Weekend Getaway: Rancho Valencia, Santa Fe

If your only experience of Rancho Valencia has been in idle daydreams, “someday” plans or wistful gazes at magazine photos of the picturesque grounds, the time to schedule that visit is now: The San Diego-area retreat recently emerged from a $30 million renovation that has spruced up its guest suites, polished its restaurant, bar, gym and spa—and upgraded its already stellar tennis facilities. All, it must be pointed out, while maintaining the charm of its Mediterranean-style design and 45 acres of lush gardens.

Southern California’s only Relais & Châteaux property, the resort is located in the magical Rancho Sante Fe area of San Diego County and has 18 plexi-pave tennis courts (one a multi-use court that’s home to the ball machine as well as a basketball court), all of which were resurfaced at the end of the summer. Also new: windscreens and water coolers for all courts, additional lockers and showers, and a BBQ area for social events.

Head tennis pro Eduardo Sanchez admits that tennis is not always the first and foremost concern for the majority of Rancho Valencia guests, who are drawn by the promise of luxury and intimacy in one of the world’s best settings. (There are just 49 sprawling suites with soaking tubs, fireplaces and private patios.) “But when they realize how beautiful the tennis facilities are, they bring their racquets on their next visit,” he says. “So we now have couples and families who come specifically for the tennis experience.”

Rancho Valencia’s tennis program has been in place since June 1989 and continues to draw both beginners and advanced players, with the standard being primarily intermediate (3.5) at USTA level, according to Sanchez.

Clinics for all levels are offered daily, and match arranging is available for players needing a suitable challenge. (True to the customized service of the boutique property, Sanchez says the pro staff aims to match personalities of players; not just level of play.) The program is rounded out by Cardio Tennis drills, a Junior Academy and complimentary use of ball machines for resort guests.

In the 23 years it’s been open, Rancho Valencia has welcomed many famous faces to its courts, including Rod Laver (a local), Mike Bryan, the Jensen brothers, Mark Philippoussis, John McEnroe and Martina Hingis. On the non-pro side—Bill Gates.

“The way the courts are nestled between the landscaping is unique,” says Sanchez of Rancho Valencia’s specific appeal. “The quiet and serenity of the resort is what makes it so special to play here.” It’s also the kind of place, five miles from the coast, where you can play year-round.

In fact, says Sanchez, there are just a few things that may keep you from the court—the comfort of the lavish new rooms, known as casitas, the unfailingly topnotch service, and the freshly renovated Veladora restaurant, Pony Bar and Grill, wine room, The Spa, the fitness center and yoga pavilion… In other words, you’d better book in plenty of time for play both on court and off.

“When you come inside our front doors, you feel like you are in a different world,” says Sanchez. “Even when we’re at capacity, you feel like the whole place is yours.”

**Rancho Valencia, 5921 Valencia Circle, Rancho Sante Fe, CA 92067

ranchovalencia.com

(858) 756-1123**