Lakehouse Hotel and Resort

The word “lakehouse” conjures up a certain rustic charm and, if you’re lucky, memories of childhood vacations gone by: days spent swimming and boating, evenings spent chatting around a fire, nights spent wrapped in quilts and quiet. The Lakehouse Hotel and Resort, on the shores of Lake San Marcos, north of San Diego, takes the best of the lakehouse experience and removes the downsides — there’s housekeeping here, for example, along with the other pleasures of a luxury boutique hotel experience.

And pleasure is the name of the game here. The Lakehouse Hotel is fully equipped for fun, with a full championship golf course, tennis courts, a full-service marina with paddleboards and pontoons, two swimming pools, and a spa. You can eat or drink dockside in the hotel’s restaurant and floating bar, or you can choose to enjoy breakfast in bed, along with a good book from the hotel’s well-stocked library.

The décor, too, is an upgrade from the privately owned lakehouses you might remember from your youth. Sure, there’s a bit of nature-inspired kitsch — you’ll probably find some fish or bird art hanging on the wall above your bed — but frankly, it wouldn’t be a lakehouse without it. And you’ll also find luxe touches, like rain showers and cozy bath robes. The guestrooms and suites all come with a balcony or patio with plenty of seating to take in the view (and many rooms have a lake view — it’s worth upgrading to ensure one). But for a little more privacy and space, the shore cottage is perfect for a family or gathering of friends: it includes two bedrooms, two bathrooms, kitchen and dining spaces, and a private firepit for late-night marshmallow roasting.