Rancho Valencia Resort Rating: 5.0 Pearls

Rancho Santa Fe, San Diego, California

Rancho Valencia's sprawling grounds, dotted with just 26 casitas and one large hacienda, allow guests to experience a rare level of privacy. The stucco buildings with clay tile roofs are surrounded with gorgeous, lush landscaping -- bougainvillea, palm trees, citrus trees, flowering bushes, crawling vines -- which adds to the feeling of seclusion. (No wonder celebrities like Bill Gates and President Clinton have chosen to vacation here.)

The resort is truly luxurious, with lots of free amenities (including Wi-Fi, breakfast, and even minibar items) along with a full-service spa, 18 tennis courts, and a wonderful restaurant.

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Located just outside of beautiful and affluent Rancho Santa Fe, the 40-acre Rancho Valencia is surrounded by beautiful scenery, golf and country clubs, and parks. It's a 10-minute drive away from Rancho Santa Fe's upscale (but limited) dining and boutique shopping.

• 20-minute drive to the beach
• 35-minute drive to Downtown San Diego, Balboa Park (home to museums and the San Diego Zoo), and the San Diego Padres' Petco Park
• 2-hour drive to Los Angeles

Casita Junior Suite King with Outdoor Spa

The 49 one- and two-bedroom suites are housed in 26 stucco casitas spread across the property, and feature white-washed wood beams, fireplaces, and French doors leading to the private patios.

Minor amenities in the rooms (phones, light fixtures, electrical switches, faucets) are very slightly dated. (At this price point, we have to nitpick.)

• Fireplaces and private patios is all rooms
• Lisa Galimbierti 600 thread count linens and down bedding
• Illy espresso makers with milk frothers
• Flat-screen TVs with cable channels
• iPod docks
• Soaking tubs and separate showers; Amala toiletries
• Free minibar items
• Free orange juice, milk and newspaper delivered every morning
• Free Wi-Fi

The spa

• Full-service spa with upscale treatments and salon services
• Two heated outdoor pools and hot tubs (one for adults only, and one for families)
• Fitness center with up-to-date equipment and classes
• 18 tennis courts free for guests to use; instructional clinics offered daily; match play, private, and semi-private lessons available
• A croquet lawn, basketball court, and free bike rentals
• Free parking
• Free Wi-Fi
• Free juice, milk and newspaper delivered daily
• Free continental breakfast
• 24-hour front desk staffers (who double as concierges)
• 24-hour room service from The Restaurant
• Free laundry service for guests who stay multiple days
• 24-hour business center with free computer and printer access
• Scavenger hunts and other activities for kids
• Free Mercedes-Benz test drive, depending on availability

• Veladora: Serves upscale California-inspired American cuisine for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. The restaraunt has indoor and outdoor seating.
• The Pony Room serves small bites (afternoon and evening) along with craft drinks. The bar also hosts live music on weekend nights.