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L Auberge Del Mar

I'll meet you in Del Mar under the trees. by Donald

The story of L'Auberge Del Mar is a story of time and place. Rebuilt on the history and the bone structure of the historic Stratford Inn, the new resort and spa are contemporary in their relaxation prowess, yet located in a magical place beneath the trees.

A stroll along the Camino Del Mar, as it ribbons through the village of Del Mar in San Diego's North County, shows that many of the stores and office buildings reflect the architectural style of the original Stratford Inn with its Tudor beams and stucco finish. It was built in the early 1900s and it set the standard for resorts of the time. Over time, a village grew around it and apparently tried to emulate its success by appropriating elements of the Stratford Inn design. But substitutes would not do for the Hollywood set and the Stratford Inn became the sole benchmark of business and eventually the village elder. Time passes, client's tastes change, and in later years attendance waned. The hotel's goal of "rejuvenation by the sea" did not wane and after several transitions in ownership, the Destination Hotels and Resorts saw the magic and the L'Auberge Del Mar was born with a new rule book of standards for the village businesses to learn. A rise in the roadway enabled a private entryway behind trees that leads to a secluded retreat. This, combined with impeccable valet service starts a magical retreat in a special place. An upscale restaurant called the Waterfall Terrace Restaurant completes the transformation. Here is where microbiotic, fusion, organic and "tastes good" are not just words, but a lifestyle, to Chef Paul who makes a culinary monument out of every dish.

Let the valet take the car keys, and bring the bags to the front desk; all you have to do is enjoy the ocean breeze. After check-in, don't waste time. The bags will be sent to your room and you can take the opportunity to plan the possibilities of the week. If this is your first time here, check out the lobby. It offers a pictorial history of the Spa and a short "walkway" introduction to its facilities. This is the only way to take a hike, follow the pictures on both the first and basement levels to learn of the history and grandeur of the area, see the hotel facilities, and then make an appointment for a Spa treatment. Your room can wait!

Here at L'Auberge, the real experience lies in the individual treatment of the guest with an almost magical anticipation of their needs.

The place is special and it shows. Each employee performs their task as if they were an owner. The building is built in the shape of a reverse letter C with the rear facing the ocean. Once inside, the employees make magic happen. From being greeted at the door by an attentive valet who takes care of your car, to the reception staff that makes registration as easy as sitting in your own living room. They even greet you by name. I said magic because the hotel draws people into the Waterfall Restaurant and to the Blue Bar for a night of romance or camaraderie... no strangers here.

Late in the evening there is the final night's sound of a commuter train as it crosses by the beach road to remind you of the workaholic world you left behind. The rat race dance that took so long to learn is to be forgotten. You are different. This place is different. This place that is across from a shopping mall, beneath a highway, yet facing the ocean is an anachronism. With 120 rooms, 5 meeting rooms, and wedding facilities, you can get the typical hotel services. While they are accomplished in an extraordinary fashion: boutique attention to your details... let's just keep it to ourselves and I'll meet you "under the trees."