What service can you provide to groups that they normally might not receive?
Rancho Valencia's philosophy of dedication and commitment to improving personal wellness has lead to the development of classes focusing on high-performance fitness. Our program has been designed to complement our spa services and an active lifestyle, including a variety of disciplines and opportunities to stay fit while on property. Classes range from high-energy cardio workouts to a variety of yoga teachings that take place in our Serenity Yoga Pavilion.
A state-of-the-art fitness center, complimentary to resort guests, features a diverse selection of cardio equipment and is available for personal and one-on-one training. We welcome you to take advantage of all of the program's offerings while you are with us. All classes are complimentary for our guests.
The world-famous Chino Farms, in the exclusive enclave of Rancho Santa Fe, draws chefs from California's most celebrated restaurants. Every morning dozens of chefs from San Diego and Los Angeles line up for the fresh produce and even visitors can sample their wares first-hand at the Chino Farms Vegetable Shop, where they stand in line with many of the region's top culinary talents.
Upon your return from Chino Farms, the group will proceed to Rancho Valencia’s completely transformed kitchen, spearheaded by Chef Bauer himself, for a cooking lesson utilizing the fresh produce you just purchased from the Farms.
What are your bar or nightclub recommendations?
Tequila Tasting with Chris Simmons our Bar Manager.
The Belly Up Tavern – Solana Beach
Fluxx and Stingaree – Downtown San Diego
Can you recommend a good place to take a stroll?
Around our 43 acre property, San Diego Botanical Gardens, Downtown La Jolla and along the Del Mar Beaches.
Torrey Pines State Reserve – Torrey Pines State Natural Reserve is located within San Diego city limits and yet remains one of the wildest stretches of land on our Southern California coast! Because of the efforts and foresight of the people in this area, 2,000 acres of land are as they were before San Diego was developed–with the chaparral plant community, the rare and elegant Torrey pine trees, miles of unspoiled beaches, and a lagoon that is vital to migrating seabirds. There are eight miles of trails, a visitor center and guided nature walks on weekends and holidays.
Are there any quirky places we should check out?
Our beehives in the Olive Grove on property, original art by Damien Hirst inside our fine dining restaurant Veladora, and Downtown Rancho Santa Fe is a trip back in time.
What is an unusual request from a group you’ve had?
Butterflies individually wrapped to be released during vowel exchange in wedding ceremony.
A party of 12 wants to have dinner right away. What restaurant can accommodate last-minute requests of this size?
The Wine Cave holds Rancho Valencia’s most valuable and rarest selections, ranging in price from $150 to over $10,000 a bottle, showcasing vertical collections of some of California’s most prized cabernets including Chateau Montelena, Pride Mountain Vineyards and Shafer Hillside Select. The wine cave holds approximately 250 bottles from 750ml to as large as 18 liters (a Melchior) of Silver Oak 1994, which is the only one of its kind in Southern California.
Full sized oak barrels are also held at storage temperature in Rancho Valencia’s wine cave for future private blends. The entrance doors are 500lb antiques from a ranch in Jalisco and the wine cave has its own private patio overlooking our Eucalyptus grove.
The Board Room offers vaulted, open-beamed ceilings and high-backed executive chairs set around a rich mahogany table. French doors with plantation shutters that let in the natural light open on to a private patio where outdoor seating is available. The executive conference table may seat up to 16 people.
What’s a unique event that has taken place at your property?
A five-day performance cycling camp lead by pro cyclist Christian Vande Velde and Next Cycling Camp is in January 23-29, 2014. We also held the Mercedes Benz car launch in 2011–a three-week buyout of the property–as well as Fortune 100 guests' private celebrations.
To discover more eye-opening insights from top concierges, just visit our Concierge Insights section!
