You’ve worked hard to get to the part of your life where luxury is a possibility, and as you begin planning a California vacation in the seaside village of Del Mar, you already know that you will be pulling out all the stops, treating yourself to the finer things in life and reveling in all that makes our town such a popular vacation destination. And because only the best will do on this luxury vacation you are taking, you have already scoped out your favorite luxury retreat, knowing that Vacation Rentals by Kimberly (That’s us!) has your back, offering luxury, comfort, and style to all who rent. Additionally, because we DO have your back, we have also created this guide to treating yourself during your luxury vacation in Del Mar, pointing you in the direction of the best of the best and ensuring that this getaway will be the one you compare all others to from here on out. Keep reading to dive into our Del Mar luxury vacation guide.
A Little Pampering Is in Order
The best way to treat yourself is with some intense hours spent at the local day spa, and as you guessed it, Del Mar has more than a few options to test out. We’ve listed a few of our favorites below, and if you decide you want to visit them all, we think that’s a grand idea, or if you just want to try one, that’s ok. There is no wrong way to spoil yourself on vacation, just many wonderful options on doing so.
Spa Na’Mara, 710 Camino in Del Mar, Open Daily
There are some spas that are known for their massages or their skin care services or even their hair/mani/pedi talents, but Spa Na’Mara, in business for over 10 years, specializes in it all. This is where you come when you can’t quite decide which you need more, a massage, an uplifting facial, or a yummy Papaya Pineapple Bamboo Body Polish, and because they do all of the above and more, you won’t have to. Book them all and walk out of Spa Na’Mara at the end of your session looking and feeling like a brand new person.
Love to Live Spa, 3790 Via de la Valle #212 in Del Mar, By Appointment Only, 858-242-7008
Love to Live Spa specializes in skin care and antiaging processes, so you won’t find a masseuse here, but you will end your spa day looking and feeling like about 10 years younger, and we don’t think you will find anything wrong with that! Offering everything from body treatments to hydra facials to unique treatments for men who so often seem to get the short end of the stick when it comes to spas, this wonderful business will change the way you look at spas forevermore.
The Spa at Fairmont Grand Del Mar, 5300 Grand Del Mar Court in San Diego, Open Daily
Although technically located in San Diego, the Spa at Fairmont Grand Del Mar is located just 10 minutes outside of town, and because it is one of only 20 5-star spas in the entire country, of course we had to suggest it. Their menu of spa services covers everything you could imagine and even more that you never knew existed, and you can’t go wrong with any of the services. If you really want to treat yourself, however—and remember this is a luxury “treat yourself” vacation you are enjoying—their Grand Day Spa Retreat lasts all day and features a massage, a facial, and poolside lunch.
White Sand Beaches, Blue Skies, and Serenity
The luxury of a day at the beach can never be oversold, and your choices for fun in the California sun at the beach are numerous. There is no wrong way to play in the sand, and the ideas we have listed below are just suggestions; you can utilize your toes in the sand time in any way you prefer.
Sunrise, Sunset
Although you may want to sleep in most mornings, we hope you can wake early at least one day to enjoy watching the world awaken around you during a casual stroll along water’s edge. There’s magic in the sunrise, one that is nearly repeated (but not quite) in the sunset, and whether you enjoy one, the other, or both, your vacation experiences will be richer because you did. The sky cycles through all the colors, from blackest black to soft and pink to cerulean blue in the mornings, and repeats the cycle backwards during your sunset amblings. And while you may appear the same from the outside, you know these moments will change who you are in ways you never dreamed possible.
Surf’s Up
There are many water experiences you can experience during your Del Mar adventures, but if you have ever wondered what it would be like to hang ten with the best of the best, Del Mar is the place to learn! Offering a steady supply of waves 12 months out of the year, Del Mar Surf School, 151 10th Street in Del Mar, offers beginner, intermediate, and parent-child lessons that include an optional photo package so you can really make your friends back home jealous with the pictures you share.
Luxury Shopping Adventures
Shopping has always been an essential part of vacationing, and now that you have entered your luxury years, it can be even more exciting. No need to shop the sales rack, buying what no one else wanted; when you come home wearing designer items, you will know that your shopping time was not wasted.
Christian Louboutin, Fashion Valley, 7007 Friars Road in San Diego, Opening Soon
Ok, we are cheating a little bit here because the Christian Louboutin store in Fashion Valley isn’t technically opening until sometime in 2025, but when it does, those fabulous, red-soled shoes will be just waiting to jump in your hot little hands. If you happen to be traveling here before the store officially opens, however, no worries; Fashion Valley offers the ultimate in luxury shopping, featuring all the big-name shops, including Prada, Louis Vuitton, and Versace, so do yourself a favor and pencil in this shopping center at the top of your itinerary.
Harry Winston, 3333 Bristol Street Suite 2660 in Costa Mesa
We’re going to take you on a little road trip north to Costa Mesa, located just 60 some miles outside of Del Mar, but don’t worry, you will be driving along the coast, experiencing some fantastic views, and your final destination brings you to a name that you have heard many a time over the years on the “What are you wearing?” segments of award shows! We are, of course, talking about Harry Winston, jeweler to the stars for what seems like forever, and when it is time to treat yourself, the only place you want to visit for pieces that will last forever.
Upscale Adventures in and Around Del Mar
Luxury can impact the adventures you enjoy during your Del Mar wanderings, and these upscale ones are sure to remind you just how wonderful it is to be living in your luxury years. There’s no shame in working hard and spending less, that’s how you got to where you are today, but there is definitely joy in experiencing all that Del Mar has to offer, including the upscale activities we have listed below.
Del Mar Racing, 2260 Jimmy Durante Boulevard in Del Mar
The brainchild of a local businessman and Bing Crosby in the 30s, Del Mar Racing has been an exciting part of the Del Mar landscape ever since, offering a chance to rub shoulders with the rich, famous, and superstars. Some of the most famous horses in the world have raced on the Del Mar track, including Seabiscuit and Ligaroti, adding to its rich and fascinating history. The Del Mar Derby, taking place in September of every year, is the most famous horse race that takes place at the track and is a grade II race that invites 3-year-old thoroughbreds to make the run.
Del Mar Food & Wine Festival, September, Various Locations
The Del Mar Food & Wine Festival is relatively new to the festival scene but it is rapidly becoming one of the most prestigious festivals in the country. For two days in September, visitors can explore the cuisine of the best restaurants in the state as well as the wines from local vineyards and take part in tastings and pairings from both. Over the two days, guests can expect workshops, chef demonstrations, and to experience such a great time, they won’t want to leave when the festival ends each day!
Epicurean Delights in Del Mar
We can’t claim to know everything, but we at Vacation Rentals by Kimberly do know that the ultimate in luxury is an excellent meal, and although you will experience a great sample at the Del Mar Food & Wine Festival, that event only happens for two days each year, and the restaurants listed below can be enjoyed year round.
Jake’s Del Mar, 1660 Coast Boulevard in Del Mar, Open Daily
Offering the best water views in town Jake’s Del Mar is one of our favorite date night places, and even as luxurious as it is, the seafood menu is surprisingly reasonable. Also offer a land lover’s menu with steak, chicken, and vegetarian options, be sure and save room for dessert. Jake’s dessert menu offers treats that are rich and gooey and so delicious, and if you force us to reveal our favorite dessert, we will have to say get that Hula Pie. Made with a chocolate cookie crust, macadamia nut ice cream, hot fudge, toasted macadamia nuts, and whipped cream, life is just better when you devour a Hula Pie from Jake’s Del Mar.
Poseidon Restaurant Del Mar, 1670 Coast Boulevard in Del Mar, Open Daily
Serving sustainable seafood in an oceanfront setting, Poseidon Del Mar offers an opulent dining experience that will make you feel like visiting royalty. Also famous for their cocktails, featuring fun names like Green Flash, Rip Current, and High Tide, a wrong note is never struck with a visit to this fantastic eatery, and if you get a chance to try their brunch, do it. The morning hours deserve to be celebrated also, and their Lobster Benedict will turn you away from standard Benedicts forevermore. And finally, as always, save room for dessert, or at the very least their after-dinner drinks. Flourless cake and an espresso martini makes our world just feel better!
Addison Del Mar, 5200 Grand Del Mar Way in San Diego, Open Daily
Remember earlier when you had that incredible spa experience at Spa at Fairmont Grand Del Mar? Well, we are heading back that way for an extremely fine dining experience at Addison Del Mar, the only 3-star Michelin rated restaurant in Southern California. This chef-driven restaurant is driven by William Bradley and his 10-course chef’s tasting menu certainly offers some wonderful reading material, followed up, of course, with a meal that we can promise you will never forget. The menu changes with the seasons, so it may be amusing to return in the spring, summer, and fall just to explore the differences, because treating yourself doesn’t have to be a once a year activity.
Luxury by Vacation Rentals by Kimberly
We hope you enjoyed our del mar vacation guide. Our luxury sanctuaries will offer the best way of all of treating yourself, giving you the most wonderful of ways to start and end every day of your Del Mar vacation. Luxury begins with ocean views, and most of our Del Mar escapes provide just that while also bringing sumptuous comforts, elevated elegance, and moments of joy so pure you are going to wonder why you never thought of doing this sooner. Relax and savor sunset views over the Pacific Ocean, sleep in premium beds topped with soft linens that cocoon you in warmth and comfort and wake up every day discovering new ways of treating yourself to the best life has to offer. Reserve your favorite luxury retreat today!
