After your spa treatment and hubby’s 18 holes, you cannot pass up the opportunity to enjoy a delicious dinner at award winning El Bizcocho Restaurant. The elegant setting along with the gourmet fare, makes it easy to understand why this restaurant has received awards from AAA as “Best of the Best” and “Best Service,” as well as Southern California Restaurant Writer’s Association’s “Golden Baccus,” and “Golden Sceptre,” Awards, Wine Spectator award, and Zagat’s Top Rated Restaurant in San Diego distinction. Chef Steven Rojas, an Argentine- born LA raised molecular gastronomy whiz, who was the youngest chef in LA to recieve a Michelin Star in 2007. El Bizococho is known for its extensive wine cellar valued at more than $1 million and featuring over 1,600 selections. This is one of the few restaurants in which I have dined, that even years later I can recall the incredible
meal course by course. It was truly a memorable experience, and one you should not miss. Their Sunday brunch is equally wonderful, so try to book your stay to include a Sunday morning, you will not be disappointed. If you are looking for a nearby location for an unforgettable getaway The Rancho Bernardo Inn should definitely be considered. When you enter the property you will feel as if you have entered a Mediterranean paradise, not a resort only moments from downtown San Diego. Rancho Bernardo Inn 17550 Bernardo Oaks Drive San Diego, California 92128 www.ranchobernardoinn.com
The Hilton San Diego Resort & Spa
San Diego
Woman
With all of the great resorts and spas that I had the opportunity to visit while writing this feature I must say this was one of my favorite locations. One of the main qualities I look for while staying at a resort is the professionalism of the staff and the way they treat their guests. The Hilton outshined some of the more expensive options in this area. Everyone was so pleasant and helpful no matter what the request or need. This is among the resorts that I found to be extremely ‘kid friendly.’ So once again I packed the kids into the car and headed for an overnight stay. The one thing I have to admit when it comes to selecting a resort for your children is that it is sometimes a tricky choice if you don’t know all the facts. The amenities are important; many hotels are age appropriate to preschool or teens, so an investigation into the specifics of the hotel choice you make may be essential to your decision process. The Hilton offers a kid's club, which is a godsend to moms and dads with little ones who are in desperate need of some rest and relaxation.
9
The Hilton just underwent a 26 million dollar rehab of their property - and it shows. The entire pool area was redesigned with a walk in pool - which is unique among the resorts we visited. From Memorial Day to Labor Day they have live music by the pool, and a kid's club close to the swim area where there are games and activities for your little ones. The nearby dock area offers myriad water crafts which you can rent to help add a new perspective to a typical hotel stay. We decided on the water cycles and took turns pedaling our way out on Mission Bay. When we first arrived at the resort our room wasn’t quite ready, so we took up residence in one of the cabanas around the pool, which are available to rent for the day at very reasonable rates. The cabana was stocked with lemonade and waters and boasted a flat screen TV which helps to keep antsy kids at bay for some time. Sept/Oct2008