San Diego to Seattle: Our Exclusive New

Pacific Coast Resort and Hideaway Guide

Highlighted by many exciting new discoveries, our resort and hideaway itinerary for America's wondrous Pacific coast offers something for everyone. We begin in San Diego and end in Seattle, with our Page 3 map showing point-to-point drive times.

 San Diego Area

 The Lodge at Torrey Pines

This new and rustically elegant architectural marvel represents a sophisticated haven for golfers, hikers and spa lovers alike. Overlooking the Pacific Ocean just north of the seaside resort town of La Jolla (20 minutes from San Diego), the hotel sits adjacent to the illustrious Torrey Pines Golf Course and a dramatically scenic 2000-acre botanical reserve. 

The rambling lodge evokes the exquisitely distinctive early 1900s California Craftsman-style artistry of famed architects Henry and Charles Greene. Historical accuracy and faithfulness to the arts and Crafts movement were of key importance in developing the property and clearly shows in the building's refined workmanship and harmonious oneness with the natural environment. Meticulous attention to detail is evident from the searing post-and-beam supports and metal strap/wedge joinery to the sandstone exteriors, authentic clinkerbrick masonry and wing-like rooflines accented by projecting outriggers and rafter tails.

An amiable curbside staff (some decked out in colorful Scottish kilts) bids you welcome at an imposing porte cochere. Spectacular tree-motif stained glass doors open to a handsome timber-beamed lobby trimmed by rich Brazilian cherry wood, large sunny windows and a tile-framed fireplace embraced by inviting rocking chairs. In other corners, intimate groupings of Craftsman-style ebony-pegged furnishings rest atop Oriental rugs. Further appointments range from custom lantern-like chandeliers to California Impressionist landscape paintings from the prized collection of the hotel's visionary owner William Evans.

Public spaces also include a cozy wood-hewn bar and the superb A.R. Valentien restaurant named for the famous turn-of-the-century San Diego artist and botanical illustrator, whose works and memorabilia adorn the room. Innovative seasonal cuisine draws on the freshest products from local markets and small purveyors and is admirably enhanced by a fine all-California wine list and truly exceptional wait staff. Meals can also be enjoyed alfresco on an expansive deck overlooking the pool, or at the more casual Grill adjacent to the golf shop.  

The resort houses 175 spacious accommodations with balconies Craftsman-style furnishings, plus carpets and fabrics inspired by historic William Morris patterns. Basket-weave marble flooring, double sinks and deep soaking tubs highlight the well-equipped baths. Other modern room touches include high-speed Internet access and data port phones with voicemail. Gas fireplaces and separate marble stall showers augment the preferred 'Palisades' units, which afford sweeping ocean views and fabulous sunsets across the golf course.

Among the on-premise diversions: a heated outdoor pool, croquet lawn, bocce court, state-of-the-art cardio/strength fitness room and lavish 9500-square-foot spa offering an impressive array of massages, body wraps, and aromatherapy treatments. Off site, golfers will appreciate Torrey Pines' two legendary municipal links, the site for the annual PGA Buick Invitational and 2008 U.S. Open! Golf packages and limited guaranteed tee times are available (and the latter should be booked 10 days in advance).

Hiking in the scenic nearby Torrey Pines seaside nature reserve is also a must, the unique terrain laced with rare gnarly pines, rugged canyons and bizarrely eroded sandstone cliffs leading down to a walking beach. Other nearby enticements include the trendy boutiques of La Jolla and Del Mar, plus world-renowned Sea World, the San Diego Zoo and the Birch Aquarium at Scripps Institute of Oceanography.

Palisades Double/Single, $485 - $625, depending on time of year. Suite on request. 'Signature rooms' not recommended because of their limited views and the darkness of some of the ground-level units. Contact: The Lodge at Torrey Pines, 11480 North Torrey Pines Road, La Jolla, CA 92037. Tel. (800) 656-0087 or (858) 453-4420. Fax (858) 488-1387.

For reservations call 888-826-0224, or for further information contact Steve Pelzer at (858) 777-6706, spelzer@lodgetorreypines.com or visit www.lodgetorreypines.com.

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