A Midweek Luxury Getaway to the Lodge at Torrey Pines

October 26, 2020

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Looking for a midweek luxury getaway? We found it at The Lodge at Torrey Pines. This oasis of quiet, beauty and elegance is in La Jolla, California, just 15 miles north of downtown San Diego. And, making it even better: We were even able to bring our dogs along with us to enjoy the resort experience.

The lodge’s charm lies in its artistic attention to detail, from the placement of thousands of bricks to the way it blends seamlessly with its surrounding environment. Guests can craft a stay that reflects their desires and needs, all against a backdrop of beauty and elegance. Exquisite stained-glass and wooden doors opening into the lobby are a portal into another world of timeless comfort and luxury. Architecture buffs may be surprised to learn that the structure was built in the early 2000s, in a fashion that harkens back to early 1900’s California design and construction.

The craftsman-style buildings include intricate and beautiful brickwork modeled after Greene & Greene’s famous houses in Pasadena. The quality and time invested in creating the property is evident, and the results are stunning. It feels as though the lodge has existed as a fixture in the community for much longer than it has.

Adapting to change

I’m continually impressed by well-established resorts that are able to adapt to changing conditions. Such is the case with the lodge that signed on to the Clean & Care Commitment, in cooperation with a family-owned hospitality collective. All employees are required to wear face masks—as are guests—when in public areas or within six feet of others. Hand sanitizer is available throughout the resort, and all public areas are regularly cleaned and sanitized.

Every room contains a welcome package including essentials like face masks, hand wipes and hand sanitizer. Multiple dining options are available to suit guest preferences and needs. These include room service as well as take-out or patio seating from both in-house restaurants. I felt reassured in my research and during my stay that all measures were being taken to ensure guest safety.

It’s fascinating to travel when the pace of life has slowed both externally and internally. I don’t have many tasks on my agenda right now, yet the opportunity to sit back and unwind seems more welcome than ever. Being in a different environment allowed me to give myself permission to breathe more deeply and relax. My husband, Larry, and I devoted a good portion of our visit to lounging on our spacious ground-floor patio, which overlooks the 18th hole of the world-renowned Torrey Pines Golf Course. The occasional clink of a club hitting a golf ball was a soothing addition to the peaceful quiet.

The view around us

 Although rooms on higher floors have ocean views, we chose a ground-floor Palisade room to allow our dogs to roam freely on the patio. After settling into our cozy room, Larry and I walked the dogs on the path next to the golf course.

The lodge is surrounded by an abundance of natural beauty, with the Torrey Pines State Reserve within walking distance of the resort. During early morning walks, I appreciated every sensual detail, from the low clouds hanging above the shoreline and sounds of birds chirping, to the squirrels darting from tree to tree and the ducks floating on the nearby pond.

During our three-day stay, I learned more about myself and what I’m craving from these mini-vacations. I want to be surrounded by nature with ample walking paths or other opportunities for movement to enjoy with my husband and our dogs. This midweek luxury getaway enveloped us. We felt cocooned in a place that reminded me of how much I enjoy being immersed in beauty, both natural and man-made.

Savoring our midweek luxury getaway

On the first night we dined at The Grill, one of the on-site restaurants. The outdoor seating allowed us to bring our dogs along for the evening, and I welcomed the cool breeze after a warm day. The service was impeccable. Even through a mask, our server radiated kindness and was incredibly helpful.

 We shared the appetizer of wood-roasted vegetable quinoa with savory salsa verde and burrata. I ordered the crispy skin Scottish salmon for my main. The colorful plate showcased earthy and deep oranges and greens with sweet potato puree and smoked Brussels sprouts. All of the food was excellent, but the standout dish for the evening was the dessert. The chocolate mousse was quite possibly the best I’ve ever had: rich in flavor and light in texture with notes of vanilla bean chantilly.

Connecting with nature

 After a restful night of sleep, we took an early-morning walk through Torrey Pines State Reserve, which begins just beyond the boundaries of the property. An abundance of paths are available to suit every fitness level. The concierge provided us with detailed maps outlining all the nearby hikes, including some leading to the beach.

During our walk, my stomach began to rumble and I was eager to return to The Grill for breakfast. Again, the food and service exceeded my expectations. My charcoal bread avocado toast came perfectly seasoned and adorned with bright, fresh veggies. The welcoming and comfortable outdoor setting, coupled with the delicious food, made a perfect way to start the day.

 The rest of our stay continued much in the same way. Larry and I hiked again through the state reserve. We enjoyed the fantastic food, walked the dogs on the path by the golf course, and lounged on our spacious patio, while enjoying the occasional sounds of “Fore!” or a cheer of celebration. On this type of trip, I generally would have rented loaner putters and golf balls or an electric bike.

However, this time, I found that I craved the mental and physical respite that comes from moving slowly and intentionally. Against a backdrop of global and personal uncertainty, this calming environment offered perspective and helped me feel more at ease with upcoming difficult decisions.

 What’s appealing to the over-50 luxury traveler?

• The Lodge at Torrey Pines has held the distinguished AAA Five Diamond rating since opening in 2002.

• Its adherence to required and recommended health and safety protocols has earned it the Clean + Safe Certification from the California Hotel & Lodging Association.

• The resort fee includes unlimited wifi, access to pool cabanas, complimentary loaner putters and golf balls for use on the putting green, overnight shoe shine service and other perks.

• Complimentary electric bikes are available to check out from the concierge.

Take note

• The resort is conveniently located approximately twenty minutes from San Diego Airport (SAN).

• Measures to increase accessibility include low beds, modified closets, lever door handles and visual notifications.

• To ensure the safety of guests, capacity for the pool and whirlpool are currently limited. The spa and fitness center are temporarily closed.

• The signature restaurant, A.R. Valentien, is currently open for dinner Wednesday through Sunday, featuring golf course and Pacific Ocean views.

• Visit the website’s FAQ section for details about the property’s pet policy, which includes a non-refundable cleaning fee.

Disclosure:

The author’s visit to The Lodge at Torrey Pines was hosted, in part, by the property. All opinions expressed are her own.

All photo credits: Ann Nelson, unless otherwise noted.