Page 14 - Carol LeBeau

L’Auberge Del Mar

Sitting upon the historic site of the original Strafford Inn,
L’Auberge Del Mar reopened in June of this year after a
25 million dollar renovation. The Strafford, which even-
tually became the original Hotel Del Mar, was a favorite
hot spot for Hollywood film stars and the playground of
the rich and famous. Just in time for Race season at
the Del Mar Racetrack, L’Auberge reopened introducing
a new concept in luxury hotel experiences. The feeling
is that of a high end private estate, reminding me of my
roots back in the Hamptons on Long Island. The renova-
tion of this 120 room resort will surprise those of you who
visited this resort pre renovation. The lobby opens up to
the Pacific Ocean providing an open air beachy feeling
that is hard to duplicate anywhere else. The new Wind-
fall Terrace boasts a 14 foot illuminated waterfall, Bleu
Bar, adorned with a sleek fire pit and overlooking the
pool deck just below. World-renowned Barclay Buterra,
who previously only utilized his talents and expertise on
private homes and estates, is responsible for the new
look and feel of the rooms.

Executive chef Paul McCabe oversees all food prepa-
ration at L’Auberge. I had the opportunity to meet him
while having lunch and heard about plans for their newly
renovated restaurant. You can hear the excitement as he
talks of the plans for a complete renovation of the menu
and ambience.

Chef McCabe, who was previously an Executive Chef
14 for San Diego's Top of the Cove and Star of the Sea, has
been heralded as a “rising star of American Cuisine” by
the James Beard Foundation. Chef McCabe has cooked
for some of Hollywood's hottest stars from across the
globe. McCabe and his culinary team have consistently
won awards, recently winning Golden Sceptre and Gold- package includes a room and two 50 minute massages for
en Baccus awards from the Southern California Restaurant you while your pet is treated to a VIP canine suite at the
Writers, the Wine Spectator Magazine Award of Excellence, renowned Helen Woodward Animal Center in nearby Rancho
and Best Hotel Dining by San Diego City Search. Santa Fe. Included in Fido’s weekend of decadence is an
Slated to open in October the new restaurant sounds amaz- essential oils massage special bathing sessions, groom-
ing. It will combine world class dining with an outstanding ing and style with hair accessories, teeth cleaning and a
atmosphere. Guests will have the choice of dining under the manicure/pedicure with polish. Your pampered pet will also
stars in an oversized cabana side by side with a flickering fire receive a $25.00 gift certificate to Dexter’s Deli of Del Mar.
pit and a lively waterfall, or in indoors in a sleek new dining Once you and your pooch have been sufficiently pampered
room. If lunch was any indication of what is to come the new a special portrait session is arranged so you and your puppy
restaurant will surely be the new hot spot in San Diego.
can remember your special getaway. What will they think of
next?
One of the biggest changes at L’Auberge will be a new 4,500
square foot luxury spa which will open in December. Tak- L’Auberge Del Mar is definitely a spot to consider if you want
ing over what was previously the boutique, the new spa is to enjoy a Beach getaway which is only a short distance from
planned to be one of the finest in Southern California.
downtown San Diego and The Village in Del Mar. Not only
will you feel like you have taken a trip to the Hamptons, but
In honor of their renovation, L’Auberge is offering some very the history and amenities of this newly renovated resort will
special packages which are just perfect for local San Di- entice you to make it a yearly vacation destination.
egans to take advantage of as a local “Staycation.” These
include a Wine and Dine Connoisseur Package, Romantic L’Auberge Del Mar
Retreat Package, Seaside Spa Escape Package, Bed and 1540 Camino Del Mar
Breakfast Coastal Getaway Package, and even a Pampered Del Mar, California
Pooch Package.
www.laubergedelmar.com
The Pampered Pooch Package is unique to the area. The
Sep/Oct2008