Virtuoso Best of the Best 2009 - 141
hyATT grAND ChAmpIoNS rESorT, vIllAS AND SpA Indian Wells, California Tennis buffs and golf enthusiasts alike congregate at Hyatt Grand Champions Resort, Villas and Spa. This oasis is home to two championship golf courses at the Indian Wells Golf Resort, as well as three hard-surface tennis courts that have hosted Pete Sampras and Monica Seles, among others. Beyond these diversions, you’ll find seven swimming pools as well as the awardwinning Agua Serena Salon, including The Medical and Skin Spa – relax for an afternoon, sipping refreshing lemon water next to the reflection pool. For those who need room to spread out, consider a one- or twobedroom villa with a backyard and butler service. DISTANCE From pAlm SprINgS AIrporT (pSp): vIrTUoSo AmENITy Lunch for two (excluding beverages, tax and gratuities) at Lantana, once per stay. IN ThE kNoW Stay in a villa and your butler will take care of everything, from unpacking your luggage to drawing a bath complete with salts and candles. 15 mi/24 km lA vAlENCIA hoTEl La Jolla, California A La Jolla jewel, La Valencia Hotel has presided over this gorgeous stretch of Pacific coastline since 1926. A favorite getaway among celebrities and savvy globetrotters, just steps from world-class museums and enticing shopping, the hotel offers enough boutique charm and over-the-top amenities to keep you inside for days. Guestrooms and suites brim with custom furnishings and lush fabrics, while the Sky Room restaurant tempts with its intimacy and 180-degree Pacific views. If you’re hoping to stretch your legs, look no further than the three nearby championship golf courses, including the legendary Torrey Pines course. DISTANCE From SAN DIEgo AIrporT (SAN): vIrTUoSo AmENITy Wine and fruit plate in room upon arrival. 141 IN ThE kNoW Grab your camera and take a stroll down to beautiful La Jolla Cove – it’s one of the most photographed beaches in Southern California. CANADA & U NITE D STAT E S 12 mi/19 km ThE loDgE AT TorrEy pINES La Jolla, California Perhaps the feature guests love best about The Lodge at Torrey Pines – beyond its world-class golf course and rugged Pacific coastline views – is the sense of warmth and welcome one feels upon arrival. A cozy fireplace and comfortable chairs adorn the wood-beamed lobby, inviting you to sit and stay awhile. Take in the saltwaterscented air, complemented by that heavenly fresh pine fragrance, then plan your days here. Perhaps a Torrey Pines Cobble Stone massage, with polished basalt stones, in the 9,500-square-foot spa? Be sure to dine at A.R. Valentien for its market-fresh cuisine, original artwork and views of the 18th hole. DISTANCE From SAN DIEgo AIrporT (SAN): vIrTUoSo AmENITy $100 spa credit, once per stay. IN ThE kNoW “Take the waters” with the spa’s Inner-C Effervescent Bath, using atomized seawater derived from olive oil and silk powder – so relaxing. 14 mi/23 km