In the days of the Wild West, there was only one trail into San Diego. Pioneers seeking new land and new lives traversed the desert through Los Peñasquitos Canyon on oxen-pulled wagons until they hit the Pacific Ocean and could go no further.
Rattlesnakes and mountain lions were viable predators, but the travelers' greatest fear was a raid from nomads. If attacked, it wasn't for money or food, but rather for shoes and drinking water––their two most valuable possessions. The ocean ended their journey. Once they reached the coast they set up fort and called it home, then later, by its proper name of San Diego.
Today, the city is a booming tourist attraction––for good reason––and the old canyon trail is all but forgotten. My wife and I recently re-traced the journey during a day's hike under the blazing sun and discovered the canyon's rugged beauty has only intensified over the past century of obsolescence. The preserve, complete with 37 miles of hiking, biking and horseback riding trails, is brimming with wildlife and plant species, grassy hills and meadows, trickling streams, ponds and a natural waterfall.
And while it feels as though it's in the middle of nowhere, the natural beauty of Los Peñasquitos Canyon is tucked away just a few miles from one of the most luxurious resorts in the world: The Grand Del Mar.
We stayed two nights at the modern marvel that is The Grand Del Mar, and explored the canyon as part of an excursion arranged by the resort, which is about 20 miles north of San Diego International Airport. For adventurous guests, the resort also arranges horseback riding, hiking along Torrey Pines State Preserve, whale-watching excursions, sunset sails and access to a private beach. We enjoyed the thrill of sailing into the sunset and seeing migratory gray whales, also courtesy of the resort's arranging. I must say, however, that the resort itself is so spectacular you'll find it difficult to pull yourself away from its grounds for even the most sensational of off-site adventures.
With opulent, Mediterranean-style architecture and design, The Grand Del Mar features an exotic mix of Spanish, Portuguese, Moroccan and Venetian design elements. I don't call it a "modern marvel" lightly; the creation of this modern-day palace is truly amazing. More than 800 craftspeople spent over a million man-hours in creating the hotel.
There were 120 carpenters who worked more than 150,000 hours designing and installing 16 different wood species––including fine walnut, mahogany, olive, alder, sycamore and maple accents––with 35 different finishes. There are more than 25,000 square feet of handcrafted wood floors. There are also more than 50 chandeliers, 500 fabrics and 1,700 pieces of custom-designed furniture and art.
"When we set out to create The Grand Del Mar, we wanted a fresh, exciting and above all, romantic theme––something completely unusual and unexpected for the area," said architect Robert Altevers. "We researched resort architecture throughout history and created something, that by its stylized presence and grandeur, has made a major architectural statement––locally, regionally and nationally."
It's all incredible––we wandered the grounds in awe for hours––but what struck Jodie and me the most was the marble. The hotel holds over 20 tons of 30 different types of stone and polished Italian marble, including Gallo Cleopatra, Jerusalem limestone and Rojo Alicante. Every ounce was hand-carved by a four-generation Italian family just south of Venice, Italy.
