The Past is a Present

The Past is a Present at

The Lodge at Torrey Pines

By Karen Portugal York

What does it feel like to enter into an environment that is simply perfect? Well, perfect for me, at least. You see, I am a huge fan of California Craftsmen architecture and ambiance—the art, the design, the colors, the textures, the warm and beautifully finished woods, ceramics, textiles, California plein air paintings, glass, and metalwork … I could go on and on.

And, while I have had the pleasure of touring homes where this aesthetic has been beautifully preserved, namely the Gambal and Becker houses in Pasadena built in 1908 by the Green brothers, I never dreamed that I would be able to actually live in one, at least for a delightful weekend stay at the Lodge at Torrey Pines, located in beautiful La Jolla, California.

Of course, I had heard of the hotel and its adjacent world-renown golf courses. I was aware that the hotel is considered “5-Star plus” in multiple reviews (having won the AAA 5Diamond Award for 18 consecutive years). So, it was no surprise that when upon arrival, I was warmly welcomed by their highly professional valet staff (dressed in plaid kilts—a nod to the origins of Golf in Scotland)

and the very friendly and efficient reception crew. That, in itself, would have been a more than adequate initiation into the Lodge experience. But what was truly thrilling for me was in finding myself totally immersed in my very favorite California Craftsman architecture as well. style was the resort—that the Lodge was not a well-preserved artifact of the early 1900s, but that it had been faithfully and beautifully created in the Green and Green tradition by the property’s owners, the Evans family, in 2002.

“My family wanted to do it right,” said Bill Evans, son of the founders and president of the Evans Hotel Group which owns the Lodge and two other San Diego area resort hotels: the

Bahia and the Catamaran. “My parents were great admirers of California Craftsman style architecture as created by the Greens in the early 1900s. They spared no expense to assure superb craftsmanship and authenticity. The fact that they succeeded so beautifully is a tribute, not only to my parent’s vision and investment, but to the architects, craftsmen and artisans they selected to contribute their skills and talent.”

While the location, buildings, elegant landscaping, lovely and welcoming public spaces, cozy and comfortable rooms, amenities, and the hotel’s extensive art collection are truly amazing to behold and enjoy, the Evans’ commitment is to assure a perfect vacation experience for their guests.

“Creating a unique venue is one thing, but recruiting, training and retaining a great staff is also an achievement we take great pride in,” Evans said. “Most of our staff have been here for decades and are like family. We are now welcoming and training the children of the original staff who have passed on their passion for service.”

Dining: And, did I mention the food? The Lodge offers a full range of dining experiences from pool-side edibles and beverages to the casual Grill at Torey Pines, providing link-side meals and brews along with panoramic vistas of the Torrey Pines Golf Courses, to ocean and sunset-views to fine dining (and wining) in their signature, highly rated restaurant, A.R. Valentien.

Amenities: Great beds, fine linens, plush robes, signature toiletries, patios, ocean-views; the guest rooms at the Lodge are much more than merely sleeping accommodations—the cozy Craftsman-Mission Style decor assures a place for restful comfort, contemplation and conversation. Activities: Take a swim, warm yourself in the hot tub, workout in the Fitness Center or take a Yoga class, play croque, practice your putting or buy a round of golf on one of the world class Torrey Pines courses. If hiking or biking is more your style, the Lodge is a just a short distance to the Torrey Pines State Nature Preserve for self-guided nature tours, for easy walks to more challenging ones. Outdoor fire pits for cocktails and conversation; a pool-room; a library for reading, cards or board games; and a full service spa can also fill your days and nights. The hotel is also pet friendly.

Off Campus: The San Diego area is home to a myriad of wonderful recreational and cultural activities for all ages and interests and includes the Scripps Aquarium, The San Diego Zoo, The San Diego Safari Park, Legoland, Sea World, Old Town San Diego and, my personal favorite, Balboa Park. Originally created as the site for the 1915 PanamaCalifornia Exposition, the immense park now includes 16 museums, multiple gardens, craft shops, restaurants and hosts community and performing arts events throughout the year. Also located very nearby is the Del Mar Race Track with thoroughbred racing from July thru early September and which also hosts the San Diego County Fair in June.

LodgeTorreyPines.com 858.453.4420