A Grand Getaway at Estancia La Jolla Hotel and Spa

Last updated on February 10th, 2025 at 01:32 am

Disclosure: We were hosted by Estancia La Jolla; however, all opinions shared herein are genuine, our own, and are not influenced by any being or brand.

Howdy friends! Welcome aboard the travel adventure train!  This time around, we’re headed to sunny San Diego. The Golden State is one of our go-to travel destinations, with both its southern and northern locales shining bright on our favorites list.  Each has unique aspects that we are drawn to. Our most recent California experience began two weeks ago, when we escaped the scorching heat of Texas, for the tolerable sun rays and cool breeze of San Diego. From the onset of our research of accommodation options, we knew we wanted to stay at a serene place, in close proximity to the ocean. Did we find an ideal location? You bet we did! The luxurious Estancia La Jolla Hotel and Spa, in the seaside community of La Jolla, would be our home for the duration of our San Diego getaway.

The distance from our arrival location at San Diego to La Jolla was a short 20-minute drive. We approached Estancia La Jolla, gliding through the winding luscious greenery-lined driveway, reminiscent of a luxurious estate. We were welcomed into the property by the valet staff who courteously helped us offload our luggage, and ushered us into the lobby area. Our arrival was several hours before the 4 pm check-in time; however, the front desk staff were gracious enough to store our luggage, and give us the green light to enjoy the hotel’s on-site amenities as we waited for room access.

As we briefly explored the property, we noticed a similarity in architecture to that which we had seen on a recent trip to Cancun, Mexico. We loved the intricate designs and vibrant patterns that we saw scattered throughout the property.

In no time at all, we received a text message from the front desk staff alerting us to the fact that our room was available for occupancy. We were giddy with excitement, eager to set the proverbial ball rolling and fully experience the essence of Estancia La Jolla Hotel and Spa.

The Rooms

Our living quarters while at Estancia La Jolla was a spacious suite, complete with glass doors that opened onto a balcony with an awe-inspiring view of the courtyard. It was quite a sight to behold! Many a time during our stay, we sat on the balcony and took in the soothing sounds of birds chirping above, and the fountain water trickling below. It was the quintessential setup for much-needed quiet time, rest and rejuvenation.

Did we mention that the hotel staff went above and beyond the call of duty to ensure that we received a warm welcome? We walked into the suite to the sight of a thoughtful gift—a charcuterie board and a chilled bottle of wine awaiting us. Can you say VIP treatment?

Besides the suites, the hotel offers a variety of rooms that range from the smaller deluxe rooms to the grand presidential suite. There is definitely an accommodation option available for a wide array of preferences.

Dining

Estancia La Jolla has an impressive selection of on-site dining options. The dining options available left us spoiled for choice. There was so much delicious food to devour, but not enough time! We mostly dined at Mustangs & Burros, which offers delectable coastal-inspired cuisine with a California twist. You have the option of indoor dining room seating or outdoor patio seating. We chose the latter as the weather was cool enough to do so; plus, we loved the outdoor living room vibe, complete with a fireplace.

Adobe El Restaurante is especially known for its breakfast buffet. If you choose to dine on the terrace, you will enjoy stunning views of the hotel’s courtyard. Note that it is only open for breakfast/brunch, but it is well worth the experience.

If you’re seeking to try out some of California’s best wine, Trinitas Cellars Wine Bar is the place to be! Besides wine, they offer a wide selection of local craft beer, cocktails and so much more!

Blend café, a little coffee shop in the hotel’s lobby, is a great spot to grab a quick bite on the go, coffee, tea, smoothies, pastries, etc.

Note that 24-hour in-room dining is an additional convenient option.

Amenities

Pool

What is a California vacation without pool time?  This was high on our priority list during our stay at Estancia La Jolla. We spent a lot of time nestled in the poolside cabanas or immersed in the heated saltwater pool and whirlpool. The benefits of aquatic exercise are real, friends!

Spa

There is a full-service spa on the property (hence the name Estancia La Jolla Hotel and Spa 😉) The spa layout is the perfect foundation for a rejuvenating experience. There are private treatment rooms, general indoor and outdoor relaxation areas. Services offered include deep-tissue massages, hot stone massages, sports massages, and Swedish massages. Additionally, a variety of treatment therapies are provided, including aromatherapy, Ayurvedic, and reflexology. When you go there, ask for Julio; tell him we sent you.

Gym

Also, on-site is a fully equipped gym for your travel fitness needs. We didn’t get a chance to use it, as we were too busy taking in all the sights and sounds of the property. However, it was good to know that it was available in case we decided to use it.

Events

The hotel has event space available for a wide array of festivities ranging from weddings to parties, and everything in between. During our stay, we had the pleasure of briefly witnessing an exchange of vows ceremony at the property. It was the perfect romantic setting, complete with floral backdrops and well-manicured gardens. We could totally see why people would be drawn to hosting their weddings at the property. It is picturesque!

If you choose to host an event, conference, etc., know that the hotel has on-site meeting rooms and dedicated event space. Plus, your guests will have the convenience of staying at the property post-event.

What’s Around

We took a moment to explore the nearby famous Black’s Beach and truly loved it! The hotel is also in close proximity to La Jolla Beach, Torrey Pines State Reserve, La Jolla Shores Park, Birch Aquarium, and Torrey Pines Golf Course.

Additional Useful Information to Know

• The hotel is approximately 20 minutes from San Diego International Airport
• Valet parking with in and out privileges, or self-parking (both at an additional cost per day).
• Daily resort fee
• Electric vehicle charging stations
• Complimentary Wi-Fi
• Complimentary shuttle service within a 5-mile radius of the property
• Rooms are arranged over 3 floors. Elevators are available.
• Adjoining rooms are available per request.
• Check-in time is between 4 pm and 11:30 pm
• Check out time is noon. Express check-out is available
• Pets are allowed for an extra charge of USD 50 per pet (may vary based on length of stay)

We absolutely LOVED our stay at Estancia La Jolla. Everything from the room to the amenities, to the dining options, and every other experience in between checked all our ‘recipe for a perfect getaway’ boxes. Plus, the staff went beyond the call of duty to ensure that we had a phenomenal experience. Needless to say, we will definitely be back!

Friends, we hope we have inspired you to add Estancia La Jolla to your must-visit list. We encourage you to book your stay directly from the Estancia La Jolla website, in order to score the best deals. You can enjoy up to 20% off when you do so. Sweet deal, right?  Happy booking, and happy travels. Now go forth and explore!