Photo Credit: Benoit Photo
The Del Mar Racetrack went back to its roots this year for its inaugural Bing Crosby Season presentation, an homage to the track’s founder. The event, which brought some serious old Hollywood glamour to San Diego, was such a success that the track will reprise the festivities in 2015 for five weeks, from October 29 to November 29. Here’s how to live like a high roller when betting on winners like California Chrome, who raced in this year’s closing weekend race on November 29th. May the odds ever be in your favor.
HOW TO ENJOY THE BING CROSBY RACES IN HAUTE STYLE
If you’re heading to Del Mar, there’s only one way to watch in style, and that’s at the tony Turf Club. Reserve a table and catch all the action from this chic, vintage era spot, where class is a prerequisite. All gentlemen are required to suit up, while fascinators and fancy hats are the norm among the haute female crowd. You’ll be immersed in the general air of congeniality and conviviality which permeats the meet from this chic spot, which had many fans and horsemen harkening back to a “good-old-days” theme whenever they spoke of the new season.
STAY
The Grand Del Mar is one of our very favorite resorts in Southern California thanks to its seclusion, sheer beauty, A-list eatery in Addison and its fabulous spa. We love it even more for Bing Crosby season because it offers a special package that caters to the racing set. During the summer season, the resort offers one night’s accommodations, two Stretch Run Reserved Seats at the Del Mar Racetrack, two mint juleps in the Lobby Lounge (so appropriate!) and transportation to and from the track; the transportation is also offered during Bing Crosby season. When you’re not at the races, there’s more than enough to satisfy you at The Grand, from golf to hikes to one of the best meals you’re likely to have in California.
There are luxurious accommodations galore at the Grand in each and every suite. Though each room has a timeless feel—and all offer those things we tend to take for granted, like free Wi-Fi, newspapers, complementary shuttle trips around the surrounding area and a free shoeshine service—we think reserving one of the Brisa Villas is really the best possible decision. With luxurious space and thoughtful design, these palatial residences combine the privacy of a home with the conveniences and amenities of a world-class hotel. The Mediterranean-inspired estates are adorned with European antiques, plush fabrics, hand-trawled Venetian plaster, stone finishes and glowing chestnut floors. Their style is classic, yet unique — true to the legendary Addison Mizner aesthetic. From the expansive gourmet kitchens and generous media rooms, to the technology-rich home offices, the Brisa Villas boast best-of-class equipment from industry leaders Sub-Zero, Wolf and Sony, while state-of-the-art lighting and audio systems place the finishing touches on every space. Though Bing Crosby races may take place in the winter, San Diego enjoys stellar weather year-round, which you can fully take advantage of on secluded terraces and climate-controlled patios, all within the confines of privacy walls. Take a soak in the sunken Jacuzzi tub, order-in with 24-hour in-villa dining or utilize a full complement of services from the extensive concierge and personal butler menu.
PLAY
The Grand’s golf course is a beloved place to play in SoCal. Tom Fazio created a masterpiece of dramatic elevations, diverse bunkering and lush fairways with the Los Peñasquitos Canyon as his canvas. Thanks to the stellar San Diego weather, you can play Fazio’s 18-hole course year-round. You’ll also be able to rent Callaway clubs and practice on the 5,000 square foot driving ranges. The best part: this amazing course is reserved exclusively for resort guests, members and Villa owners of the Grand Del Mar.
RELAX
Relaxing is an art form at the Grand’s spa. There are tres, tres chic treatments here, true, but the spa tops our list of one of the best in California for many reasons. The spa staff pays attention to detail, attempting to make your stay the best possible. After lounging in a waiting area with sumptuous canopy beds and fireplaces, you’re free to use the wet and dry saunas, indoor whirlpools and enjoy above par spa treats like chocolates, muffins and signature teas. You’ll love innovative treatments like Extremities, which utilizes reflexology and massage for the ultimate indulgence, the Sculpted Beauty body treatment, and even an after golf revitalization treatment.
DINE
There are four five-diamond restaurants in California, and Addison, a Relais & Chateaux property helmed by Chef William Bradley, happens to be one of them. Addison, an artisanal eatery combining local SoCal ingredients and French influences, also happens to be a five-star restaurant, making it the only one of its kind in Southern California. An experience here is a rare treat. It is an intimate affair with few tables, scattered around a cavernous mini-mansion to give each guest complete privacy. After your sommelier helps you select choices from a 3,600 bottle wine list, you’re in for a treat as Bradley prepares a meal to perfectly please your palette.
The Grand Del Mar, 5300 Grand Del Mar Ct, San Diego, CA 92130, (866) 305-1528
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