L'Auberge Del Mar Resort & Spa

Sporting a French beach-château look, this classy property received a top-to-bottom $25-million renovation in 2009. Changes include a stand-alone spa (with indoor/outdoor relaxation spaces) and a handsome pool area with lattice deck, chill-out fire pit lounge, and dramatic one-story water-wall feature. Guest rooms are given a homey touch by fireplaces and bureaus topped with shelves stocked with coffee-table books and decorative seashells. Not all are rooms-with-a-view, but many have balconies or patios. Unchanged, of course, is the hotel's prime location -- the beach is a 3-minute walk away down a private pathway, and Del Mar's main shopping and dining scene is just across the street. Fine dining has always been one of the resort's priorities, and the signature eatery Kitchen 1540 doesn't miss a beat. Serving a seasonal California cuisine that utilizes organic, sustainable products, Kitchen 1540 also has a charcuterie bar and lots of raw food designed for sharing.

Facilities:
Restaurant; 2 bars; concierge; access to nearby health club; Jacuzzi; 2 outdoor pools; room service; full-service spa; 2 tennis courts

Note: This information was accurate when it was published, but can change without notice. Please be sure to confirm all rates and details directly with the companies in question before planning your trip.