Best Local Hotel: L’Auberge Del Mar
When L’Auberge Del Mar re-opened its doors, it was obvious to local spa-goers and diners that the renovation was worth the wait. Condé Nast Traveler says our gem is one of the “Top 75 Mainland & U.S. Resorts.” (858/259-1515, www.laubergedelmar.com)
Best Destination Hotel: Four Seasons Resort Hualalai At Historic Ka'upulehu
This Big Island beauty on the Kona-Kohala Coast gets rave reviews for the variety of pools, the great gym, and the “out-of-this-world” staff. Ask for a ground-floor room with an outdoor shower. (808/325-8000, www.fourseasons.com/hualalai)
Best Destination Spa: Bacara Resort & Spa
Bacara Resort & Spa in Goleta offers 36 treatment rooms, a heated saline pool, private sunbathing, and panoramic ocean views. Readers like the “secluded location” and “stunning grounds.” Spa treats include citrus-avocado body polishes and earth crystal therapies. (805/968-0100, www.bacararesort.com)
Favorite Domestic Destination: Hawaii
What’s not to like about our 50th state? The natural beauty, tropical climate, and great surf are the stuff of legends. Plus, we already speak the language: ahi, ukelele, hula, mumu. Right, brah?
Favorite Foreign Destination: Italy
Ranch & Coast readers particularly love Rome, Florence, Tuscany, and Cinque Terre — and can you blame them? The food, wine, architecture, people, shopping, and gorgeous countryside are the stuff of vacation dreams.
Best Local Tourist Attraction: The San Diego Zoo/Wild Animal Park
It’s a jungle out there — and a Tiger River and so much more. San Diego is known worldwide for our wonderful Zoo and WAP, and savvy locals take advantage of special experiences, such as sleepovers and behind the scenes tours. (www.sandiegozoo.org)
Best Nightlife Spot: The Gaslamp Quarter
Just for the wild child? Think again. San Diego’s Gaslamp Quarter has become a dining and urban shopping district, as well as being home to the city’s hottest bars and clubs — and new hotels are drawing local residents in need of a weekend getaway. (www.gaslamp.org)
Best Shopping Locale: Fashion Valley
If you can’t find it here, they don’t make it. This mall has expanded and gone upscale. Bloomies, Nordstrom, Saks, and Neiman Marcus are the biggies, but more than 200 other stores and restaurants make this a daylong destination. (619/688-9113, www.simon.com)
EDITOR’S PICK — Most Extensive Shopping Mecca: South Coast Plaza
South Coast Plaza’s exclusive collection features nearly 300 boutiques and luxury retailers, Nordstrom, Saks Fifth Avenue, Bloomingdale’s, Macy’s, approximately 30 restaurants, four performing arts venues, and two spas. The new South Coast Plaza Premiere Club offers information about new store openings, in-store promotions, exclusive offers, fashion and decor trends, and more. (800/782-8888, www.southcoastplaza.com) MIA STEFANKO
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