Blufftop surf resort
Perched on a coastal bluff in Leucadia, the resort pairs relaxed surf culture with understated driftwood tones and ocean views.
“Airy Mark Zeff Associates-designed rooms bring beach-chic indoors with wooden floors and accents that mimic the color of bleached driftwood.”
Where it shines
Notable
Driftwood tones and reclaimed wood sit alongside large-format surf photography above the bluffs.
Notable
Surfboard butlers transport boards to the break, and oceanfront patios hold private fire pits.
Notable
Blufftop yoga and sound healing join botanical spa rituals inspired by Kumeyaay traditions.
What they say
Michelin Selected
Michelin
Forbes Recommended
Forbes Travel Guide
2026
Also in AFAR.
modernist-inspired, confidently luxe style looks just as appealing on the California coast.
Somewhere quiet
Away from the crowds. Getting around takes intention.
A bluffside path leads down to Ponto Beach, with iconic breaks like Swami's and downtown Encinitas just a short drive away.
The rooms
Rooms feature private balconies overlooking the ocean, lagoon, or gardens, with in-room wetsuit racks and select patios adding outdoor fire pits.
The pool
Bring a swimsuit.
The oceanfront pool sits along the bluff's edge, lined with daybed cabanas looking straight down to Ponto Beach.
The spa
Milling stone therapies and coastal botanicals take place in light-wood suites alongside separate saunas.
The gym
Light wood floors run through the fitness studio, set with cardio machines and stationary bikes.
VAGA Restaurant & Bar
From an oceanfront terrace, the flagship kitchen serves coastal California seafood with Mexican and Asian accents.
that might mean bumping up from a standard king room to an ocean-view suite at the Pacific Ocean–facing Alila Marea Beach Resort in Encinitas, California.
Restaurant
Coffee Box
The walk-up cafe pours coffee from local San Diego roasters alongside fresh pastries and acai bowls.
At the table
The Pocket serves craft beers and fish tacos beside the pool deck, lined with custom surfboard wall panels.
How it began
Opened in 2021, the property was built into the bluffs as the Alila brand's first ground-up resort in the Americas.
Good to know
Stay here
Alila Marea Beach Resort Encinitas
See rooms and prices on Expedia or Booking.com.
Add dates to see the price for your stay.
We may earn a commission when you book through Expedia or Booking.com. It never decides which hotels we include or how we rate them.
Encinitas
More like this
Twelve Senses Retreat
“Elemental modernist guesthouse”
The app
Like this one? There are so many more.
Swipe any city’s hotels and heart the ones you love. The app gets your taste.
Our shorthand
How we rate hotels.
The medals
Gold
Extremely rare. Sets the global standard.
Silver
Brilliant execution. And we’re picky.
Bronze
They did this well. You’ll notice.
Listed
A defining trait. Makes the hotel what it is.
The eight vibes
Design
Built around a vision. Even the door handles have a designer.
Luxe
Cared for at every turn. The bath is drawn before you ask.
Local
It could only be here. You wake up knowing where you are.
Social
Where the city goes out. The bar is full and the night is young.
Heritage
A building with a story. Once a palace, a monastery, a station.
Wellness
You leave feeling new. Rest, sweat, soak and sleep like a stone.
Classic
The city grew up with it. Same rituals, same regulars, same bar.
Resort
A world of its own. Something to do from breakfast to nightcap.
The scene
Lively
Where things happen: restaurants, shops, people.
Central
Well-located: walkable to some things, a short ride to more.
Quiet
Away from the crowds. Getting around takes intention.
Secluded
A place apart: the property is the destination.