Southern California’s only Relais & Chateaux property, Rancho Valencia Resort & Spa, is an award-winning destination for relaxation and rejuvenation. Located near Del Mar in north county San Diego, Rancho Valencia is a haven for tennis enthusiasts and holidayers alike.

With 14 Plexipave championship courts, two European red clay courts and three pickleball courts—tennis and pickleball players will have plenty of game time on their hands! The resort offers a Stay & Play Tennis package which includes private instruction and open access to the facilities alongside your accommodations.

If you would like alternatives to hitting the courts, you’ll find many other enjoyable ways to spend time here. Rancho Valencia is tucked away on 45 acres of lush gardens and olive groves, offering a wonderful reprieve from the busy-ness of the world. You may even forget you’re in the state of California! The resort was completely renovated in 2013 to offer a fresh take on Mediterranean design. The 49 hacienda-style suites, called the guest “casitas,” are light and airy and have private patios. Each casita has a sophisticated take on “rustic” from magnificent adobe-style homes to one-bedroom villas with vaulted ceilings and sunken living rooms.

The Spa at Rancho Valencia has an array of wellness offerings for high-energy activities or calm and stillness. Take a yoga or pilates class, or one of the high-intensity workout disciplines at the fitness centre (all classes are complementary for guests). Discover all the health benefits of the hydrotherapy circuit (improved circulation is among them), or seek a relaxing treatment to soothe and nourish you. We’re sure temporary bliss can be found amongst the treatment options on the spa menu. Between facials, scrubs, wraps, manicures—here you can discover a new version of health in your private oasis.

Speaking of nourishment: the two on-site dining experiences—Veladora and The Pony Room—offer exquisite farm-to-table cuisine. Executive Chef Joshua Holt sources ingredients from some of the country’s most notable farms to create inspired coastal fare.

If you’re not already looking to book in here on your next California vacation, we’ll leave you with this: the property is home to a thriving orange orchard, meaning you’ll wake every morning to the freshest-squeezed orange juice you’ve ever savoured.