San Diego’s Luxury Resorts & Spas: The Ultimate Guide

San Diego offers an incredible mix of secluded wellness retreats, glamorous coastal escapes, and world-class resort experiences. From Rancho Santa Fe’s private estates to Del Mar’s chic beachfronts and La Jolla’s iconic clifftop properties, here’s our curated guide to the best luxury resorts and spas in the region.

Rancho Santa Fe

Rancho Valencia Resort & Spa

Accolades: Forbes Five-Star Resort & Spa
Why it stands out: 49 private Spanish-style casitas, lush citrus groves, award-winning wellness programming.
Signature spa: Hydrotherapy circuit, yoga pavilion, Pilates studio, serene garden lounges.
Guest impressions: Guests call it “an oasis where you never want to leave.”
🔗 Rancho Valencia

The Inn at Rancho Santa Fe

Accolades: 9.6/10 “Exceptional” on Expedia
Why it stands out: Boutique exclusivity in the heart of the Covenant with historic charm and modern spa amenities.
Signature spa: Mila Moursi Spa, featuring dual-therapist rituals, cold plunge, and elegant garden cabanas.
Guest impressions: “Worth visiting even if you’re not staying overnight.”
🔗 The Inn at Rancho Santa Fe

Looking for real estate near Rancho Valencia or The Inn? Explore our Rancho Santa Fe community page.

Del Mar

L’Auberge Del Mar

Accolades: TripAdvisor Traveler’s Choice, Excellent guest ratings
Why it stands out: Coastal chic retreat steps from the sand and village shops.
Signature spa: Spa L’Auberge with ocean-inspired treatments and yoga programs.
Guest impressions: “Unbeatable location and boutique feel.”
🔗 L’Auberge Del Mar

Fairmont Grand Del Mar

Accolades: Forbes Five-Star Spa; home to Michelin three-star Addison
Why it stands out: Palatial architecture, sprawling gardens, and one of only ~60 Forbes Five-Star spas worldwide.
Signature spa: Saunas, whirlpools, relaxation lounges, holistic therapies.
Guest impressions: Described as “heavenly” and “world-class.”
🔗 Fairmont Grand Del Mar

Discover homes close to these Del Mar luxury retreats on our Del Mar community page.

La Jolla

La Valencia Hotel (“The Pink Lady”)

Accolades: Historic icon since 1926; TripAdvisor “Excellent”
Why it stands out: Mediterranean-style landmark overlooking La Jolla Cove, blending old Hollywood glamour with coastal romance.
Signature spa: Boutique wellness offerings with in-room treatments and poolside relaxation.
Guest impressions: “Iconic sunsets, romantic, one of La Jolla’s best.”
🔗 La Valencia Hotel

The Lodge at Torrey Pines

Accolades: AAA Five Diamond Resort
Why it stands out: Overlooks the Pacific and Torrey Pines Golf Course, blending Craftsman architecture with nature.
Signature spa: Botanical and marine-inspired therapies at The Spa at Torrey Pines.
Guest impressions: Guests love its “sense of place” combining golf, ocean, and luxury.
🔗 The Lodge at Torrey Pines

Estancia La Jolla Hotel & Spa

Accolades: AAA Four Diamond; San Diego Magazine’s “Best Spa”
Why it stands out: 10 acres of tranquil gardens, hacienda-style boutique retreat.
Signature spa: Spa Estancia with meditation gardens, steam rooms, saltwater whirlpools.
Guest impressions: “Intimate and serene, perfect for escaping the city.”
🔗 Estancia La Jolla

See what makes this seaside enclave so desirable on our La Jolla community page.

Encinitas/Carlsbad

Alila Marea Beach Resort Encinitas

Accolades: 4.5/5 “Excellent” on TripAdvisor; part of Hyatt’s five-star Alila luxury portfolio
Why it stands out: Perched directly above the bluffs of South Ponto Beach, this modern coastal sanctuary offers breathtaking views and a contemporary design aesthetic. It’s San Diego’s only Alila property, combining boutique luxury with eco-conscious touches.
Signature spa: Spa Alila — offering coastal-inspired treatments, meditation, yoga on the bluff, and holistic therapies with oceanfront serenity.
Guest impressions: Guests call it “modern and fresh,” praising the ocean views, architecture, and wellness-focused service. Popular with couples for romantic stays and spa escapes.
🔗 Alila Marea Beach Resort

Four Seasons Residence Club Aviara

Accolades: 5-Star, “Exceptional” guest ratings
Why it stands out: Four Seasons polish in a villa-style setting with family-friendly amenities.
Signature spa: Driftwood Spa with full menu and wellness lounges.
Guest impressions: “Five star all the way, with warm and attentive service.”
🔗 Four Seasons Aviara

Park Hyatt Aviara Resort, Golf Club & Spa

Accolades: Four Diamond; Arnold Palmer–designed golf
Why it stands out: Overlooks Batiquitos Lagoon with refined luxury and golf amenities.
Signature spa: 15,000 sq. ft. spa with extensive treatments and wellness programs.
Guest impressions: “Peaceful grounds and beautifully maintained.”
🔗 Park Hyatt Aviara

Omni La Costa Resort & Spa

Accolades: Legendary spa + golf campus
Why it stands out: One of the largest luxury spas in the U.S., with championship golf and multiple pools.
Signature spa: Spa at La Costa with mineral pools, saunas, steam rooms, and vast treatment menu.
Guest impressions: Loved for blending adult luxury with family amenities.
🔗 Omni La Costa Resort

Looking to live nearby? Explore our Encinitas and Carlsbad community pages.

Coronado

Hotel del Coronado (“The Del”)

Accolades: National Historic Landmark; part of Hilton’s Curio Collection
Why it stands out: Iconic Victorian resort on the beach, combining history with modern luxury.
Signature spa: Spa at The Del featuring ocean-view treatment rooms and beachfront cabanas.
Guest impressions: Guests praise its unique mix of history and oceanfront relaxation.
🔗 Hotel del Coronado

✦ Which One is Right for You?

Whether you’re a San Diego local seeking a spa day or an international traveler searching for California’s top resorts, these properties offer the perfect balance of indulgence, wellness, and unforgettable experiences.