Review: Alila Marea Beach Resort Encinitas

Why book?

Encinitas beaches are some of the best in the world, and this minimalist property makes the most of the views. It manages to feel inviting and elevated, but not ostentatious or sterile, and the Venn diagram of guests is that center slice where CEOs meet surfers.

Set the scene

Guests may be wearing wetsuits by day, but at night it’s more Patek Philippe. With no kid’s pool or menus at any of the on-site eateries, Alila Marea caters to high net worth adults and couples more than Gen Z or Alpha. This is the type of place to celebrate a milestone birthday or anniversary, leaving the kids at home and having that extra glass of wine while watching the sun set over the Pacific. It’s more laid-back than Laguna Beach, but just as luxurious.

The backstory

Alila hotels are affiliated with Hyatt Hotels, but taken to eleven with unique designs crafted to blend with the surrounding environments. Opened in March 2021, Alila Marea is the first new-build Alila resort in the Americas and second property in California after Ventana Big Sur. The property is as close to the beach as it can possibly be—you can practically feel the salt spray from the pool deck—and it’s this strategic location in the heart of San Diego County that sets it apart from other cookie-cutter properties. Plus, the service, amenities, spa, and dining options are world-class. You definitely get what you pay for.

The rooms

By utilizing a lot of natural materials like fiber rugs and reclaimed wood, no room is exactly the same. But the showstoppers are the ones that take advantage of Marea’s ocean views. (Some rooms have a lagoon or garden view, but if you want to go all out, look for the Ocean or Coastline rooms.) This isn’t a property that features plush loungers or maximalist patterns. Expect serenity, surrounded by shades of cream and gray and eucalyptus essence in the bathroom products. Guests who enjoy getting wet can hang their wetsuits on the convenient racks in each room.

Food and drink

Spanish for “wanderer” or “drifter,” VAGA is the property’s destination restaurant. The brunch and dinner menus by executive chef Ananda Bareño spotlight locally sourced, seasonal and Asian- and Mexican-influenced California cuisine, so what’s available one night may change by the next. For example, the Market Risotto is an all-year favorite, but the vegetable and protein combinations evolve with whatever the local farmers market has on hand. For lunch, head outside to The Pocket pool bar and lounge for fish tacos and a cold beer.

The spa

This is where Marea gets a little woo-woo. (Think private sound healing, breathwork, and astrology readings.) There are all usual options as well, like massages, facials, and salt scrubs, but if you want to get a little outside the norm, Spa Alila is the place to do it. Spa director Emma Spencer keeps her finger on the pulse of new treatments and incorporates them with botanicals and rituals used by the indigenous Kumeyaay people across the spa menu. Don’t be shy about asking for customizations. They’re happy to accommodate.

The neighborhood/area

Encinitas is half skateboard and surf heaven, half trust fund enclave. The area immediately surrounding the hotel is either beach or private houses, so it feels like a natural part of the town rather than an intruder. Surfers will appreciate easy access to iconic breaks Ponto and Swami’s, but if you get a fancy to explore the land, there are plenty of indie eateries like Fish 101 and local favorites like Lou’s Records close by. (If you have any interest in music whatsoever, Lou’s is an Encinitas institution. Give yourself time to browse.)

The service

Upon arrival, guests receive an intake questionnaire to help the concierge team help you craft the ideal visit. Group and individual surf lessons are available, but the property also has a fleet of Moke beach buggies and bikes available to guests. For something that goes above and beyond (literally), Marea works with San Diego Sky Tours for aerial tours of the coast. Prefer to stay grounded? There are also yoga and meditation classes nearly every day. Whatever you can dream up, Marea’s thorough and thoughtful team can do.

Eco effort

There are five complimentary EV charging stations available upon request, and a few e-bikes available to borrow. (These are first come, first served, so be sure to ask the valet early.) Native and drought tolerant landscape design dots the property, which uses solar heating for the pool and guest room water. The resort also works with EarthCheck in an effort to achieve zero waste to landfill in the next few years.

Accessibility

As a new build, the entire resort is ADA accessible. For rooms, the ADA Studio Coastline View room is 816 square feet of glorious view with a king-sized bed, spacious bathroom, and private patio for the ultimate in extravagance and ease.

Anything left to mention?

If you’re here, splurge on the rooms with a view. It’s worth it. Don’t expect white sand—this stretch of Pacific beaches can be a little rockier than others, so bring a chair rather than a towel if you can. Ponto surf break is better for beginners, so start there before trying Swami’s or one of the other more advanced breaks. To get there, go out from the pool and take a right, then walk a few yards to the staircase down to the beach. You can’t miss it. (But you might miss the rose tile installation detail halfway down the stairs—keep your eyes open and be sure to snap a pic for the ‘gram.)