Alila Marea Beach Resort Encinitas has officially opened its doors, delivering authentic and bespoke experiences in a world-class beachfront setting. The crafted luxury resort joins the Alila portfolio, which totals 16 locations worldwide, bringing the brand’s sustainable tourism, innovative eco-design and intimate destination experiences to Southern California.
Located in an iconic seaside town along the coastal bluffs of San Diego, the 130-room Alila Marea Beach Resort Encinitas is complete with an oceanfront pool, culinary experiences by award-winning Executive Chef Claudette Zepeda, expansive indoor-outdoor meeting and event spaces, serenity-invoking Spa Alila, and thoughtful, locally inspired and restorative programming. With the hotel’s namesake, “Marea,” meaning “tide” in Italian and Spanish, the resort features a distinctly Southern California feel, in harmony with the area’s natural landscape throughout, as well as from the vibrant surf and beach culture that surrounds the property.
“Marrying the striking design and artisanal luxury experience that the Alila brand is globally known for, with the authentic warmth and vitality of San Diego, Alila Marea Beach Resort Encinitas is truly a destination not to be missed,” said General Manager Benjamin Thiele.
“Our team is honored to open our doors to the local community and travelers to experience our new luxury resort in this breathtaking location.”
The Alila brand is an award-winning collection of luxury hotels and resorts in unique locations, distinguished by innovative eco-design, a passionate commitment to sustainable tourism as well as specially curated activities designed to immerse guests in nature, culture, and community. Alila Marea Beach Resort Encinitas adds to Hyatt’s growing Alila brand portfolio in the U.S., joining Ventana Big Sur, an Alila Resort, and Alila Napa Valley, which opened earlier this month.
ACCOMMODATIONS
With 114 spacious guestrooms, nine studio rooms, five one-bedroom suites, and the Ponto and Grandview presidential suites, the 130 total luxurious guest accommodations all showcase stunning coastal or garden views. Distinct interiors feature natural elements of the coastline including wood, stone, and organic lines that weave in the striking landscape. Each room and suite are complete with coffee and tea service by local favorite, Lofty Coffee, a Tivoli Audio Model One Bluetooth, mini bar offerings, luxury Bellino linens crafted from sustainable beechwood fibers, plus access to all hotel amenities, including the pool, fitness center and more. The majority of rooms feature a balcony or patio – many of which include a private fire pit.
The Ponto and Grandview presidential suites are 1,037 square feet each and the epitome of California upscale living with floor-to-ceiling windows showcasing direct views of the Batiquitos Lagoon and the Pacific Ocean. Guests will enjoy a double-sided fireplace that opens up to an outdoor living space on the patio or balcony, a living room, separate bedroom and large bathroom with dual vanities and a deep soaking tub.
DESIGN
Designed by San Diego-based Joseph Wong Design Associates with interior design by Mark Zeff Associates, Alila Marea Beach Resort Encinitas is tastefully integrated into the coastal bluff, drawing on the unspoiled beauty of the San Diego coastline. In a palette of natural materials, warm woods, clean lines, and teasing views of the Pacific, the property engages all the senses while calming the spirit. Stone, driftwood, and sophisticated décor blend style with a sustainable focus creating havens of understated elegance, accented with pops of color and modern amenities for the utmost comfort.
Featured throughout the property is the artwork by internationally acclaimed, locally based artist Aaron Chang, known for being one of the first photographers to join surfers in the ocean to capture breathtaking images. With Chang serving as Alila Marea Beach Resort Encinitas’s artist-in-residence, the property will feature an exclusive permanent collection of Chang’s work, as well as a rotating installation in VAGA, the hotel’s signature dining destination.
CULINARY
As Executive Chef at Alila Marea Beach Resort Encinitas, San Diego native and James Beard Award semifinalist Claudette Zepeda oversees the food and beverage concepts and leads the culinary team on property. At the helm of the property’s distinct dining destinations, Zepeda uses the finest locally sourced ingredients rooted in sustainability for inspired menus of delicious entrees, tasty bites and more.
VAGA Restaurant & Bar: The resort’s signature dining destination, VAGA, is an opportunity to be curious, explore and go where the experience takes you. With a menu that acts as a love letter from Chef Zepeda to her hometown in celebration of local flavors and influences, the restaurant is a confluence of the culture, cuisine and lifestyle of San Diego. Complemented by striking views of the seaside bluffs and exhibition kitchen, guests are connected to the land and sea through the unique culinary experience that is VAGA. Upon opening today, a limited VAGA menu is exclusively available for overnight guests. As health restrictions in California allow for indoor dining, VAGA will open to the community with the full menu.
Coffee Box: Serving as a hub for guests and the local community, Coffee Box is the perfect place to refresh and recharge before hitting the beach. Patrons can enjoy local fruits and produce that make up fresh takes on açaí bowls, coffee from local Encinitas roaster Lofty Coffee Co., perfectly prepared espresso drinks and custom coffee cocktails, freshly baked goods and more. The outpost also offers a retail component where guests can peruse surf merchandise and other local artisanal products.
The Pocket: A truly elevated pool deck experience, the resort’s laid-back hangout boasts unparalleled ocean views and a relaxed welcoming vibe, as exemplified by the custom handmade surfboard-inspired wall panels from local shaper Brian Szymanski. The food and beverage offerings will serve as an homage to the flavors and culture of Southern California and the Baja Peninsula. Menu highlights include tacos, sushi, and local fish complemented by light craft cocktails.
SPA & WELLNESS
Spa Alila invites guests to surrender their stresses with customized holistic treatments inspired by the healing and wellness attributes of the ocean. Made up of five treatment rooms, separate men’s and women’s saunas and soothing relaxation space, spa-goers can indulge in signature treatments that feature the curative benefits of all-natural ingredients for the ultimate pampering and rejuvenation. Facials will incorporate luxury products by Maya Chia and Dr. Dennis Gross while body treatments will feature the local, aromatherapy-based Body Bliss line.
To further the property’s commitment to wellbeing, guests will be treated to premium daily fitness facilities, beachfront yoga classes, morning group runs along the coast, nature hikes, and more on a complimentary basis.
MEETINGS & EVENTS
The resort offers versatile spaces for everything from intimate meetings and private dinners to events and cocktail parties for up to 350 guests. Oceana Ballroom, a 3,800-square-foot ballroom complete with an indoor/outdoor foyer and terrace, features unrivaled coastline views while Encinitas Boardroom is available for meetings and small events.
For those saying “I do,” nuptials atop the iconic southern California cliffs set the scene for memories to last a lifetime, with the hotel’s extraordinary venue options of the open-air terrace, Ocean Bluff, and the elegant Oceana Ballroom.
https://www.alilahotels.com/marea-beach-resort-encinitas
KeiKei is a London-based award-winning journalist and videographer with a degree in Broadcast Media and Journalism from the University of the West of Scotland and an extensive reporting background in news, entertainment, travel, and lifestyle.
KeiKei has travelled the globe interviewing, reporting and reviewing. Her work has been published in worldwide media outlets including, The New York Post, The Guardian, The Mirror, The Daily Mail, National Geographic and Conde Nast publications.
