Rancho Valencia Resort and Spa

It's possible to spend only one night at Rancho Valencia and feel like you've gotten away from it all. The rooms are wonderful; the staff really lovely; and a fabulous spa! Get away~ even for one night!

Absolutely amazing resort! Very clean, great food and all the staff were extremely friendly, polite and trying to help with everything we needed. Definitely, I would love to go back and I highly remembered this resort. The spa is 100% awesome.

The spa experience is world class. Treatments are perfectly choreographed and effective. Sara is a rock star and eased my painful shoulder tendinitis. Another rock start is the front gate moister, Robert, I wanted to leave and come back multiple times just to be energized by his enthusiastic welcome and welcome back. Villas are spacious and well appointed. Looking forward to returning...

I wanted to add to my review from last year. This time we came with our daughter, husband and 2 grandchildren. A tepee and backpack, with a stuffed horse, activity book and hat, were waiting for them when we arrived. They were so excited. Our daughter and husband were thrilled to have an intense, complimentary tennis clinic included since it was "Tennis Tuesday". I don't think you have to play tennis to enjoy a stay here, though. There are trails, lawn games and bikes available, too. A drive to the beaches, Safari Park or SD Zoo would be fun outings, if you can stay long enough and can tear yourself away. One night we watched Moana with the grandkids and had room service, while the parents enjoyed an amazing meal at Veladora. They had a great kids menu. We enjoyed the family pool and ping pong also. It was expensive but considering the service, amenities, property and the fact we didn't need six plane tickets to get there, it was so worth it for a fun, relaxing time. Would suggest booking two units that connect if possible, for space and consideration of couples that may not appreciate your excited family. Anyway, highly recommended for either couples or families. We could not have had a more relaxing, memorable time. The carpet had been replaced since our last visit, everything was well maintained and housekeeping is awesome. Special thanks to the staff that went out of their way to assist us and make it a mini trip of a lifetime.

The best part about this resort is the suites. I've always had a suite whenever I've stayed here - I don't even know if they have plain old rooms - and the suites are huge. It's like living in your own, spacious, tasefully-well-appointed apartment except that someone comes in and restocks the minibar every night. I'm only ever here on business, so all that room is almost wasted on me, but I enjoy it every time I visit. The grounds of the hotel cover a slightly hilly terrain, so get ready to walk just a little bit to get anywhere if you're too manly or embarrassed to ask for a golf cart ride. It's not bad at all, you can do it. It's not like Sanctuary Camelback in Arizona or anything. At $1000 to $1500 a night this is a full-on luxury experience but it's worth it if you're in that market segment.

We have travelled to Rancho Valencia on many occasions. We were back in March and found ourselves a little disappointed. The grounds just did not seem as lush as they used to be. The hotel is still beautiful. cozy and magical. My husband is a big tennis buff so he loves this resort. Reasons for the four stars instead of five: breakfast buffet is lacking, they should have more variety from day to day and add a bit more. The spa is over the top expensive, its just out of control I had a 90 minute massage and with tip it cost me 300,00. I think that is plain excessive. i do want to say that the service at the front desk from Jen particularly and the gentleman in the dining room serving breakfast and the hostess nichole couldt have been nicer.

We decided to have a wedding weekend at Rancho Valencia and it was the best decision! First of all, it's the most beautiful and tranquil setting around. When you can find a place that feels (and sounds) empty when they are 100% full, you know you have found paradise. Second, the resort and its decor is just fabulous. The rooms are GORGEOUS and HUGE, the main building has so many beautiful accents including the most beautiful Damien Hirst butterfly art piece that will leave you mesmerized, and THE FOOD! Rancho Valencia is FIVE STAR all the way. We actually had 4 events at Rancho Valencia during our wedding weekend. The first was in the Wine Cave. I highly recommend this if you want a private dinner party. We had 11 guests and enjoyed lots of champagne and fresh oysters to start followed by a lovely custom dinner menu with the most delicious wine. The food and service were both top notch all the way! Event #2 was at the Hacienda....also where we stayed for the weekend. THE MOST BEAUTIFUL home with private pool, spa and glorious grounds. We had about 45 guests that night and everyone RAVED about the home. If you want to "wow," this is the place for you. Event #3 started at the Hacienda. We got married on the lawn, then enjoyed cocktails and hors d'oeuvres around the pool before we headed down to the ballroom. The food, the service, TOP NOTCH! The setting....just glorious. We moved down to the ballroom where we had the most PERFECT event. I had 50 guests and every single one of them raved about the food and the service. The mushroom risotto will change your life. I'm quite sure there was some sort of addicting ingredient (marscapone) in there because 4 days later people are still texting me about it. Event #4 was a farewell brunch on the Sunrise Patio. Again, perfection. The presentation, the food, the service.....all over the top. The other magical places of Rancho Valencia? Freshly squeezed OJ and the paper delivered to your room each morning! AAAAHHHH! The boutique.....fabulous and unique. You will find the most incredible jewelry, handbags, clothing, accessories and things you'd have a hard time find anywhere else. The spa.....the best and most relaxing facial I've ever had. The table alone is worth a visit! Most treatments feel like they last 20 minutes. Haylie had me SO relaxed I actually thought I had booked some sort of special 90+ minute facial and I'd be late for my own wedding. Each room has doors that open to the outside where there was an outdoor shower and fountain. The whole experience is completely magical. The yoga pavilion.....ok, I'm not a yogi.....BUT you must at least walk down there to appreciate the tranquility of this tucked away hidden gem. You will feel renewed just with the scenery. The gym......outstanding equipment. Spotless. TONS OF CLASSES. This gym will rival your hometown gym. And after all the amazing food, it feels good to work burn some calories ;-) Tennis.....I don't play tennis but there are courts everywhere. But again, even with all the courts, the resort manages to keep this tranquil and magical atmosphere. Veladora....their restaurant that serves breakfast, lunch and dinner. HIGHLY recommend reservations as it's open to the public and the locals know how great the food is. One of my favorites was their grilled octopus. Hands down, the best I've ever had. You will have the time of your life at Rancho Valencia!

Where to start? Every aspect of our stay at this resort was exceptional and every day brought a new pleasant surprise. From the fresh squeezed juice left at our doorstep each morning to the included spa activities such as spin, yoga, pilates, and finally the way each tennis court is laid out to provide an intimate game experience as if playing on a court in your own back yard. The staff was gracious and helpful with an authentic manner and the grounds were manicured yet retained a sense of nature. We will surely return.

When some one says "Five Star", you can believe it at this high scale, service committed, uncompromising quality destination for relaxing and enjoying life. The rooms, the food, the service, the spa, the grounds, the activities are so picture perfect that you envision the experience is surreal! It is simply as good as it can get, so enjoy or send me the bill.