Debuting as Hyatt’s first new-build Alila resort in the Americas, Alila Marea Beach Resort Encinitas officially welcomed guests on March 17, 2021. Delivering an authentic and bespoke experience in a world-class beachfront setting, the resort presents a relaxed and welcoming vibe of the surrounding destination and its vibrant surf and beach culture. The luxury resort joins the Alila portfolio, which totals 16 locations worldwide, bringing the brand’s sustainable tourism, innovative eco-design and intimate destination experiences to Southern California.
The 130-room Alila Marea Beach Resort Encinitas is complete with an oceanfront pool, four culinary experiences, the serenity-invoking Spa Alila, expansive indoor-outdoor meeting and event spaces and locally-inspired programming. Named after its surroundings, “Marea,” means “tide” in Italian and Spanish and presents guests with a distinct Southern California feel. One that features natural landscape throughout and stays true to its connection to the Pacific Ocean and the vibrant surf and beach culture.
“The authentic warmth and vitality of San Diego, Alila Marea Beach Resort Encinitas is truly a destination not to be missed,” said General Manager Benjamin Thiele. “Our team is honored to open our doors to the local community and travelers to experience our new luxury resort in this breathtaking location.”
The luxury hotel joins the new Alila Napa Valley and Ventana Big Sur, an Alila Resort in Big Sur as the third Alila property in the U.S. and California. Developed by San Diego-based investors JMI Realty and Fenway Capital Advisors, the project was over two decades in the making creating a “special place with our guests and neighbors in the San Diego community,” said John Kratzer, chief executive officer of JMI Realty. Larry Jackel, Fenway Capital Advisors managing partner added that it, “is our hope that travelers will experience a new benchmark in luxury hospitality with Alila Marea Beach Resort Encinitas.”
Their 130 luxurious guest accommodations are broken down by 114 spacious guestrooms, nine studio rooms, five one-bedroom suites, and the Ponto and Grandview presidential suites, the 130 total luxurious guest accommodations and all showcase stunning coastal or garden views. Each room or suite also includes distinct interiors which feature natural elements, with the majority of rooms feature a balcony or patio – many of which include a private fire pit.
Executive Chef Claudette Zepeda oversees the food and beverage concepts staying true the company’s vision of sustainability by producing menus with the finest locally sourced ingredients. Guests can dine at VAGA Restaurant & Bar, the resort’s signature dining destination, and are met with striking views of the seaside bluffs and exhibition kitchen. The Coffee Box is a great place to refresh and recharge for a snack before hitting the beach while The Pocket is their elevated pool deck experience with menu highlights including tacos, sushi and local fish complemented by light craft cocktails.
Inspired by the healing and wellness attributes of the ocean, Spa Alila is made up of five treatment rooms, separate men’s and women’s saunas and a soothing relaxation space. Featuring customized holistic treatments, guests can surrender their stresses and choose signature treatments for ultimate pampering and rejuvenation. To further the property’s commitment to wellbeing, guests will be treated to premium daily fitness facilities, beachfront yoga classes, morning group runs along the coast, nature hikes and more on a complimentary basis.
Committed to locally inspired programming and collaborations to help create immersive, authentic experiences, the resort also presents seasonal offerings. Encinitas-based bike company Electra Bicycle Company, has designed a fleet of Electra Go! Bikes (electric assist cruisers) for hotel guests while local top-tier school Surfin Fire offers guests of all skill level personal or group lessons. Other guest amenities and offerings range from Surfboard Butler and beach services, to nightly sunset traditions as well as behind-the-scenes experiences at Del Mar Thoroughbred Club.
