Last Updated on September 24, 2024
I had been to the stunning L’Auberge Del Mar oceanfront hotel for a wedding celebration and fell head over heels in love with the property; I vowed my husband and I would return for a weekend getaway. We did, though I managed to keep it as a surprise.
Del Mar is located just 20 miles north of San Diego on the Pacific Coast. The town was established in 1885 as a seaside resort and today still exudes a beachy vibrant small-village atmosphere with quaint shops, charming eateries and picturesque beaches.
About L’Auberge Del Mar
The L’Auberge Del Mar resort offers 121 guest rooms and suites just steps from the beach. Rooms are impressively appointed with a simple elegance, many offer ocean views and cabana-style terraces. Other rooms have garden, pool and village views, and some have fireplaces.
The linens were soft and downy which made for a very restful sleep. Well, that, along with my favorite, falling into slumber with sounds of the surf.
Our resort California king room offered 300-square-feet of space with a private balcony, plantation doors and shutters, and partial coastal views along with a luxurious marble bath with shower and plush bathrobes.
Spa Experiences
Nestled in its own seaside cottage, Spa L’Auberge offers an array of personalized treatments and luxe services to pamper your body, mind and soul.
The spa features ten Zen-like treatment rooms, eucalyptus saunas, and an open-air relaxation area with a warming fire pit and healthy refreshments.
A newly transformed fitness center includes the use of Peloton spin bikes, state of the art treadmills, and more.
L’Auberge Amenities
The resort makes it easy to relax with its shimmering pool and sofa-seating poolside cabanas. It doesn’t get better than being at the water’s edge with the Pacific Ocean surf as a backdrop. Guests will also appreciate the private resort access bath to the beach as well as complimentary beach gear and a seasonal beach valet.
If you’re into beach cruising, you’ll appreciate exploring the coastal village of Del Mar with Zybra beach cruisers, complimentary for two-hours per guest per stay. if tennis is your thing, just reserve a play time at the lit tennis courts on site. Racquets and balls are provided.
When the sun goes down and the magical flickering lights appear, it’s a great time to grab a cocktail or glass of wine and head to the outdoor fire pits.
Though the resort does charge an amenity fee of $50 per night, this covers:
- Tennis courts and equipment
- 24-hour fitness center
- Guided Weekend Yoga Flows
- Beach equipment (beach chair, umbrella and beach towels)
- Beach cruiser rental
- Village shuttle within a two-mile radius
- In-room coffee and tea service, and more.
Those who love to travel with their dog will love that L’Auberge is a pooch friendly facility that even provides a welcome amenity for your canine companion.
Dining at the Resort
L’Auberge’s signature restaurant, Adelaide, offers stunning ocean views along with California-infused seafood-forward dining that celebrates the bounty of the ocean and local area farms.
The restaurant is open for breakfast, brunch on Saturday and Sunday, lunch, and dinner. In addition, happy hour is served in the Living Room Bar every Sunday through Thursday from 3:00 pm to 5:00 pm.
The breakfast menu isn’t very extensive, but guests will certainly find plenty to satisfy their tastes. Brunch has more options, as does lunch, however, we only ate here for dinner and it was a lovely experience accompanied by romantic candlelight and a spectacular sunset.
Dinner is seafood-focused though diners can find other landlubber selections. Seasonal oyster dishes, chilled seafood, small plates and main entrees are included in the menu.
Other Beverage Options
Guests can order specialty cocktails, wines and other libations at the Living Room Bar, a central hub for delectable drinks, along with ordering a fruity or otherwise frozen or non-frozen concoction at the pool bar
Lyric Coffee features one of San Diego’s best coffees provided by Bird Rock Coffee Roasters in their coffee shop and café which offers a selection of fruit, bread and other pastry delights.
Other Dining Options in Del Mar
While Del Mar offers a myriad of restaurants ranging from oysters to tacos, and Peruvian plates to sushi, we have go-to favorites that (you guessed it) offer dining with a view. Reservations are a necessity at both of these venues.
Jake’s Del Mar
Located right on the beach, Jake’s offers a front-row seat to the Pacific Ocean and its wildlife. Open for Sunday brunch, lunch and dinner all other days of the week, and happy hour 3-6 daily, Jake’s cuisine, service and ambiance make this one of the most popular Del Mar restaurants.
Whatever you select from the land and sea offerings, save some room for Jake’s famous Hula Pie with a chocolate cookie crust, macadamia nut ice cream, hot fudge, toasted mac nuts and whipped cream. There’s more than enough to share, and when our grandchildren come to visit, this is always a favorite.
Poseidon Restaurant Del Mar
This restaurant located next to Jake’s on the beach also offers coastal cuisine with a large patio deck with stunning vistas.
Weekend brunch, lunch and dinner favorites favor local seafood with incredible taste and presentations, and awe-inspiring sunsets. Once again, kudos to the entrees, the service and the ocean vibe.
We happen to love happy hour here served Monday through Friday from 4-6 pm in the bar and lounge.
Playing in Del Mar
San Diego is a destination with almost picture-perfect year-round weather which means that outdoor activities abound.
The resort concierge is extremely helpful in suggesting adventures outdoors. These include the best hiking trails, exclusive access to golf courses, kayaking, paddleboarding, tidepooling, surfing and more.
Life on the water is always good. With L’Auberge Del Mar as your home base, it’s easy to take advantage of all there is to do and see in the chill vibe of the sun, sand and sea of the San Diego region.
