Summer in Southern California, lucky for us residents, extends well into the autumn months. Fall can an easily still be sitting by the pool weather with our glorious sunsets enjoyed just a bit earlier. As it was getting cooler by the day by the water I figured it would be best to look a bit inland for my mid-October birthday spa stay-cation. There are an abundance of 5 star resorts between Los Angeles and Orange County. I have visited many of them from The Peninsula, Waldorf and Four Seasons of Beverly Hills to Montage, Pelican Hill, and The Ritz Carton of the O.C. However, I had not experienced any of the luxury resorts further south in San Diego, where I had recently settled into a new home.
There were so many gorgeous spa options when I looked online it was hard to know where to begin. So, when getting my nails done at my new Oceanside spot, I asked the local ladies where they would go if they had a choice of any spa in the area. Between the woman doing my toes, and the two others getting pedicures beside me, it was a unanimous vote for Fairmont Grand Del Mar.
The praise of the place went something like this:
“I got a facial there once. The whole experience was like heaven on earth.”
“My boyfriend surprised me with a weekend at the Fairmont. It is the most romantic place I’ve ever been.”
“Be sure to go to the bar on Saturday night. They have live music … and it’s the best place in San Diego meet a rich husband.”
“When are you going? Can I come?”
I was sold. Except for the bar on Saturday night part. Alone at a bar is not a great place for me to hang out these days. I have fallen off the wagon and had to climb back on too many times to tempt fate. Besides, I’m not in the market for a husband, just the best birthday spa day ever.
The Fairmont Grand Del Mar has earned endless accolades. It is one of only 11 triple Five-Star properties in the world. Driving through the gates and winding through the green rolling hills, I was immediately entranced by the elegance and charm of the Mediterranean estate-like property. Magnificently poised on 400-acres of gorgeous canyon, five miles in from the Pacific Coast, Fairmont Grand Del Mar was voted Trip Advisor’s #1 Luxury Resort in California.
The Spa at Fairmont Grand Del Mar is San Diego’s premier resort spa and one of only 60 Forbes Five-Star spas in the world. It features a menu of treatments including facials, body scrubs and therapeutic massages featuring their custom organic product line. Available exclusively with a scheduled spa treatment, spa guests also receive the following amenities:
- Access to the adults-only saltwater Relaxation Pool
- Complimentary Valet parking
- Wet and dry saunas
- Indoor whirlpools
- Separate men’s and women’s Relaxation Lounges with fireplaces
- Plush bathrobes and slippers
- Signature hot teas, seasonal snacks …and more
I knew upon arrival I had found my new happy place. The sweet spa staff greeted me with a few drops of their signature essential oil blend, a spritz of their organic facial mist and a comprehensive tour of the facilities. After settling in to the lovely spa interior with a long shower, steam and sauna, I ventured out to the adults only pool. Thank goodness for “adults only” pools. There were no splashing children in sight and this Roman villa, bath water warm pool was indeed a remarkable place to enjoy in peace. I leisurely indulged in a saltwater swim and hot tub in the still warm SoCal sun.
There was quite a bit of ”lifestyles of the rich and beautiful” people watching to be had in all of their Chanel Sunglasses and Hermes swimsuit glory. There were also plenty of rich husbands in the after golf set – one offering to send over a cocktail. However, he was already someone else’s husband judging from the ring on his finger. Not my jam.
I was so relaxed come therapy time I could barely transfer from my poolside perch to the fireplace warmed relaxation lounge back inside. I felt like a Queen as I enjoyed a fragrant cup of tea and chocolate dipped apricots in a plush French blue robe. Their lush draperied sitting room was a truly tranquil place to await my therapist. Julianne, who came well recommended as lead esthetician, graciously arrived to gather me for my services consisting of an Herbal Salt Scrub and a Portrait Facial.
After a gentle dry brushing, Julianne used an indigenous, aromatic rosemary infused oil and Himalayan salt mixture, which worked in synergy with a cascading Vichy shower to deliver an exhilarating experience leaving me feeling silky smooth in my birthday suit. She then customized a toning and replenishing facial to my moisture depleted skin using their handmade organic skincare line designed exclusively for The Spa. It was 2 hours of total bliss. Julianne had a glowing spirit and a goldilocks, just right, healing touch. She even sent me home with a little gift of a dry brush and a take home container of the salt scrub.
After emerging from a day of pampering, instead of feeling a year older this birthday, I looked and felt a well rested 5 years younger. Best self-care birthday ever. Fairmont Grand Del Mar, I’ll be back!