Mizner, best known for his 1920s-era designs of mansions in Palm Beach, Calif., and Boca Raton, Fla., the design of Fairmont Grand Del Mar combines opulence with a laid-back SoCal feel. Tell us all about the accommodations. Any tips on what to book?The 249 rooms are divided into 500-square-foot guest rooms, 1,000-square-foot suites, and 5,000-square-foot villas. No matter the size, the decor is all Old World luxury—brocade upholstery, crystal lamp bases, and marble counters. Rooms and suites come with views of the well-manicured grounds or the pool; the two-story villas have private outdoor patios overlooking the golf course. Is there a charge for Wi-Fi?The $45 resort fee includes Wi-Fi. You can bump up to faster speeds for $10, but the standard should do just fine. Drinking and dining—what are we looking at?Addison, the onsite contemporary French restaurant run by chef and director William Bradley, received San Diego's first Michelin star. Here, you choose from a five-course ($165 per person) or 10-course ($265 per person) meal and enjoy it with some of the best service you'll ever find at a restaurant. There's also the less formal (but still elegant) Amaya, casual fare at The Clubhouse Grill, poolside snacks, and Grand Afternoon Tea, complete with finger sandwiches, scones, and pastries, in the Library. And the High-end meals are great, but we also love the chocolate-covered Oreos at turndown. And the service?You get what you pay for here, which means first-class service from check-in to room service to the restaurants. Staffers can arrange transportation, set up beach gear, book tickets, and everything in between. They've also coordinated many a marriage proposal; they once lent an albino horse from the equestrian center for a unicorn-themed proposal, and arranged an In-N-Out dinner by the beach—complete with Manhattan cocktails—for a couple celebrating an anniversary. What type of travelers will you find here?It's mostly adults, but a broad age range from 30-something couples to retirees. You'll see the occasional family with young kids, but it's likely they'll stick to the main resort pool while those without kids enjoy the peace and quiet (and cocktails) at the adults' only Relaxation Pool. What about the neighborhood? What will we find here?Despite its name, the resort is actually located in the upscale enclave of Carmel Valley, five miles from the Pacific. In most ways this feels like paradise, but you won't be able to walk to shops or restaurants other than the ones on the property. If you want to go to the beach—this is San Diego, after all—the hotel can provide roundtrip transportation to and from Del Mar's 18th Street beach, which has beach chairs, umbrellas, towels, and bottled water. Any other hotel features worth noting?Hit the hotel's equestrian center for trail rides through nearby Los Peñasquitos Canyon; join guided hikes on Saturday mornings; play on their bougie tennis court where you can get private lessons from an NCAA doubles champ and former touring pro; and send your littles to the Explorer's Club ($50-90 per child, includes meals), where they can paint, play Ping Pong, watch movies, and more. Bottom line: Worth it?Yes; the rooms, service, and amenities justify the high price tag." - Archana Ram
