by Frank Sabatini Jr.

—[ reborn ]—

The award-winning L’Auberge Del Mar Resort and Spa has raised the bar for service and luxury amenities with a $25 million redo that extends from its new grand lobby to all 120 deluxe guest rooms and beyond. The rebirth ushers in a new mossy green exterior adorned with lush landscaping, plus rooms boasting custom-made beds, mini libraries, cappuccino machines, high-speed Internet access and iPod docking stations. Still in the works is a stylish restaurant designed by renowned architect Andre Kikoski of New York, which will set the stage for Executive Chef Paul McCabe’s culinary wizardry in September. The resort’s final phase of renovation will see the opening of a 4,500-square-foot spa in December, where guests can indulge in “hot shell” massages and a host of other body-pampering services.

1540 Camino Del Mar, Del Mar 858-259-1515 • laubergedelmar.com