Tucked between the shimmering Pacific and the manicured edges of UC San Diego, Estancia La Jolla Hotel & Spa is the kind of place that makes you forget what time it is, and what day it is, and so it goes, happily so.This 10-acre oasis delivers boutique luxury with a Baja-meets-California (not redundant at all) vibe that feels more curated than corporate.Built into the hillside like a well-kept secret, the hotel’s multi-level, hacienda-style layout unfolds with casual grace. Cobblestone paths kinda meander through lush...
Tucked between the shimmering Pacific and the manicured edges of UC San Diego, Estancia La Jolla Hotel & Spa is the kind of place that makes you forget what time it is, and what day it is, and so it goes, happily so.
This 10-acre oasis delivers boutique luxury with a Baja-meets-California (not redundant at all) vibe that feels more curated than corporate.
Built into the hillside like a well-kept secret, the hotel’s multi-level, hacienda-style layout unfolds with casual grace. Cobblestone paths kinda meander through lush gardens, and past adobe fireplaces and bougainvillea-draped balconies.
There’s a bit of confusing rhythm to the place—elevated walkways here, sunken courtyards there. It’s easy to feel like you’ve stumbled onto a private estate (and yes, the kind where you want to stay forever).
Rooms are spread out across the expansive property like hidden bungalows, offering a retreat-within-a-retreat feel. Ours was spacious and sun-drenched, with plush bedding, high-end finishes, and a private balcony made for slow mornings and late-night wine. The details don’t miss: oversized soaking tubs, cozy robes, and a mini bar stocked with local favorites, and plenty of USB charging port things.
Estancia’s dining scene leans heavily into the coastal lifestyle, with plenty of fresh, flavorful bites and breezy settings to match. Mustangs & Burros—equal parts rustic and refined—serves up modern Baja cuisine beneath glowing string lights and a canopy of stars. (Order the Wagyu burger and thank us later.)
Breakfast at Greenfinch is a bright, botanical affair with seasonal twists on the classics. Even the poolside Palma Bar & Grill has a menu worth lingering over, before your next dip.
Since no resort stay is complete without a little pampering, the full-service spa offers everything from hot stone massages to botanical facials, plus a eucalyptus steam room that feels like a personal rainforest. There’s also a fitness center, a saltwater pool, and plenty of quiet corners to recharge.
But what really seals the deal is the hotel’s location—just minutes from Torrey Pines, La Jolla Cove, and some of the best hiking and surfing in Southern California. Whether a romantic escape, a wedding, or just a really elevated staycation because you can, Estancia hits the sweet spot: stylish without being stuffy, luxe without trying too hard.
The 411: Estancia La Jolla Hotel & Spa, 9700 N. Torrey Pines Road. La Jolla, CA 92037 Hotel: (858) 412-0500. Reservations: (858) 412-0100 www.estancialajolla.com