Fairmont Grand Del Mar Golf Resort And Spa Review

Our Verdict

Be prepared to live the “Grand Life” if you are visiting the Fairmont Grand Del Mar. The Fairmont Grand Del Mar is located in Del Mar, California just about 20 mins from the San Diego Airport. It is a nice short, and easy drive to get to this luxurious resort. And from the moment you turn off the main road and head back the long private drive to the resort, you know you are about to encounter something very exclusive. The Fairmont Grand Del Mar is a Forbes Five-Star and AAA Five-Diamond luxury destination. While the resort is pretty isolated from nearby shopping and off property dining, it is still close enough to the beach and to popular restaurants and shopping in the cute beach town of Del Mar.

The Fairmont Grand Del Mar Golf Resort & Spa

Looking for the perfect weekend getaway? Well look no further than the Fairmont Grand Del Mar! But, let us be the first to warn you that you will be surrounded by ultimate luxury. No matter if you are looking to play a round of golf at the Grand Del Mar’s world-class golf course, take a yoga class, go for a swim in the beautiful sparkling pools or play a round of tennis, there is something for everyone. There are also five restaurants to choose from on property plus in-room dining, so you won’t have a hard time finding somewhere to enjoy a delicious breakfast, casual lunch or an exquisite dinner.

Let’s talk about the architecture and attention to detail that the Fairmont Grand Del Mar showcases. From the massive front driveway to the luxurious lobby and then on to the guest rooms, no detail was forgotten. The beautiful purple marble that is featured in the lobby was imported directly from Italy. This Italian inspired resort truly feels like a home away from home.

Upon our arrival at the Fairmont Grand Del Mar, we were quickly greeted by several bell-men and assisted with our luggage and we were shown directly into the lobby.

Our Room

The resort appears to be massive when you drive up to the front, but it actually only has about 249 luxurious guest rooms. The main building which houses the guest rooms is very easy to get around. But we will admit that some of the hallways can seem quite long.

For our stay at the Fairmont Grand Del Mar, we booked ourselves in a Prado Suite. Talk about 1,000 square feet of ultimate luxury. From the separate living room to the dual luxurious marble bathrooms, this room offered the perfect escape.

The rooms are very old-world Italian-luxury inspired and featured gold fixtures, dark solid wood furniture and lots of attention to detail through texture with the use of various fabrics.

The Fairmont Grand Del Mar was built from the ground up as a brand new resort in 2007. And with 12 years of age it is very hard to tell as much of the property still feels brand new. The resort features tons of old-world character you would expect in an older property but it was built to be that way.

The Prado suite gave us views of the resort grounds but the large picturesque windows and small balcony offered plenty of natural light.

Typically Fairmont Hotels and Resort feature Le Labo toiletries. However the Fairmont Grand Del Mar features Red Flower, also from New York City. We might have been a little disappointed at the lack of Le Labo, as it is our favorite brand of hotel toiletries.

Dining

The Fairmont Grand Del Mar features 5 restaurants on property plus 24-hour room-service. During our stay we had the opportunity to eat at 3 of the restaurants. Amaya, which serves breakfast, lunch and dinner is the perfect place to surround yourself with Mediterranean architecture and forget you are even in Southern California. We ate breakfast at Amaya and it was absolutely delicious. The food and the spectacular ambiance make this the perfect place for brunch on the weekend or an Italian inspired dinner.

For dinner we dined at the Lobby Lounge which has a really nice cozy atmosphere with great drinks and casual fare. When dining out we rarely order a burger. But the burger at the Lobby Lounge is a must! The burger was perfectly cooked, and on the brioche bun, it just melts in your mouth.

Another great spot to grab a bite to eat is at The Clubhouse Grill. The Clubhouse Grill is just a short walk or golf cart ride away from the main building. They have a spectacular patio with heaters so you can dine outside, even when it is chilly. We had breakfast here one morning and the service and food was incredible. And here’s a Two Gays and a Puppy insider tip. If you go here for breakfast, order the Banana Bread to start with! You’ll thank us!

Amenities

The Fairmont Grand Del Mar Golf Resort & Spa has tons of things to do for everyone. And if you can’t find it at the resort, it’s probably just a short drive away. At the resort you’ll find everything from a fitness center to four sparkling outdoor pools, the luxurious spa and a world-class golf course.

One of our favorite things about this resort are the pools. They are so iconic with their sparkling blue water and red and white lounge chairs. The main pool area features 2 large pools and a smaller third pool. This main pool area is located toward the back of the resort and is very quiet and secluded.

The Spa at Fairmont Grand Del Mar is one of only 60 Forbes Five-Star Spas in the world. The Spa features both a women’s lounge, a men’s lounge and a co-ed lounge. Both the women’s and men’s areas feature an indoor whirlpool, a dry sauna and a steam room as well as a locker room and shower facilities. During our stay we didn’t have any treatments done, but we enjoyed the spa facilities including the beautiful outdoor relaxation pool.

The fitness center at the Grand Del Mar is well…..Grand. There was plenty of cardio equipment, lots of machines including several cable machines and a squat rack.

Service

For a luxury five-star resort, let alone San Diego’s best luxury five-star resort, you would expect a certain level of service. And the service at the Fairmont Grand Del Mar was just that. Everyone we encountered from the bell-men to the front desk, to the wait staff, to the spa concierge, everyone truly seems like they enjoy their job in providing outstanding customer service.

Overall Impression

The Fairmont Grand Del Mar is a home away from home that surrounds you in luxury from the moment you step foot in the door. If you are looking for a weekend getaway, a place to bring your family or a stop on a business trip, this is the place. There are plenty of things to do close by from the beach to shopping and all that San Diego has to offer but when you return to the resort you are able to relax and forget about everything else.

Oh…..and the resort is very pet friendly!

And when you book with Virtual Travel Gurus, you’ll get complimentary extras like a $100 activity credit, daily breakfast for two and a room upgrade. Plus the Grand Del Mar is offering a third night free promotion through the end of 2019! For more information just email us at Booking@VirtualTravelGurus.com.

Fairmont Sonoma Mission Inn Review

The Fairmont Sonoma Mission Inn & Spa is located in the heart of California's prestigious Sonoma Valley, next to neighboring Napa Valley. Perhaps one of the most unique things about the Fairmont Sonoma is that the resort itself has it's own supply of thermal mineral water which is part of the reason for a nearly 40,000 square foot spa. All the resorts pools and spa are fed with these natural waters. Combine the location, a Michelin-rated restaurant, the 18-hole championship golf course and a state-of-the-art Spa, all make this an exquisite AAA Four Diamond destination.

The Fairmont Sonoma Mission Inn & Spa

If you are looking for the perfect place to relax, re-charge and experience fine dining after a day in Sonoma Valley, the Fairmont Sonoma Mission Inn & Spa is the perfect destination.

When we arrived at the resort, driving up to the front circle you are instantly immersed into the charming setting of the resort. We were promptly welcomed to the resort and offered a glass of champagne. The bell staff already had our keys and whisked us away to our room.

Our Room

The Fairmont Sonoma Mission Inn & Spa is a fairly small property in terms of the number of rooms with only 226 guest rooms.

During our stay at the Fairmont Sonoma Mission Inn & Spa we stayed in one of the Mission Suites. The Mission Suites are very romantic with a four-poster bed, an oversized Jacuzzi tub, a wood-burning fireplace and a patio with french doors.

The room was decorated with many elements of old world charm with red brick as the floor, lots of travertine tile, plenty of warm tones in the organic materials in the linens, curtains, and fabrics.

The Mission Suite had plenty of natural light coming in from the big french doors. But the room was also very cozy at night with the fireplace burning. The bathroom was very open with the vanity, tub and shower within view from almost everywhere in the room.

As you know from reading about our favorite hotel toiletries, Fairmont Hotels feature Le Labo products, which are fantastic.

Dining

The resort's restaurant, Santé, a premier Michelin-rated restaurant. And talk about an incredible dining experience, Santé is phenomenal. In Sonoma Valley you would expect for restaurants to have a large selection of wine. And that is most definitely the case at Santé which has over 500 wines offered on the menu.

We started our meal off with a selection of local cheeses, spreads and bread from the cheese cart. The cart was brought table side and a very nice cheese plate was prepared right in front of us!

Next we opted for the seasonal butternut squash soup, which was perhaps the best soup we have ever tasted. And for our main course we both choose the Dry Aged Rib Eye with Ember Roasted Beets, Black Garlic Puree and a Coffee Black Garlic Bordelaise.

We eat at a lot of great restaurants around the globe with all of our travels but Santé perhaps tops our list.

If you are looking for a quick casual meal we would recommend 38º North in the hotel lobby. It is a great place for a quick salad, sand-which, burger or entree. They offer over 50 wines by the glass from local and international wineries.

Amenities

The Fairmont Sonoma Mission Inn doesn't lack when you are looking for things to do after a long hard day of wine tastings and exploring the region. From the pool, to the spa, the fitness center and golf course, you won't run out of activities.

The main pool at the resort sits underneath a Water Tower. A little back story on this, is back in the day part of the resort burnt down because there was no water close by to extinguish the fire. The owner of the resort decided he was going to store his own supply of water in case something like this were to happen again. Today, the water tower has become sort of a Sonoma icon.

The Willow Stream Spa at the Fairmont Sonoma Mission Inn is known by the Native Americans to have healing powers since the waters are fed by an ancient thermal spring. We had to check-out the spa for ourselves and experience the ancient bathing ritual.

The clover-shaped outdoor pool at the spa features music underwater. And it was so peaceful to float in the pool with our heads underwater and just unwind.

The bathing ritual takes places in the bathhouse, in which you start by showering, then get into the main Watsu pool, move to the Jacuzzi, and then walk through the tunnel which starts with body temperature water and then has a bucket full of cold water that you can drench yourself with. You might be thinking dumping cold water on yourself doesn't sound like fun, but it was quite refreshing and energizing.

We always try to workout with as much as we travel. And while we were in Sonoma that was no exception. The fitness center featured plenty of equipment to get a nice workout in. And there was plenty of cardio equipment as well as a squat rack, something most hotel fitness centers just don't have.

Overall Impression

The Fairmont Sonoma Mission Inn & Spa is a fantastic place to stay right in the heart of Wine Country. It is close enough to everything, yet feels like you are secluded when spending time at the resort. If you are going to Sonoma, this property should definitely be on your list of places to stay. The resort has plenty of amenities if you are still seeking adventure after a day in wine country.

Fairmont Orchid Review

The AAA Four Diamond Fairmont Orchid Resort is located on Hawaii's Big Island. The resort sits about 30 minutes from Kona International airport on the Northwest side of the Big Island in Pakuo, HI. And this resort sits in a great location. It's far enough away from the city but close enough to drive into Kona or take a day trip to explore the island. The Fairmont Orchid was first opened in 1990 as a Ritz-Carlton. Then from 1995 until 2003 was later managed by Starwood Hotels & Resorts until it was taken over by Fairmont Hotels & Resorts The resort sits on 32 acres of oceanfront property on the Kohala Coast.

The Fairmont Orchid at Mauana Lani Resort

If you are looking for views of the vivid blue ocean waters and nearby Mauna Kea, the world's tallest mountain when measured from it's base, then the Fairmont Orchid is the place to be.

Upon our arrival to the resort, it was pretty late since we took a pretty late flight to Hawaii. But we were warmly greeted by the valet, assisted with our luggage and escorted to the Fairmont Gold floor for check-in. You might be wondering what Fairmont Gold is? It's an exclusive lifestyle hotel experience. Fairmont Gold makes your stay very personalized with private check-in, exclusive private lounge access, daily healthy breakfast, dedicated Fairmont Gold Concierge and more.

Our Room

The Fairmont Orchid is a fairly compact resort in the sense that from the lobby you can head one of two directions, either to the North or South Tower. The Fairmont Gold floor is located in the North Tower. As with most luxury resorts there are several room types to choose from - the most basic up to the most plush.

The rooms feel very luxurious, yet comfortable. We had the chance to stay in a Fairmont Gold Ocean View Suite, which didn't disappoint. The rooms are decorated very tastefully with french doors separating the living room from the master bedroom & bath. Our room made use of several organic feeling materials from the lamps to the furniture and the window treatments.

The room was decorated very simplistic with wallpaper, dark wood furniture with lots of natural light and views of the ocean keeping it very light and airy.

Moving on to the bathrooms, they are very luxurious and spa like with a great use of Carrara marble, double vanities a bath tub and a walk-in shower. And if you have read our blog on our favorite toiletries, you know that Le Labo is our favorite!

Dining

One of the most notable improvements to the Fairmont Orchid is that they are re-doing some of their restaurants right now. The on property Japanese Steakhouse & Sushi bar is closed for renovation and will soon re-open as Binchotan: Bar & Grill - serving up Asian cuisine over an open flame. There are four restaurants on property: Brown's Beach House (romantic fine dining), Hale Kai (casual dining), Orhid Court (breakfast) and the grab and go coffee and sandwiches - Brown's Deli.

Since we were staying on the Fairmont Gold floor, we had breakfast most days in the private lounge but we did go down to Orchid Court one morning. Talk about a spread, the breakfast buffet had tons of fresh baked pastries, fresh local fruit, plenty of hot food, a juice bar and an omelet station. And if buffets aren't your thing, they have a great breakfast menu as well.

We also had the opportunity to eat lunch and enjoy a few signature cocktails at Hale Kai twice. The grass covered umbrellas, sand under your feet along with the sounds of the ocean make this dining experience one of a kind.

Amenities

The Fairmont Orchid doesn't lack when it comes to things to do. There is a fantastic spa on property as well as a great fitness center. There are also several paths to walk around the resort plus a nice man-made beach along the famous Fairmont Orchid lagoon. The lagoon hosts a variety of non-motorized water sports activities like paddle boarding, snorkeling, canoeing, kayaking and more. If you want to spend a day at the beach and experience all that Fairmont Orchid has to offer, you are going to want to opt for their Fun N' Sun Activity Pass. This gives you access to rental equipment from the Beach Shack that can be used just steps away in the crystal clear blue waters.

The resort features one main pool that is quite large and sits right in the middle of the resort. If you are looking to getaway from the crowd and have your own private space, then opt for a pool or beach cabana. We reserved one of the Oceanfront Hale cabanas and it was worth every penny. In addition to having unobstructed views of the ocean, you'll also get a chilled cooler with refreshments and snacks included with the rental.

The Fairmont Orchid has perhaps one of the most peaceful and unique spa experiences. The Spa Without Walls is literally an outdoor spa nestled into thick greenery with the sound of nearby waterfalls that feed the fish ponds located in the heart of the resort.

If you are like us, we are pretty dedicated to working out on vacation so we can indulge. But it can be challenging working out in a gym that you aren't used to. But the fitness center at the Orchid has plenty of space with state of the art cardio equipment, free weights and even a squat rack.

Overall Impression

The Fairmont Orchid is a great place to relax, experience a luau and have a fantastic vacation. The Big Island of Hawaii isn't the most well known and traveled destination. But once you visit the Fairmont Orchid, you might change your mind about visiting some of the other islands. The staff at this resort was fantastic. Everyone made an effort to get to know us and was extremely helpful. And the staff on the Fairmont Gold floor spoiling us rotten.

And remember, if you book with a travel agent like Virtual Travel Gurus, you’ll get extra benefits like complimentary breakfast, $100 resort credit, the fifth night free, a room upgrade, early check-in and late check-out! So what are you waiting for, plan your Hawaiian adventure today!

Our Favorite Hotel Toiletries

These scents stay with you long after you check out. And you just might find your new favorite on your next hotel stay, such as one of these brands. Here are some of our favorite hotel toiletries we've discovered during our travels.

Our Favorite Hotel Toiletries

When you stay in high end hotels and resorts, you come to expect high end toiletries. But not all hotel toiletries are created equal. Here are some of our personal favorite hotel toiletries.

Le Labo

New York City based Le Labo is a dominant force in the luxury hotel toiletry scene, with signature scents and personalized labels. We love Fairmont Hotels and Resorts. And Fairmont Hotels and Resorts’ use rose-scented Le Labo products. While the scent is a bit feminine, we still love Rose 31 Le Labo products and look forward to them when we stay at our favorite Fairmont property, the Fairmont Pacific Rim.

The Park Hyatt New York has their own collaboration with the brand, which created the Tubereuse 40 – a woody/floral scent – exclusively for the hotel. Park Hyatt St. Kitts uses the brand’s Santal 33 amenities, which we are excited to try out later this week.

And Marriott's EDITION hotels (read our Miami Beach EDITION Hotel review)  have their own custom Le Labo scent that’s reminiscent of Noir 29 – a scent made with fig, bay leaves, bergamot, cedar wood, black tea leaves, vetiver, and musk. In terms of masculine smells, it's probably our favorite Le Labo scent.

Asprey

London-based Asprey, a luxury goods company dating back to 1781, has a partnership with The Ritz-Carlton. Guests of the brand’s properties around the world enjoy Asprey’s Purple Water Collection, a fresh citrus fragrance with spicy notes.

Ferragamo

Famed fashion designer Salvatore Ferragamo entered the world of high-end toiletries after forming a partnership with the Waldorf Astoria Hotels and Resorts. The company’s Tuscan Soul line of bath products greet guests from the marble shelves of the hotels’ posh bathrooms. And we are a big fan of the Ferragamo toiletries. They smell fresh and light, but aren’t overly floral.

Julien Farel

Loews Hotels feature toiletries by celebrity hairstylist Julien Farel, whose past clients have included stars such as Kate Moss, Richard Gere, and Giuliana Rancic.

Loews Hotels and Julien Farel describe the toiletries as a custom assortment of Julien Farel Anti-Aging Haircare and Body Products. And they feature clinically proven Anti-Aging Bioactives, such as Hyaluronic Acid. Plus they work to intensely hydrate and protect the skin, scalp and hair.

And we always look forward to using them when staying at Loews Hotels like our recent stay at Loews Hotel 1000.

Aromatherapy Associates London

At Conrad Hotels & Resorts, you'll actually get your choice of three different brands of toiletries including Shanghai Tang, Temple Spa and The Refinery (by Aromatherapy Associates London).

We are big fans of Aromatherapy Associates London and we really enjoy The Refinery Line. The Refinery, inspired by the renowned men's grooming salon in London, is blended with the latest cutting-edge ingredients and essential oils to care for pre and post shave skin. Designed for any age, skin is soothed, calmed and protected.

Lather

And finally, Andaz Hotels & Resorts features the Pasadena-based organic skincare line Lather in their rooms. The Lather bath and body products (including bamboo-lemongrass body wash, mint-thyme shampoo, and yuzu-bergamot conditioner) smelled fantastic. And they are definitely one of our favorites.

What are your favorite hotel toiletries? Comment and let us know!

Fairmont Banff Springs Review

The Fairmont Banff Springs, also known as the Castle of the Rockies, is conveniently located in the heart of the Banff National Park. It sits just above Bow Falls and within walking distance of Banff Village.

Banff Springs Resort

The Banff Springs Resort, originally built in 1888 was remodeled in 1928 to resemble a European Castle. And the property was declared a national historic site by the government of Canada in 1988. The resort is not only luxurious and close to all of the attractions in Banff, but the resort itself offers plenty to do including a pool, spa, bowling alley and numerous dining options.

Once we arrived at the Banff Springs Resort, we were quickly greeted by the valet staff. They asked our name and within minutes a hotel guest services representative met us at our car with our room keys and resort information. There was no waiting in line and within minutes we were off to our room.

Fairmont Hotels & Resorts are now a part of Accor. That means that sadly, the Fairmont President's Club is no more. Fairmont Hotels and Resorts are now part of the Accor Loyalty Program, Le Club. As a platinum member with Le Club, we received two complimentary drink vouchers. Otherwise, loyalty recognition was almost non-existent. A sad change from the Fairmont President's Club that so many of us truly loved.

Our Room

The Fairmont Banff Springs has 768 rooms and suites. We had a standard king room with a mountain view. One thing we should point out is that the rooms at the Banff Springs are fairly small. But that's expected as the rooms were designed in another era. Our room had a beautiful view of Bow Falls and Tunnel Mountain. The hotel is starting to renovate and increase the size of some of the rooms in the castle part of the hotel.

And like the room, the bathroom was small, but again functional. With a single sink, toilet and shower/tub combo, the bathroom served it's purpose.

Like most Fairmont Hotels & Resort, the Fairmont Banff Springs offers Rose 31 scented toiletries, which were created exclusively for the Fairmont hotel chain. And the Rose 31 toiletries are personally some of our favorite.

Dining

The hotel features an impressive number of restaurants, fine dining venues, and bars.

Chop House 1888 is a modern twist on the authentic chop-house. And they serve up a menu focused on prime cuts of Alberta beef, sustainably sourced wild game and Ocean Wise seafood. If you are a steak lover, treat yourself to a meal at Chop House 1888. You won't be disappointed!

Another great restaurant is the Vermillion Room, which is one of the newest restaurants in the Castle. The Vermillion Room is a brasserie or bistro style restaurant. The bistro has an upscale feel. And it reminds you of stepping back in time with it's blue velvet chairs and lots of brass accents. We enjoyed dinner and Sunday Brunch in the Vermillion Room. And both meals were excellent. And you can't beat the Vermillion Room's view!

Castello Ristorante is a place where you can celebrate the simple pleasures of great food, wine and company with an authentic Italian meal. And if you are looking for Alpine Cuisine, grab a table at Waldhaus Restaurant which features a menu consisting of schnitzel and fondue.

The Banff Springs Resort also has a spot for sushi (Samurai Sushi Bar and Restaurant and a tastings and wine bar, Grapes.

And finally, the newly redesigned and opened coffee shop. Stock, adjacent to the hotel lobby is amazing. Stock serves up delicious coffee, yummy pastries and delicious sandwiches.

Amenities

The Fairmont Banff Springs Resort features superb aquatic facilities, which are accessible to hotel guests only.

The aquatic area has a large saltwater indoor pool, an indoor whirlpool, a kid’s wading pool, and an outdoor pool. The outdoor pool is heated and offers great views of the surrounding mountains.

Plan to spend some time at Willow Stream Spa. The 38,000-square-foot spa offers first-class pampering surrounded by majestic mountain beauty. Reminiscent of the hot springs that beckoned travelers over 100 years ago, the pulsating waterfalls and the mineral pool in the heart of the spa rejuvenate tired muscles and soothe troubled spirits.

Families will appreciate the endless hotel activities suitable for kids of all ages. Activities include the extensive pool area and Kids Club plus the Banff Springs bowling lanes (which we might have given a try ourselves).

And if you a golfer, don't worry, the Fairmont Banff Springs has you covered too. Renowned for its panoramic beauty and breathtaking views in every direction, the hotel’s magnificent golf course is a captivating and challenging layout set in the heart of Canada’s Rocky Mountains. Stanley Thompson, Canada’s renowned golf course architect, laid out the original 18 holes in 1928 along the winding Bow River. After an expansion in 1989, the course now has 27 holes of championship layout, that inspire everyone from first-time players to seasoned golfers.

Overall Impression

The Fairmont Banff Springs is an amazing resort. The Castle of the Rockies is definitely impressive. Do yourself a favor and take a tour of the Castle. The tour, which is a walking tour given by a staff member of the resort, is a fascinating way to learn about the history of this larger than life resort.

The resort amenities kept us busy and we enjoyed spending time at the spa. And the resort's restaurants are just fantastic. We loved both of the meals we had at The Vermillion Room. Plus the coffee at Stock was delicious. And enjoying a cocktail in the evening with a view of the spectacular mountains is the perfect way to finish off a busy day.

There is plenty to do in the Banff area including dozens of hikes, canoeing, plus day trips to places like Lake Louise. If Banff has been on your bucket list, we definitely recommend visiting this picturesque resort town in the Canadian Rockies.

And remember, if you book with a travel agent like Virtual Travel Gurus, you'll get extra benefits like complimentary breakfast, a welcome amenity, room upgrade, early check-in and late check-out!