Perched on a scenic bluff overlooking the ocean, Alila Marea Beach Resort Encinitas is a beach lover’s paradise. Located near Carlsbad in San Diego County, this sun-drenched hotel offers a serene escape from the bustle of larger Southern California cities without sacrificing those postcard-worthy sea views.
Chic boho-inspired rooms bring the best of the beach indoors, while floor-to-ceiling windows and picture-perfect patios and balconies ensure you’re never far from a glimpse of the water or gardens. An intimate spa and spacious oceanfront pool area offer endless opportunities for relaxation and a food and beverage program overseen by James Beard Award semifinalist chef Claudette Zepeda provides plenty of ways to indulge (like savoring San Diego cuisine alfresco while overlooking the coast at VAGA).
Whether you’re here for the world-class surf, miles of hiking or simply to lounge in the sun, this serene SoCal retreat delivers.
All 130 rooms at Alila Marea Beach Resort Encinitas face either the Pacific coast, Ponto Beach, the Batiquitos Lagoon or some gardens, so every stay guarantees a nature-filled view. Even better: each one comes with a balcony or patio and some have a fire pit.
- The Encinitas hotel makes a conscious effort to be eco-friendly with touches like wooden key cards and sensors that shut off the in-room A/C unit when balcony doors are left open.
- Airy Mark Zeff Associates-designed rooms bring beach-chic indoors with wooden floors and accents that mimic the color of bleached driftwood and rustic wooden breakfast tables paired with matching chairs wrapped in twine. The luxury hotel also brings in the town’s roots as a surfing destination by sprinkling the property with locally based artist Aaron Chang’s stunning large-format ocean and photography.
- There’s no shortage of ways to enjoy the beach at this SoCal hotel. Borrow a surfboard; sign up for activities, including sunrise yoga and guided beach runs; or opt for a unique excursion like a coastal flight in a vintage biplane.
- Get an ocean-inspired treatment at the serene Spa Alila. Try the 60-minute anti-aging Splendor facial featuring sea lavender and wakame seaweed or the Succulent body renewal treatment that incorporates an exfoliation using a walnut husk and sugar scrub followed by a vanilla-lavender moisturizing rub.
- The charming beach town of Encinitas is an artsy enclave with galleries, boutiques and unique restaurants.
- While in Encinitas, catch a movie at the historic La Paloma Theatre. Open since 1928, this Spanish Colonial-style theater was one of the first to show talking pictures and has played host to an impressive roster of Hollywood stars over the years, including Charlie Chaplin, Bill Murray and Quentin Tarantino.
- Families staying at the SoCal hotel should plan to take a day trip to Legoland. The family-favorite theme park is just seven miles from the oceanfront hotel.
- Nature lovers can get their fill of outdoor pursuits around Alila Marea Beach Resort Encinitas, but those looking for more can head less than four miles southeast to explore the San Diego Botanic Garden. The 37-acre attraction is also home to The Hamilton Children's Garden, the largest of its kind on the West Coast.
- Encinitas is a popular spot for local surfers. Follow them to Swami’s, one of the best breaks in town.
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