Floating in an expansive pool on a sunny spring day, I looked out at the Italian cypress trees surrounding my retreat and, for a moment, felt as if I were relaxing at an upscale villa somewhere in the Mediterranean.
In reality, I was in Southern California at Rancho Bernardo Inn, a resort set on 265 acres of San Diego’s North County and a member of Preferred Hotels & Resorts and Historic Hotels of America.
While the area isn’t coastal, the property offers a different kind of retreat from the typical surf-and-sand San Diego getaway. Instead, it appeals to a multitude of guests, with an 18-hole championship golf course, the tranquil Spa at Rancho Bernardo Inn, multiple pools and elevated dining at its signature Avant restaurant.
These features, all set amid beautifully landscaped grounds, create a setting that’s especially well-suited for families or multigenerational groups, girls’ or guys’ getaways and other event travel (in fact, there were multiple weddings being hosted at the property during the weekend of my stay).
I myself was there for a girls’ trip, looking for some R&R with my mother. Upon arriving at the property, we were immediately impressed by its layout, which prioritizes cozy corners and intimate spaces for small groups to gather — including both indoor and outdoor fireplaces surrounded by plush chairs; tranquil gardens outfitted with fountains and benches; a family-friendly pool and a more secluded adults-only pool; and even out-of-the-way hot tubs, stocked with towels for easy use.
Outdoor fireplaces give the property a cozy vibe.
Credit: 2024 Rancho Bernardo InnGuestrooms and Suites
Rancho Bernardo features 286 guestrooms, including 41 suites, spread out in blocks around the property, all of which are no more than two stories high.
Our room was in the Vista building. (Pro tip for travel advisors: Request a room in this block if your clients are looking for peace and quiet, as its closest neighbors are the spa and the golf course.) Being on the first floor was another perk, thanks to a back patio outfitted with comfy furniture and adjacent to a sprawling lawn. As we walked past corner suites, we noticed even larger outdoor setups, some with private fire tables.
Guestrooms were refreshed in late 2022, and feature light wood touches, bronze accents and white finishes. While the bathroom wasn’t the most modern I have seen, I very much enjoyed the large bathtub and complimentary bath salts.
Guestrooms were refreshed in late 2022.
Credit: 2024 Rancho Bernardo InnSpa and Golf Offerings
Two of the inn’s standout amenities are its on-site spa and golf course.
While not a golfer myself, even I appreciated the impeccably landscaped and maintained course, which provides a scenic backdrop at one end of the property. The 18-hole course was designed by William Francis Bell in 1964 and has seen an investment of some $4.5 million since 1999 to keep it current. It’s also one of only two courses in San Diego to have hosted both PGA and LPGA events.
Golfers flock to the property’s well-maintained, 18-hole course.
Credit: 2024 Rancho Bernardo InnMore my speed is the serene Rancho Bernardo Inn Spa, a sprawling, indoor-outdoor wellness center that’s tucked away in a quiet corner of the resort. Wellness-seeking guests with a spa appointment would do well to come early and take advantage of the saline pool, which is exclusive to spa guests and quickly became my favorite spot on the property (it even has its own bar where guests can order food and drinks). A separate area boasts a tucked-away Jacuzzi, while steam rooms can be found indoors.
Treatments are available both indoors and outside. During my Holistic Wellness Massage, my therapist blended essential oils for my treatment based on my need to relieve muscle tension and promote relaxation.
On-Property Restaurants
Another highlight of my stay was the on-property dining, particularly a meal at signature restaurant Avant, which recently earned a well-deserved Forbes Four-Star Rating.
Warm-from-the-oven parker house rolls at Avant
Credit: 2024 Kelly RosenfeldServing upscale, contemporary California cuisine, Avant offers a seasonal menu of elegantly presented dishes and a wide array of fun craft cocktails. While sipping a refreshing “Summer Thyme” (with vodka, citrus, thyme and prosecco), my mom and I dined on warm-from-the-oven parker house rolls; wild bass that came wrapped in a banana leaf and topped with edible flowers; and aged duck breast with rhubarb, mandarin and a unique truffle cake. Our only regret was not finding enough room to order dessert. (Another tip: Recommend that clients visit the upscale bar during happy hour, offered Tuesday through Saturday from 4-6 p.m.
Another night, we enjoyed dinner at Veranda, an outdoor patio restaurant where comfy furniture, an outdoor fireplace, views of the golf course and live music in the evenings combine for a delightfully cozy ambiance. Our dinner consisted of hummus topped with olive tapenade, a grass-fed burger with caramelized onion and perfectly seared trout, though the menu also includes steaks, seafood, salads, flatbreads and more. (Veranda is also open for breakfast and lunch.)
Veranda offers a warm ambiance and scenic surroundings.
Credit: 2024 Rancho Bernardo InnOther on-property dining options include Cafe Granada, which offers coffee, pastries and grab-and-go bites; as well as the Golf Grill, overlooking the course. While there’s no poolside eatery, guests can have room service delivered to either the family-friendly or adults-only pool with a quick phone call, as my mom and I happily opted to do one afternoon for lunch.
Munching on a seared salmon salad brimming with berries, watermelon radish and candied walnuts under a shady cabana, we couldn’t have been more relaxed heading into our spa time and dinner at Avant — a pretty perfect setup for any girls’ getaway, if I do say so myself.
