ARRIVAL/CHECK-IN: I had been itching for a road trip or staycation for a while and decided to take a few days away from Los Angeles and head down to sunny San Diego and explore downtown and Coronado Island. In the late afternoon we headed to our hotel away from the hustle of the city, Rancho Bernardo Inn. Just 25 minutes north of downtown SD, the golf resort envelopes you in a serene atmosphere upon arrival. The resort follows California COVID-19 rules and, although there is no valet parking, guest parking is convenient and plentiful — perfect for people going in and out.

GUEST QUARTERS: The Rancho Bernardo Inn and Golf Resort sits on 265 acres with a sprawling championship golf course and beautiful walkways, secluded gardens, verandas that lead you to private guest quarters, and fireside dining experiences. Our Serrano King Bed suite was accessible via a winding and charming path with a shared firepit available for guests. Our room’s highlight was the panorama of the rolling hills of the golf course and picturesque views of the Tuscan-style pool from floor-to-ceiling windows and private deck. While the room may need a small design refresh, the king-sized bed was incredibly comfortable, and the large bathroom featured a dual vanity, a spa tub and a glass-enclosed shower. Following COVID rules, there was no daily cleaning service, but towels, coffee and water were quickly brought up to the room on request.

SERVICES/AMENITIES: Our first night we had a casual dinner at Veranda Fire- side lounge which overlooks the golf course and was filled with guests and families. We were lucky to snag a premium table next to the stone fireplace and enjoyed wine and a light meal of appetizers like French onion soup and seared peppers, all with live music playing in the background — this felt very pre-pandemic and could not have set a more calming tone for the trip.

The next morning I took a stroll through the property and its lush gardens and walkways to the spa for a personal treat, a 50-minute holistic wellness massage. Some of the facilities are closed for safety, but the casitas offer a calming retreat for guests with options to visit the adults-only pool after a treatment in a private cabana. I believe this is a hot ticket during warmer months, and I will return for it!

AVANT is the fine-dining restaurant, and from what I can tell is a favorite with locals. It was packed with extended outdoor seating and heat lamps. The service and wine list were top-notch, and I enjoyed an excellent meal of charred winter lettuce, Snake River Farms Wagyu strip loin and 21-day-aged duck breast. The evening was romantic and delicious.

TOP TAKEAWAYS:
A beautiful property to explore and perfect pool

set-up for warmer months

Outdoor dining for both the Fireside Grill and AVANT

Great for golf outings or spa weekends

RANCHO BERNARDO INN
17550 Bernardo Oaks Drive
San Diego, CA 92128
tel 855 574 5356
ranchobernardoinn.com