View from a Bayside Bungalow
From the moment we turned onto Vacation Road and saw the sign that read “Welcome to Paradise ,” my body began to release tension I was not remotely aware I was carrying. When my husband and I planned to visit family in San Diego, we chose to stay at the recently renovated Paradise Point Resort and Spa because it is just minutes from Downtown San Diego and the San Diego International Airport, yet it is an oasis of calm situated on a man-made island in idyllic Mission Bay. A tropical paradise, this 44-acreproperty is a playground filled with lush gardens, a fresh water lagoon, five swimming pools, bike paths, tennis, basketball and volleyball courts, fitness center and spa, all surrounded by 1.3 miles of sandy beaches.
Aerial View of Paradise Point Resort & Spa
Our Lanai Bayside Premium guestroom offered 460 square feet of rich airy atmosphere with high ceilings, warm golden walls, dark porcelain tile floor, teak and mahogany furniture, and a marble bath with Jacuzzi tub. The décor was both whimsical and sophisticated; blending Balinese influenced fabrics with contemporary artwork and sleek modern design elements. The outdoor patio, complete with wood-burning chiminea and two Adirondack chairs was perfect for star gazing and wine sipping in the evening. The indoor gas fireplace provided warmth and ambiance when we retired to the sleek living room space or later still, the cozy bed. The gentle glow of morning light invited me to explore the quiet beach. Feeling the sand between my toes, I watched the early morning crew teams silently glide past on smooth bay waters. I felt at peace and I had to remind myself that I was close to the center of Downtown San Diego.
Since relaxation was my goal for my trip to paradise, I opted for a Balinese Massage at SpaTerra. I had my choice of massage oils featuring aromatic flowers and cleansing spices. Using a combination of acupressure and alternating rolling and rhythmic motions, my massage therapist released tension and increased my ability to absorb this relaxing environment that surrounded me during my stay. I honestly lost track of time after my massage. Moving between the sauna and the eucalyptus steam room, making liberal use of the iced face towels and sampling the artisan whole leaf teas in the relaxation room, I felt I had been transported to an exotic destination somewhere in the South Pacific.
While I enjoyed the spa, my husband took time to unwind on a solo kayak voyage on the waters of Mission Bay. An avid sports enthusiast, my husband took advantage of the staff’s knowledge at Action Sports Rentals, located in the resort’s marina. Sharing suggestions about areas to explore, timing, typical wind, tide and surf changes, and critical information about right of way on the water, the staff sent him out well prepared. He was thrilled with his experience and very impressed with the rental company.
Sailing and boating opportunities from Action Sports Rentals on Mission Bay
Later that afternoon, while I visited with our local San Diego family on the resort’s beach, busy with plastic shovels and sand pails, my brother-in-law and husband shared technique and strategy on the Paradise Point’s 18-hole golf putting course. Whether you rejuvenate by physically slowing down or by expending extra energy through sports, this resort can accommodate your needs.
Dining in this paradise of a resort is delightful. We were enchanted by the resorts fine dining New American cuisine at Baleen San Diego. We walked past the bustling exhibition style kitchen to our table on the patio overlooking the Bay. Our meal began with a savory golden split pea soup flavored with smoked duck, crispy shallots and yogurt plus a baked Spring Hill Farm quark crepe with mission figs, Temecula Honey, and toasted pine nut salad. I chose a delicious entrée of roasted northern halibut with sun dried tomato and cashew tapenade, mascarpone polenta, truffle scented arugula, celeriac cream and balsamic. My husband enjoyed the top-of-the-line filet mignon and Australian lobster tail accompanied by “potato two ways”, asparagus, cabernet sauce and vanilla butter. Our knowledgeable and friendly server assisted us in choosing wines that paired perfectly with our selections. We finished our meal by sharing a light berry sorbet served in an edible candy bowl.
Barefoot Bar & Grill
Breakfast at the Barefoot Bar & Grill was very casual. Typical morning fare of eggs benedict, omelets, and fresh fruit tasted even better when eaten on the patio overlooking the sailboats in the marina. Near our table, a small saltwater pond was home to a sting ray, several small sharks and many large happy fish. Hummingbirds sipped from the tropical flowers nearby as we drank our morning coffee. The resort’s Tropics Bar and Grill delivered cold lunch salad, grilled entrées, and frozen drinks and beer as we lounged by the main pool in the heart of the resort later in the day.
It was at the pool that I could really see the varied potentiality of the resort for a wide range of visitors. I saw families with young children playing in the sand and splashing in the shallow lagoon-style pool. Youngsters dove and wrestled in the deeper waters, teens giggled as they gossiped and soaked in the suns rays, and several elders in wheelchairs watched everything from the shade of umbrellas and palm trees. I reflected upon other guests who were attending weddings and conferences and realized we had truly found a premier paradise getaway in the heart of urban San Diego that had something for everyone.
Paradise Point Resort & Spa
1404 Vacation Road, San Diego, CA 92109
(800) 344-2626
www.paradisepoint.com
Written by Amy K. Harkins, Ph.D.
