La Jolla San Diego, California
Renovated
2024
Price
$$$
Rated for
Design Wellness ResortOutside the door
Botanical rancho retreat
Stone pathways weave through ten botanical acres of citrus and pine trees, connecting low-slung hacienda courtyards with sunlit brick terraces.
“The grounds are the real stand-outs at this La Jolla hotel and spa.”
What it’s good at
Notable
Spanish colonial hacienda architecture incorporates salvaged estate bricks, saddle-leather accents, and custom Mexican-inspired tilework across low-slung buildings.
Notable
Saltwater whirlpools, outdoor meditation gardens, and eucalyptus steam complement weekend lawn yoga and sound bath sessions.
Notable
Ten botanical acres connect courtyard gardens, a heated saltwater pool, private cabanas, and weekend wellness programming.
What they say
Michelin Selected
Michelin
Forbes Recommended
Forbes Travel Guide
2026
Also in Condé Nast Traveler and AFAR.
It’s a sprawling ten-acre estate, with low-slung, Spanish colonial–style buildings wrapped around sunny open-air courtyards, and grounds positively bursting with native flora.
Somewhere quiet
Away from the crowds. Getting around takes intention.
Set across from UC San Diego in La Jolla Farms, the grounds sit minutes from Torrey Pines State Reserve and coastal bluffs.
The rooms
Rooms pair nailhead headboards with encaustic-inspired tilework, opening onto private balconies or patios nestled among the courtyard gardens.
The pool
Bring a swimsuit.
Striped cabanas and daybeds line the heated outdoor saltwater pool under tall palms.
The spa
The garden spa has an outdoor patio with a stucco fireplace, cushioned daybeds, and a couples soaking tub.
Dogs stay too.
At the table
Mustangs & Burros serves Baja-coastal cuisine beside roaring brick fireplaces, and the café uses honey from the estate apiary.
The former home of an 1880s equestrian estate, Estancia La Jolla Hotel & Spa pays homage to its historic past through its design.
How it began
Occupying an 1880s horse ranch, the property incorporates salvaged bricks into buildings modeled after the original estate stables and tack room.
“Escape to the hacienda-style Estancia La Jolla Hotel & Spa for the night, before drying off and heading home.”
Good to know
Stay here
Estancia La Jolla Hotel & Spa
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San Diego
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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.