Relaxation and Recreation
As its name implies, the La Jolla Beach & Tennis Club is a great destination both for those looking to relax and unwind ocean-side and those looking to get-up-and-go. Its private beach, with a full 2,200 feet of coastline, offers an exclusive enclave for fun in the Southern California sun. The Club's staff carefully rakes, grooms and sets-up beach equipment each morning by 8 a.m. Cabanas are also available for an additional charge. Guests want for nothing, enjoying complimentary beach accessories like towels, chairs, tables, and windbreaks as desired. Staff is also on hand to deliver food and drinks to beach-goers from its "Beach Hut" snack bar in operation during the summer season.
For those looking to break a sweat, tennis triumphs at this Club with eight of the twelve courts also lighted for night games. The Club does not charge for court time for members or non-members, and, while court reservations are not required, they are recommended. An on-site pro shop offers tennis apparel and accessories from some of the industry's top brands and accepts custom club orders for Callaway, Titleist and King Cobra products. Racquet rentals are available as are individual and group tennis lessons from USPTA professionals.
Other activities offered at the La Jolla Beach & Tennis Club include roque/sand croquet, beach volleyball, table tennis, a 75-foot heated Junior Olympic outdoor swimming pool, a quarter-mile jogging path, fitness center, two children's wading pools, and a children's playground.
Also on-site is a Par-3, 9-hole golf course that also provides key services, such as adult and junior lessons and clinics, complimentary use of clubs and other golf equipment, a practice putting green, chipping area, and driving net.
Rather than a full-service spa, La Jolla Beach & Tennis Club has taken a more specialized approach by offering an array of massage treatments in 320, 60 or 90 minute increments, with or without accompanying aromatherapy.
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From my own conversations with the concierge staff, it's apparent these pro's will bend over backwards to ensure guests have a memorable time at the Club. They are more than willing to arrange any number of ocean activities, golf, spa and dining reservations, sightseeing and wine tours, tickets for local-area attractions and luxury transportation. The staff will also help with special, personal touches for friends, colleagues or loved like flowers, gift baskets, and balloons.
Surf and Turf
One of my favorite features of the La Jolla Beach & Tennis Club is the barbeques available for rent. Around dinnertime in those electric few hours before dusk, groups of all sorts kick off their shoes and gather at private tables on the shore for barbeques and other food and drink-laden get-togethers. In one glimpse you may see a family grilling hamburgers while small children try to catch the incoming and outgoing surf, in another a couple quietly enjoying a fine bottle of wine, cheese and the view, and in another a group of friends apparently celebrating a special occasion. The atmosphere at this nightly communal sand soiree is extremely relaxed, festive and inviting.
The La Jolla Beach & Tennis Club is also home of the legendary
Marine Room restaurant, which for more than 50 years has beguiled celebrities, world figures, residents and visitors alike. Although the Marine Room's reputation more than precedes itself and I knew what to expect, with my first visit I was still captivated by the elegance and adventurous spirit of the dining room set so close to the ocean waves can caress the windows during a particularly high tide. My experience at the Marine Room during my short sabbatical with the gals was so extraordinary that it required a story unto its own, which you may read here.
Other seaside eateries available to guests are the Club dining room for casual fare and Shores restaurant, which is located next door to the Club at in the La Jolla Shores Hotel. Shores features a classic steakhouse menu along with coastal cuisine also served up with extraordinary ocean views. Some dinner favorites include bay scallop ceviche, pistachio crusted natural salmon, gorgonzola crusted filet, sun dried apricot sage roasted chicken, and butternut squash risotto. Be sure to save room for the high top cookie dough mud pie or bailey's Irish crème brulee! Breakfast, lunch, dinner, and Sunday brunch seatings are available along with a lounge for drinks and snacks. Banquet packages are offered for parties, events, and wedding receptions.
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In all, I left the La Jolla Beach & Tennis Club feeling refreshed, rejuvenated and ready to take on the daily grind once again. As the girl's and I vowed to come back for more wondrous weekends of lounging and laughter, I couldn't help but think of the Club's slogan, "Where Traditions are Born and Raised." Indeed.
The La Jolla Beach & Tennis Club is located at 2000 Spindrift Drive, La Jolla, CA 92037. Additional information may be found online at
www.ljbtc.com.
The Luxe List product, service and travel review editor Merilee Kern scours the luxury marketplace for new and captivating "musts." Submissions accepted via e-mail at Merilee@JustLuxe.com.
- Merilee Kern
JustLuxe.com's "The Luxe List" Executive Review Editor
