Spanish Colonial Revival architecture found one of its more convincing Southern California expressions in La Jolla when Estancia La Jolla was built on the site of a historic thoroughbred horse ranch — the original Pantoja adobe dating to the late nineteenth century lends the property a rootedness that purely invented resort architecture rarely achieves. Cream-rendered two- and three-storey wings arranged around a central courtyard lawn, their rooflines clad in terracotta barrel tile and their dark-stained timber balconies stepping back in careful rhythm, give the 210-room property the feeling of a working hacienda rather than a resort compound. Tall Italian cypress trees punctuate the garden edges; a central fountain anchors the green at its midpoint. The interiors carry that regionalism indoors with reasonable confidence. Guest rooms feature arched upholstered headboards with nailhead trim, oak-framed case pieces in a warm walnut tone, and geometric flatweave rugs in terracotta, indigo, and sand — a palette that acknowledges the California mission tradition without leaning into pastiche. The dining room works exposed dark-stained timber beam ceilings against white plaster walls, suspended lantern-style chandeliers, and mixed seating that combines tufted linen chairs with boldly patterned botanical-print armchairs in ochre and teal. At the pool, a long rectangular basin is framed by draped cabanas and dense plantings of agave, bougainvillea, and mature palms, the surrounding wall low enough to preserve the canopy of eucalyptus beyond.

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Follow your sense of whimsy into San Diego's secret garden getaway.Lose yourself in Southern California's golden rays at Estancia La Jolla Hotel & Spa, a hacienda-style resort nestled between San Diego's seaside villages of La Jolla and Del Mar. Exuding warm service and the sun-drenched charm of rancho-inspired architecture, this AAA Four Diamond boutique hotel and 2020 Condé Nast Readers' Choice Award winner features 10 acres of lush gardens, quiet courtyards, and adobe fireplaces. Meandering pathways lead to 210 casually elegant garden guest rooms and suites, plus world-class amenities, a full-service spa, locally beloved programming and events, and a selection of dining destinations.