Yoga led by an international yoga instructor on the sands of one of America’s top ten beaches, or gourmet dining with access to one of the best luxury spa escapes located inside a world-class resort? No need to choose one when all are available at the Hotel Del Coronado. The Del, an Americana darling retreat of bon vivants for well over 100 years, just introduced a new adventure, Be Well at The Del. The two-night weekend escapes, presented by YogaTrips, are such smashing deals, I may just decide to BE at the Del year-round.
My favorite aspects of these two-day restful retreats were the spa treatments included in the Be Well at The Del as well as the excellent culinary offerings. The Spa at The Del has been voted a Travel + Leisure’s “Top 20 Hotel Spas in the World.” Few hotels can match the staff and accouterments of this spa. The private vanishing edge pool that skims within sight of the entire Pacific Ocean was my favorite. The palm-tree lined grounds are immaculately kept, featuring an organic herb garden. Guests on the retreat can select from ocean-inspired seaweeds facials or a 50-minute massage. My massage was impeccable, as usual (this was my 3rd visit to the Spa at The Del). I loved lingering under the shade of a white umbrella afterwards, gazing at the ocean while tucked in an oversized, fluffy robe.
In terms of dining, The Del and I seem to have a similar philosophy—If I’m going to indulge my body with yoga and a massage, why not treat my tummy to the finest cuisine as well? The Be Well at the Del package starts with an opening reception at ENO Wine Room, a handsome concept-bar devoted to what I call “the taste trinity,” cheese, wine, and chocolate. Five hundred wines, 50 cheeses, and dozens of chocolates are artfully kept within the unpretentious walls of the quaint ENO bar. Equally elegant and pristinely modern is Ocean 1500, where Be Well at the Del guests can enjoy a dinner at a group table.
The following morning, after the final yoga class, was the dining crescendo for guests, which concluded with a brunch in the Crown Room. The brunch, which has won top votes for at least the past 20 years I have lived in the city, is a visually overwhelming, feasting fantasy. Every week, Executive Chef John Shelton unveils cities of cuisine under the soaring, dark wood awnings of the Crown Room. These cities include themed areas including, “Farm to Table,” composed of a dozen gourmet salads and fresh vegetable juices, and “Nothing But Chocolate,” showcasing chocolate infused soups.
Feasting in the Crown Room and frolicking in the spa, however, is not the main focus of Be Well at the Del, as Luciana LoPresto, an international yoga instructor with two decades of experience, will remind you. One thing I enjoyed during the retreat was Luciana’s consistent participation. She offered yoga tips at the dinner table and during brunch, making the Be Well at the Del an intimate experience. Two 90-minute yoga classes on the beach are included in the package as well as a few fitness courses. Classes are tailored to participants’ levels, so there’s no angst.
My mom, a yoga novice, loved Luciana’s morning course, and I, a causal yogi of just a few years, found the instruction inviting and relaxing. The Be Well at The Del two-night package is $735 per person, a remarkable deal, based on double occupancy. Weekend retreats scheduled for later this year include June 1-3 and October 19-21, 2012.
For reservations visit HotelDel.com or call 800-HOTEL DEL.
