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For many years, I ignored the advice of wiser women who had gone before me, asserting the importance of regular time with my husband. Those first few years as a new parent were blissful, daunting, breathtaking, and often exhausting and we both admittedly put off time together in the hopes that one day it would get “easier.” Truthfully, getting away even for a date night is still a challenge but with a supportive network of family and friends, we’ve been able to steal away for a few nights to reconnect as a couple.
Admittedly, it is much easier (and more affordable) for us to take a staycation together since we still have family that can watch our children for a couple of nights. San Diego and the cities that make up this seaside community are some of my favorite destinations on Earth but despite the city’s popularity as a destination, I always tell visitors to branch away from downtown San Diego to more whimsical, romantic destinations like Del Mar. With a simple duffel bag and a camera, we headed down to the L’Auberge Del Mar for a quick romantic getaway.
Located just 20 minutes from San Diego, Del Mar’s seaside locale offers visitors an opportunity to take some reprieve from the busyness of daily life for a bit of seaside wellness. While there are a number of tranquil, picturesque resorts to choose from, we opted for the L’Auberge Del Mar because of its central location, luxury accommodations, and award-winning dining.
From the moment we drove up to the resort, I felt the weight of deadlines and over-committed schedules lifting. The L’Auberge Del Mar’s attention to detail and commitment to providing personalized guest experiences was evident throughout our stay. An inviting plate of cupcakes greeted us at check-in, and thanks to my quick check of the resort’s Facebook page, I scored 2 complimentary beverages for us.
The resort spans more than 5 acres, and combined with its open-air design, truly feels like a luxury destination. On that warm Spring Saturday when we arrived, a couple was exchanging their vows with the ocean as their backdrop. I couldn’t think of a more beautiful, romantic setting to begin a new life together as a couple.
For couples looking for a romantic getaway free from distraction, the L’auberge Del Mar offers a myriad of activities on-site including a fitness center, tennis courts, a lap pool and a whirlpool spa, a private footpath to the beach, and two gourmet dining options. Couples can also get a massage (or another body treatment) at the resort’s on-site Spa L’Auberge.
Since the resort is located adjacent to the village, we decided to take an afternoon walk to explore the quaint boutiques and shops, art galleries, and restaurants.
My husband and I are total foodies and after perusing the local restaurants, we happened upon Crepes and Corks Cafe for some small bites. We dined al fresco (like the Europeans) and ordered Truffle flatbread and hummus which was absolutely delightful. This European-inspired bistro is definitely a place I’d like to return to since I didn’t get an opportunity to try the crepes.
As you stroll through the Del Mar Village, you’ll find a variety of unique shops and restaurants, most of which can only be found in Del Mar. I couldn’t help myself from strolling into The Del Mar Chocolate Bar which features locally made and imported chocolates from special chocolatiers around the country.
Local art and photography galleries, a corner flower stand, a Peruvian specialty food shop, and diverse cuisine can all be found in this village, located on Camino Del Mar. I thought it was neat that we could walk into a boutique selling couture fashions and then find surfboards and cowboy boots just a few minutes down the Village strip.
Every Saturday, the city holds a Farmer’s Market (and adjacent Artisan Market) from 1 to 4 pm on Camino Del Mar. Here is where you’ll find organic fruits and vegetables, fresh flowers, international cuisine, handcrafted jewelry, imported linens and more. The market is free and a highlight of any visit to Del Mar so plan to visit if you’re staying over the weekend.
If you’re not familiar with Del Mar, you may associate the city with it’s world-famous Racetrack. But beyond the thoroughbred races that are held in the city each year, Del Mar offers an expansive array of indoor and outdoor activities including surfing, diving, stand-up paddle boards, hiking, and horseback riding. One of my most daring adventures included paragliding at Torrey Pines Glider Port. Three off-the-beaten-path activities we’d like to pursue next time include a visit to the Free Flight Exotic Bird Sanctuary, a hike at the Los Peñasquitos Canyon Preserve, and a stroll through the Erik Skoldberg Gallery.
After we spent the afternoon at Del Mar Village, we watched the sunset over the ocean before heading to Kitchen 1540 at the L’Auberge Del Mar for a gourmet dining experience unlike any other.
With its open kitchen and bold, seasonal menu, this award-winning restaurant does not disappoint. You can read my review of Kitchen 1540 on the site later this week.
After an exciting culinary experience, we enjoyed live music in the lobby before heading to our cozy bed to watch a bit of TV against the glow of our in-room fireplace. Our room was situated such that it opened outside to a shared private patio.
While we didn’t spend time sunbathing as some of the guests did, we enjoyed leaving our door ajar to listen to the sounds of the ocean.
Our time in Del Mar was rejuvenating and after a restful night’s sleep, we woke up bright and early for another walk along the beach (we just can’t get enough of it!). We gleaned some brunch recommendations from friends before ending up at Jake’s Del Mar. Located just steps away from the L’Auberge Del Mar, this oceanfront restaurant is widely popular, particularly for Sunday Brunch. We arrived at 10 am when the restaurant opened and a line had already formed just to get in. The venue merges diverse flavors with local, sustainable ingredients to create dishes like their Lemon Ricotta Pancakes or Pacific Crab Omelet. I honestly think I could have been satisfied ordering any of the dishes on the menu.
In just one weekend, we managed to reconnect and rediscover those things we love including food and the outdoors. We even snuck in a movie and a visit to San Diego Zoo Safari Park to immerse ourselves within their Butterfly Jungle.
Ready to experience all that Del Mar has to offer? I have an exclusive promo code you can use to book your stay at the L’Auberge Del Mar. Simply use DREAMDELMAR to save 5% of your stay through September 1st, 2014 (based on availability and blackout dates).
To take a break from it all and enjoy a bit of seaside wellness in the beachfront city of Del Mar, visit DreamDelMar.com.
Images: Rockin’ Mama unless otherwise noted.
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Wow! Just down the street from us – we should totally check it out!
Kate! You totally should. Sorry I missed this : ) Next time I’m down I want to catch up with ya over coffee!