Estancia La Jolla

Estancia La Jolla started out as a horse ranch back in the 1880s, and at least in the broad strokes, the aesthetics really haven’t changed all that much. It’s a sprawling ten-acre estate, with low-slung, Spanish colonial–style buildings wrapped around sunny open-air courtyards, and grounds positively bursting with native flora. What has changed rather substantially is the level of comfort on offer, for beneath those classic red-tile roofs and behind those sun-drenched stucco walls are some rather spacious, richly appointed guest rooms and suites — plus a set of excellent restaurants, a massive spa and business facilities that stop just short of conducting your business for you.

Though the look is classic, it was only in 2004 that the estate was converted into a resort. The resulting rooms are airy and fresh in that particular California-coast sort of way, and have patios or balconies to help make the most of all the fresh air. The linens come with a provenance (Turkish cotton by way of Italy), the bath products have surnames attached (Gilchrist & Soames), and the furnishings, including wingback reading chairs and leather ottomans, simply complete the picture. It’s all naturally infused with the scents of the native herbs and aromatic plants outside — rosemary, sage, lavender and thyme planted amidst the 600 citrus, eucalyptus and pine trees. (Someone, presumably, has kept count.)

The only knock on Estancia La Jolla is that it’s a little out of the way, but then if you’re looking for a lush and sprawling estancia that also puts you in the thick of the nightlife action, you’ve got a long search ahead of you. And anyway, Estancia La Jolla actually does nightlife quite expertly, in its own laid-back way. The hotel’s indoor-outdoor Bodega Wine Bar is a delight, with a wine program supplemented by cocktails that feature Estancia’s own homemade simple syrups and bitters. The location outside of town also puts the hotel a few easy minutes from the legendary Torrey Pines golf course, a short drive from the local beaches, and right next door to the campus of UC San Diego.