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Lounging in luxury at L’Auberge Del Mar in Spring
Arcadia Weekly Apr 15, 2013
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First impressions mean a lot. So when I pulled into L’Auberge Del Mar and saw the sun reflecting on the ocean, as it loomed slightly above the peaked roofs of the hotel, I knew I was in for something special.
My getaway to the seaside retreat began recently when a friend and I drove south to the beautiful town of Del Mar, where we checked into L’Auberge and a charming suite overlooking the hotel pool and the Pacific Ocean. To get to our room, we walked through a spacious lobby with sweeping ocean views, and rode the elevator to the third floor.
In the room, we found a comfortable coastal space, with a 42-inch flat screen TV, work station with wireless internet, classy marble bathroom, refrigerator, and a private balcony with chairs and more awesome ocean views.
After unpacking we explored the 120-room boutique hotel and surrounding area. Located in Del Mar, about a mile from the famed race track, the mansion-like hotel rests on 5.2 gracefully landscaped acres, with a private pathway to a secluded beach. The hotel features a 5,000-sq-ft, full-service spa with 10 treatment rooms, a couple’s suite and outdoor relaxation areas; a pool and Jacuzzi, two championship tennis courts, a state-of-the-art fitness center, and 12,000-sq-ft of meeting space.
The hotel also boasts a signature restaurant, outdoor bar and a fun indoor Lobby Bar, where we sipped vodka martinis and relaxed on the patio, watching the sun begin its descent. But before the giant yellow orb could disappear into the ocean, we walked a few hundred yards to Seagrove Park, which sits on right on the beach. Here we watched silver Amtrak trains zip past sand and water, with the sun’s golden hue creating a beautiful backdrop.
Back at L’Auberge we discovered Kitchen1540, the hotel’s award-winning restaurant. Modern and spacious, the place boasts white vaulted ceilings, an elegant fireplace, contemporary-chic furniture, an inviting wine bar, and an open kitchen.
The menu was created by Chef Scott Thomas Dolbee, who brings 26 years of experience to the table. Dolbee’s cooking style centers on taste and a whimsical cutting edge cuisine.
“[Food] is about bringing people together and creating a memorable experience they will want to come back for,” says Dolbee. “Food should be very well thought out, with a reason for being put together.”
Our meal began with charred rare Ahi tuna with eggplant, onion, coriander house tomato burrata and truffle; and a roasted beet salad with fromage blanc, sausalito watercress and yuzu. We washed these appetizers down with Bloody Marys.
For the main course I experienced succulent wild boar, surrounded by an amazing array of flavors. This exciting dish featured juicy wild boar meat, with black kale, black mole, apple parsley root, charcoal, white chocolate and chili nut granola. My friend went with a the super tender California lamb, with braised shoulder agnolotti, tomato jam toasted goat cheese and young chard.
After dinner we walked across the street to Jimmy O’ sports bar for a drink and to watch a basketball game. We concluded the night with a walk along the beach.
L’Auberge Del Mar is located at 1540 Camino Del Mar, Del Mar, CA 92014. The hotel is dog-friendly. For more information, current specials and reservations, call (866) 837-8145 or visit www.laubergedelmar.com.
-Photo and story by Greg Aragon
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