Copyright Devra Z. Hill © 2003 - 2017 All Rights Reserved
Glorietta Bay Inn, Coronado, California
One of my favorite movies of all time is Some Like It Hot with Marilyn Monroe and Tony Curtis. The movie was filmed in Coronado-a lovely beach community in San Diego. Coronado exudes old world charm. I recently had the pleasure of staying at The Glorietta Bay Inn in Coronado. Overlooking San Diego’s scenic Glorietta Bay and one block from the Pacific Ocean, this Coronado landmark is comprised of an 11 room bed and breakfast and 89 rooms in the contemporary buildings surrounding the mansion. The mansion rooms have recently been remodeled while keeping the old world charm.
I especially enjoyed relaxing in the lobby and taking in the warm ocean breeze. The Glorietta Bay Inn serves a hearty continental breakfast which includes fresh fruit, cereals, bagels, bread, yogurts, tea and coffee. There are also gluten-free options.
Each room has a refrigerator, and the facility has washer and dryers for hotel guests to use. The Glorietta Bay Inn is centrally located to shops, gyms and the beach. The Glorietta Bay Inn is a historical monument with architectural integrity. A true gem in Cornoado!
Gloriettta Bay Inn
1630 Glorietta Bay Boulevard
Coronado, CA 921118
(800) 283-9383
Omni La Costa in Carlsbad, California
With an impressive entrance and manicured grounds Omni La Costa Resort is the ideal getaway. La Costa combines natural beauty with perfect weather making it an perfect location for an escape from everyday life. It has an acclaimed spa, exceptional golf courses, tennis courts, several pools including a water slide and luxurious guest accommodations. La Costa attracts guests seeking wellness and relaxation, and I certainly enjoyed the serenity of La Costa!
Guests can grab a quick bite to eat at the on-site cafés, which are located at the Spa(I recommend the Honey & Calendula Body Buff!) and poolside. The Marketplace brews fresh coffee and offers a choice selection of grab-and-go snacks, locally made gelato, pastries, and other treats. It’s open 24 hours, too!
Omni La Costa Resort
2100 Costa Del Mar Road
Carlsbad, CA 92009
(760) 438-9111
The Apple Farm Inn
The Apple Farm Inn is a wonderful getaway in the heart San Luis Obispo, California. The staff is friendly and knowledgeable. They are happy to share information about the area and what events are happening around town. In the lobby you can relax and sip on a glass of wine, fresh apple cider, lemon water, tea or coffee. There is even apple cider and candies in the room as well as a coffee maker. This charming, non-smoking hotel has spacious rooms with a gas fireplace and high-speed wireless Internet access. The Apple Farm Inn has a heated pool and spa and free parking.
The Apple Farm has a lovely gift shop with seasonal, local and Apple Farm products. The Bakery provides local farm to table cuisine, fresh pastries and pies that are world famous! Every stay includes a $ 5 dining credit to use at their bakery or restaurant. The pumpkin muffins were so delicious that I bought extra to take back home.
The Apple Farm Inn
2015 Monterey Street
San Luis Obispo, California 93401
1 (800) 255-2040
(805) 544-2040
Park Hyatt Aviara Resort
As I pulled up to The Park Hyatt Aviara Resort the valet greeted me with a welcoming smile and a refreshing chilled bottle of water. The Park Hyatt Aviara is situated on over 1,000 lush acres and offers views of the Pacific ocean and scenic landscapes of the Batiquitos Lagoon Wildlife Sanctuary.
As I walked through the grand entrance of The Park Hyatt Aviara I was embraced by the sweet smell of jasmine. There are oversized guestrooms and suites, four exquisite restaurants, 24 hour in room dining, lively lounges, a 24 hour fitness center, swimming pools for children and adults, babysitting services, a beauty salon, as well as tennis and golf. The Park Hyatt Aviara is the home to the LPGA Kia Classic and offers a botanical oasis that challenges the novice and seasoned golfer alike.
I took an invigorating walk around the Batiquitos Lagoon and afterwards I went to the Spa and indulged myself in a body treatment, The Coconut Sugar Scrub. The spa was clean and inviting with a sauna, steam room and Jacuzzi.
At the end of the day I enjoyed a warm cup of tea and listened to the piano player who plays from 2-6pm daily. The restaurants at The Park Hyatt Aviara offer fresh, seasonal and organic cuisine. The Vivace is a four diamond signature Italian restaurant offering interpretive, regional cuisine. This Five Star winning hotel is worth experiencing and I highly recommend making it your ultimate vacation destination!
Park Hyatt Aviara Resort
7100 Aviara Resort Drive
Carlsbad, California
92011
(760) 448-1234
The Marsh
If you are looking for a wonderful retreat where you can get into your "zen zone", then The Marsh is the place for you. It is an integrated wellness center situated on the edge of a scenic Minnetonka wetland. It is a medically-based fitness facility that includes an indoor lap pool and water therapy pool, group exercise classes (Pilates and Yoga), a full-service spa, restaurant, a small boutique and six overnight guest rooms. I especially enjoyed swimming in the indoor lap pool.
The Spa has several treatments which include massages, facials, acupuncture, life style and weight loss programs and salon services. The Aromessence Body Polish & wrap includes a steam shower, a full body exfoliation and mask application with a warm blanket wrap followed by a an application of special oils and moisturizing lotion. After enjoying a Spa treatment I recommend going up to the Mediation Tower that overlooks the wetland.
The Marsh has a large membership and it has a strong commitment to one's health and wellness. They offer some complementary services during the first 30 days of the membership that include a one hour consultation with an exercise specialist, a private session with a certified Pilates instructor, 30 minute consultation with a licensed physical therapist, and 50% discounts at the spa service of your choice.
If you want to stay at a quiet, low key place where you are greeted by the friendliest people ever, then The Marsh is the place for you.
The Marsh
15000 Minnetonka Boulevard
Minnetonka, MN 55345
(953) 935-8905
Hotel La Jolla-Curio Collection by Hilton
By Judi Mjelde
The Hotel La Jolla, Curio Collection by Hilton is just steps away from La Jolla Shores Beach and La Jolla Village. This centrally located non-smoking boutique hotel is close to shopping, The Scripps Institution of Oceanography and UC San Diego.
The hotel staff is knowledgeable and very friendly! They provided me with literature about La Jolla and made some great suggestions on what to do and see in La Jolla. The Curio Collection reflects the independent and unique character of each hotel’s local area.
I enjoyed spectacular ocean views from my furnished balcony. The rooms are clean and peaceful. Each room includes a large flat screen TV, coffeemaker, charging station, work desk and small refrigerator.
Perched on the 11th floor is The Award winning Cusp Restaurant. The food specializes in seasonal produce and local faire. I highly recommend The Chilaquiles (a tasty egg dish that includes black beans and roasted tomato salsa). The homemade granola was delicious! My husband loved the Pan Seared Scallops which included a coconut black rice, grilled corn and a Thai red curry sauce. The bar serves craft cocktails and local and beers. The dining experience is taken to another level of enjoyment due to the panoramic ocean views from the floor-to-ceilings! It’s worth going to just watch the sunset!
Having the fitness center on the premise was an added plus. The hotel provides complimentary bicycles to cruise around the area. The outdoor pool is heated all year round and it’s the perfect place to relax and enjoy the fresh sea breeze.
Hotel La Jolla
7955 La Jolla Shores Drive
La Jolla, California
92047
(858) 551-3600
The Inn at Spanish Bay
By Shari Kilstofte
Nestled among majestic Monterey pines and fronted by a Scottish Style links golf course this hotel provides breathtaking coastline views!
All the guest rooms feature stylish and comfortable furnishings with a warm, cozy fireplace making this an ideal retreat! If you love to golf, then you’re in for a treat! The landscaped grounds, pine forest, Pacific ocean create a perfect setting for a glorious golfing experience!
Was able to catch up on some reading as I sat on the private balcony of my scenic room. Each room has complimentary Wi-Fi, LCS flat-Screen televisions, fireplace and lavish modern bathrooms with signature amenities. The scenic room was located on the upper level.
The Inn provides several fantastic restaurants and it’s just a stroll away from the award-winning Spanish Bay Club and Tennis Pavilion.
The Inn at Spanish Bay
2700 17 Mile Drive
Pebble Beach, California 93953
(831) 647-7500
Estancia La Jolla
By Judi Mjelde
Estancia La Jolla Hotel & Spa is a beautiful hacienda-styled resort nestled between San Diego’s seaside villages of La Jolla and Del Mar. Centrally located and close to The University of California, San Diego. The land that Estancia stands on was formerly an equestrian ranch and the hotel’s rancho-inspired architecture was built to be reminiscent of this. The lobby mimics the stable like buildings that once stood there and the Baja themed restaurant, Mustangs & Burros, actually stands where the tack room once stood.
Estancia La Jolla boasts 210 deluxe guest rooms and suites that exemplify California style and comfort, including spacious Estate Suites and a Presidential Suite. All rooms have exquisite touches such as plush bathrobes, a Keurig coffee machine, complimentary bottle of wine-and let me tell you this is not just any ordinary wine, as it is made especially for Estancia La Jolla from the Trinitas Cellars in Napa Valley California! Other amenities include a mini fridge, work desk, flat screen TV and wireless internet access. Estancia La Jolla provides excellent valet parking, too.
Our room had a lovely balcony with an expansive view of the lush gardens. The grounds are an inviting setting for weddings and outside parties. Estancia La Jolla is a dog friendly hotel, also.
Estancia La Jolla’s dining venues are outstanding! I had an amazing breakfast at The Adobe that included French toast with fresh berries, whipped mascarpone and candied pecans! The Mustangs and Burros restaurant boasts Baja inspired cuisine and accommodates special diets including vegan and gluten free dishes. The Portobella Tacos were delicious! Estancia La Jolla offers a free shuttle service within 5 miles of the hotel so I decided to take a shuttle to La Jolla Cove to take a beach walk as I watched people snorkeling around the cove and observing the seals on the rocks.
Being an avid swimmer I thoroughly enjoyed the heated saltwater pool. There are other recreational amenities that include an executive fitness center, bike rentals, lawn games and a 7,000 square foot full service spa!
I couldn’t wait to experience Estancia La Jolla’s Spa as it has been voted Best Spa Day Location in San Diego Magazine and Best La Jolla Day Spa in La Jolla Village by News Readers Choice. It was hard to choose from the several treatments offered by I decided to try the The Ginger Renewal body treatment. I recommend arriving at least a half hour before your treatment to take advantage of Eucalyptus infused steam room and the whirlpool. I love to be pampered and The Ginger Renewal did not disappoint! My massage therapist had 18 years of experience, and she was terrific! She started out with a special ginger scrub, and then I was wrapped up with warm towels as she continued to massage my feet and hands. I did not want the massage to end!
Estancia La Jolla Hotel and Spa provides excellent customer service, fresh cuisine and a world class spa that everyone will enjoy!
Estancia La Jolla Hotel and Spa
9700 N. Torrey Pines Road
La Jolla, California 92037
(805) 550-1000
Top of the Hill Travels
The Hyatt Regency in La Jolla
By Judi Mjelde
La Jolla is known as “The Jewel of the Pacific” and The Hyatt Regency is a jewel of a hotel in the heart of La Jolla! The Hyatt Regency combines European Charm with Southern California Comfort. This spacious hotel sits on 11 beautifully landscaped acres with over 400 rooms and suites. Even the pickiest of travelers will be impressed with the comfortable rooms equipped with air conditioning, HDTVs, iPod docking stations, WiFi and extra thick signature pillow top beds.
I love to exercise so I was in heaven with the amazing junior size Olympic lap pool. There is a fitness center that is open 24/7 and there are lit tennis courts, too.
The Hyatt Regency is centrally located and is just steps away from world class restaurants. There are outstanding restaurants on the premise and there is 24-hour room service. There’s a bar/lounge and a poolside bar, too. The Barcino Grill offers a Breakfast buffet 7 days a week with fresh made pastries offering gluten-free options. For dinner we enjoyed eating at Drift. Drift has a variety of delectable dishes that can be made vegan and gluten-free. I enjoyed the Baja Chopped Salad with charred corn black bean relish, avocado, and jicama tossed with a tasty cilantro goddess dressing. Also equally as delicious is The Shroomy Flatbread pizza with roasted mushrooms, goat cheese, parmesan and pinenuts and the Drift Tacos with black beans, fresh guacamole, pico de gallo and a chipotle cream sauce.
This vacation destination is close to The University of California, San Diego, and excellent shopping. It took me less than 10 minutes to walk to a wonderful shopping area which included Whole Foods Market, CVS and Nordstrom’s rack. The Hyatt Regency Hotel is just minutes away from Sea World, The Torrey Pines National Reserve and Torrey Pines Municipal Golf Course. I recommend giving yourself enough days to enjoy what The Hyatt Regency has to offer.
The Hyatt Regency Hotel
3777 La Jolla Village Drive
San Diego, California 92122
