La Jolla – San Diego’s Jewel
After a couple days in the city, I headed 12 miles north west to the exclusive beachside community of La Jolla. Situated on a golden-cliffed promontory, it boasts seven miles of beautiful coastline.
My host was La Valencia hotel, aka The Pink Lady, aka La V. First opened in 1910, the Valencia is a much-loved La Jolla icon now restored to its former glory. The pink stucco building with its iconic tower harks back to a more golden age and remains a popular celebrity hideout. And it’s easy to see why as soon as I arrive. The hotel’s million-dollar location overlooking La Jolla Cove, her Mediterranean-inspired décor and architecture with leafy courtyards, tranquil fountains, lush terraced gardens and glamorous pool, in addition to the superlative views over the Pacific make La Valencia a dream destination hotel.
Owned by the same family for 70 years, La Valencia was recently sold to Pacific Host Hotels who have an undertaken a grand refurbishment scheme that has created new top floor suites and will include a signature spa this year. Her 114 rooms range from vintage and classic to the famed Villas – where I stayed. A fabulous and romantic secluded retreat in the lower gardens, with a terrace overlooking Ellen Browning Scripps Park and the Pacific, my villa exuded an old world charm with modern touches that made it quite unique. Spacious yet cosy, the villa’s standout features were its beautiful view and incredibly comfortable bed with Frette linens plus a cosy indoor fireplace. Fast, complimentary Wi-Fi and Keurig coffee makers were also very welcome.
Premium suites at La Valencia include the Pacific Suite in the Cabrillo Wing and the Sky Suite in the Tower Wing – 1100 square feet of luxury with 180-degree ocean views. Larger parties can secure the entire 10th floor, which includes six different rooms. The Wing Villa boasts its own butler’s kitchen and an outside fireplace on the wraparound terrace. Perfect for watching La Jolla’s amazing blood orange sunsets with someone you love.
The former Whaling Bar and Café La Rue fronting Prospect Street have been transformed into a European-style bistro with terrace tables outside in the leafy courtyard. Art deco terrazzo floors and lighting, warm woods, stone tables and Art Deco chandeliers and leather banquettes feature here, as well as the Café’s prized Wing Howard artwork. The ambiance and superb service make for a convivial atmosphere and a great all-day dining option. Try the delicious moules frites or the innovative kale and quinoa salad. Live music is now a staple at la Rue – every Sunday between 10 and 2, and Wednesdays to Saturdays 6 through 10 pm.
“Our goal with Café la Rue is to entertain our guests with both the menu and the environment,” Managing Director Mark Dibella tells me over cocktails. “We’ve worked hard to create an intimate bistro and bar for today’s diners and travellers that’s sassy yet comfortable.”
La Valencia’s classic lounge, La Sala, feels like you’ve arrived at a friend’s luxury Mediterranean villa, with its breezy Pacific views and club-style seating, while THE MED restaurant provides superb coastal dining out on the sun-soaked terrace overlooking the gardens and the pool, the garden patio or in the main dining room. Executive Chef Alex Emery leans towards unique spices and locally sourced fresh products with an emphasis on seafood. A sundowner on the terrace next to the bar area with a dear friend was a highlight of my stay at La Valencia. It’s the perfect location to relax and catch up in the most beautiful surroundings.
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