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Discover San Diego’s Lavish Mediterranean Hideaway With An Adults-Only Pool & Michelin Star Cuisine

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San Diego is known for having that quintessential SoCal vibe we’ve all seen in the movies.

While ‘America’s Finest City’ is just that – a fine city – there are ample scenic beach towns dotting the seemingly endless coastline filled with your typical dude-bro surfers and skateboarders.

But don’t fret! You can easily escape the ‘bruh’ this and ‘bruh’ that and hand signals with their pinky and thumb extended.

There are more ways to hang loose than catching waves and grinding handrails.

Most tourists set their sights for San Diego’s prime beachside real estate, but those who do are actually doing themselves a disservice by missing out on a slice of Mediterranean paradise away from the all-but-guaranteed packed beaches. (Although, crowds tend to dwindle down in fall)

Perhaps you’ve heard of Del Mar, a ritzy little beach town roughly 20 minutes from San Diego proper where celeb sightings are common and the average home costs $2.725 million – yes, that’s not a typo.

The average traveler’s beach home dreams may come to a screeching halt here, but splurging on a well-deserved vacation should never be out of the question.

Nestled inland amongst rolling hills and vast canyons lies the Fairmont Grand Del Mar, a lavish 5-star hotel oozing Mediterranean vibes, where adults can blissfully recharge by day, and indulge in Southern California’s only 3-star Michelin restaurant by night.

As a recent guest, I can’t recommend staying here enough. And if you must go to the beach, Del Mar’s pristine beaches are less than 15 minutes away.

No Passport Needed: Let The Mediterranean Come To You

Upon arriving, you’re glued to Fairmont Grand’s pure elegance as if every throw pillow, every cocktail glass, and every glistening chandelier are meticulously placed to exude class and luxury at every turn.

Fairmont Grand describes themselves on their website as a ‘Mediterranean estate’, which is certainly an understatement feeling more reminiscent of San Diego’s version of the Alhambra.

I walked the entire grounds multiple times, and while not classified as a “resort” per se, many aspects feel like one.

Home to multiple pools, a globally renowned golf course, and world-class 5-star spa honored by Forbes, this is the ultimate place to unwind all without even feeling like you’re in San Diego; at least how it’s often portrayed.

I booked a King Room overlooking the adults-only pool (more to come on that!) and was delighted to see how spacious it was. Even 5-star hotels can skimp on breathing room from time to time, but not here!

The bathroom alone felt bigger than my whole apartment and the gold-accented European-style soaking tub was the icing on the cake.

Not to mention, the mattress was truly heavenly, the complimentary coffee better than Starbucks, and the secluded balcony was surprisingly peaceful for a poolside room.

I couldn’t have asked for a better way to the cap the day than enjoying the cool evening breeze on the patio while catching up on reading and writing articles for you on their speedy wifi (you’re welcome!).

A Family-Friendly Hotel With A Private Haven For Adults

Remember in Dumb and Dumber when Lloyd attempted to make the ‘most annoying sound in the world’?

Well, for some of us, it’s whatever Jim Carrey’s dissonant vocal cords blurted out, and for others, like me, it’s the sound of screaming children…or my ex’s weird TikToks, but that’s a different story…

Kids can be a lot of fun and deserve a vacation like anyone else, but adults-only pools are a whole other level of peace, amirite?

Fairmont Grand Del Mar boasts 4 heated pools, but the 1 adults-only pool is free of kids running rampant and miserable parents realizing they need another vacation while on vacation.

Plus, the service was top notch from setting up my cushy lounge chair, offering complimentary sunscreen, to serving an ice cold Mexican cerveza poolside.

Accompanied by an equally blissful secluded hot tub, the adults-only pool lived up to the name. I’ve been to other hotels where staff turn a blind eye to obviously obnoxious teenagers invading my quiet zone, but this was truly an adults-only haven.

Although, most impressive was how spotlessly clean the entire hotel was – a rarity for a kid-friendly and pet-friendly stay.

If the grown-ups need a safe space for the kiddos, check out the Explorer’s Club.

Whether You Rest Your Head Here Or Not, You Must Eat Here!

San Diego is one of the best foodie destinations in America, but dining at Fairmount Grand levels up your tastebuds.

Home to Addison, Southern California’s only 3-star Michelin restaurant, along with Amaya, a fabulous restaurant where Paris meets SoCal, you can’t go wrong.

Although, Addison’s twilight views are arguably as grand as their menus. Diner be warned, though, Addison is so sought-after you will need book a reservation well in advance, which can be done here on OpenTable.

The nearest open availability I could find is over a month away for a late 9pm dinner, for example.

Amaya, however, is not at all a bad alternative, where I had an incredible dinner to remember from savory appetizers like the Burgandy Escargot Vol Au Vent to locally sourced wine for dessert – yeah, you read that right.

The star of the show was the ‘Chef’s Special’, not even listed on the already impressive menu. So impressive in fact, the waiter had to make 4 trips before we decided what we wanted to order.

The imported Dover Sole was divine and cooked to perfection, so special thanks to our friendly, knowledgeable server, Ignacio, for the recommendation!

My girlfriend and I couldn’t stop raving about how amazing our meal was as we strolled through the beautiful grounds with a post-meal glass of wine in hand.

Their wine selection was extensive and so well incorporated with their impeccable cuisine that we opted for another round over dessert since Amaya allows guests to take wine to-go.

See? ‘Adulting’ really is another level here!

Tip: if ordering the Steak Tartare, ask for the ‘parmesan espuma’ on the side for the perfect bite paired with quite possibly the best bread I’ve ever had!

Horsing Around: Fairmont‘s Fun Activities

Fairmont Grand is a popular golf getaway, but there’s far more to do than hit the links. However, if you’re not avid golfer and would like to learn, clinics are offered for only $50 on Friday and Saturday.

After pigging out at Amaya, a Monday morning yoga sesh was out of the question for me, so I opted for a pool day.

On Tuesday, though, I made a visit the hotel’s very own Equestrian Center, which if you know anything about Del Mar, should be no surprise.

Del Mar is the ‘Kentucky Derby’ of San Diego, home to the very popular Del Mar Racetrack.

Fairmont Grand offers Equestrian Trail Rides, Pony Rides, along with the chance to ‘Feed the Horses‘ on Tuesdays; some of which are retired racehorses. Needless to say, they’re absolutely gorgeous animals!

Behind the Equestrian Center is a trailhead of hiking trails along the golf course, winding through open canyons for some terrific views of the surrounding scenery – the perfect way to start your day with a complimentary cup of coffee from your room, and best of all, hiking is free!

For a full calendar of events, check out Fairmont Grand’s Event Calendar.

_{**Travel Off Path was a guest of Fairmont Grand Del Mar, who helped with the creation of this itinerary by hosting some of our accommodations and attractions. Our opinions, recommendations, and suggestions remain our own.**}

Sam Sears

Sam, our Lead Writer & Journalist based in San Diego has visited 30 countries and written over 400 articles with a focus on sharing his own travel experiences and shining a light on lesser-known gems.

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September 24, 2024
Discover Europe’s Best-Kept Secret! Fairytale Town With Turquoise Waters & Budget Prices

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If you’re planning on heading to Europe this season but you’ve been taken aback by the staggeringly high prices and reports of mass tourism even as summer peters out, hear me out:

Instead of jetting off to Barcelona, where you might be welcomed to ‘Go Home!‘ chants, or Dubrovnik, a coastal citadel turned Disneyland for adults, with all the queuing and shoulder bumping that that entails, how about you head over to Mostar instead?

Europe’s best-kept secret, this fairytale town in Bosnia-Herzegovina is home to a surprisingly high concentration of historic landmarks, and with its balmy weather, crystal-clear river and cheap prices, it’s just the perfect fall getaway:

Why You Should Visit Mostar In The Fall

If you’re a Europhile like me, you’ve probably seen this iconic view of Mostar’s arched bridge spanning the turquoise watercourse at some point, and no, it doesn’t belong somewhere in Spain, and certainly not neighboring Croatia.

One of the most iconic bridges in Europe, if not the most emblematic, is located in a quaint riverside city in Bosnia-Herzegovina, a small, overlooked Southeastern country most Americans have been sleeping on for decades:

Unlike other European tourism hotspots, Mostar is largely ignored by first-time visitors to Europe, and even returning travelers, even though it’s a UNESCO World Heritage Site home to diverse communities and rich medieval and Ottoman heritage.

From the reconstructed Mostar Bridge, an exact replica of the 16th-century crossing that got bombed during the war, to the nearby Koski Mehmed-Pasha Mosque, with a towering minaret boasting breathtaking views of the cityscape, tourist sites here rarely ever feel crowded.

This includes the equally picturesque Crooked Bridge, a more intimate version of the Old Bridge without the busy flow of pedestrians, the abandoned Neretva House, a symbol of the Bosnian struggle, and Kajtaz, an Ottoman-era house preserving timeless oriental furniture.

Besides the evident architectural value, Mostar is incredibly pleasant to visit between September and October: the average daily high temperature is 82°F, dropping to lows of 50°F overnight, and it’s still shorts weather out without it being flaming hot.

If you’re lucky enough, you might see locals taking that vertiginous leap from the Old Bridge into the crystalline waters below––it’s an expected act of bravery of every native young man and one of the coolest rites of passage to witness.

On both sides of the bridge, there are winding cobbled lanes leading to ethnic bazaars and secret courtyards––and between us foodies, a gem of a traditional eatery or two.

An Affordable Cultural Getaway

During my short 2-day stint in Mostar, my favorite restaurant was Lagero, not only for the priceless views of the Old Bridge, but mainly their surprisingly-affordable menu, with prices ranging from only $5 to a reasonable $28.

At the pricier end of the range, I’m talking a sumptuous three-course menu, and probably the best ćevapi you’ll try on your trip.

If you’re looking for a truly immersive medieval experience, the rustic Timber & Stone Tavern is the place to go: big fan of the traditional attire and their baked aubergine stuffed with chicken, and I actually didn’t mind being the nightly fanfare and kitschy chivalric theme.

Now, for incredible native trout and an innovative fusion of European and Oriental cuisines, head over to Restoran Hindin Han in the heart of the Old Town: not only is staff unbelievably friendly, it is great value for money, with dishes priced $3-17.

Overall, Mostar is one of the most affordable destinations in Europe this fall: according to Budget Your Trip, tourists spend an average of $27 on meals per day, owing to cheaper consumer prices and an abundance of homegrown products.

When it comes to accommodation, the median hotel price per night is a reasonable $75; at the same time, an overnight stay at the four-star Hotel Bristol will set you back by $51 in mid-October, going as low as $13 for a shared dorm room at Hostel Dada.

Naturally, it all boils down to your profile as a traveler, whether you’re on the budget, mid-range or luxury side, and the level of comfort you seek.

How Safe Is Mostar?

If you’re old enough to remember the Bosnian War of the nineties, you may be wondering how safe Mostar is to visit in 2024.

As the U.S. State Department itself declares, pretty safe, as Bosnia-Herzegovina is considered a Level 2 destination, meaning Americans are not discouraged from visiting, and your biggest concern here is pickpocketing.

Speaking from personal experience, the risk is still pretty low: walking central Mostar, I never felt on edge or as if passersby were a threat.

Quite the contrary: it was often friendly locals I would encounter and a hospitable community that’s genuinely excited to host new visitors.

That being said, local history is complex and involves many sectarian conflicts, so I strongly advise you to read up on it prior to visiting.

Warfare is in Bosnia’s past, but the scars of battle are everywhere to be seen around the Old Town, be it the bullet holes in storied buildings or the rusty tanks in someone’s back garden, and the best way to explore Mostar’s past––and understand its present––is booking a guided tour.

Running on a duration of 2h30, Sheva’s walking tour departs from the Hamman Museum twice every day, at 9:30 a.m. and 6:00 p.m. and visits all of the main points of interest, without a fixed price: from $10 to $50, you decide on the guide’s reward depending on how satisfied you are.

Piece of advice?

Wear your comfiest shoes, as there’ll be a lot of strolling down broken cobblestones that day, and make sure you bring a water bottle and sunscreen: even in the fall, when temperatures are in theory cooling down across Europe, that Balkan heat remains unforgiving.

Vinicius Costa

Vini, our senior lead writer at Travel Off Path, has over 60+ countries under his belt (and currently weaving tales from Paris!), and a knack for turning off-the-beaten-path experiences into informative stories that will have you packing your bags.

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August 28, 2024
Discover The Hidden Gem Of Asia: Why American Travelers Are Flocking To This Island Paradise

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Looking for your next island getaway? Visitors almost universally refer to these islands as a stunning tropical paradise.

Palawan is a rich and fascinating island archipelago that boasts beautiful beaches, stunning landscapes, and 2 UNESCO World Heritage Sites. And it’s blowing up!

In fact, more than a million travelers visited Palawan in the first half of the year according to the Provincial Tourism Promotions and Development Office (PTPDO).

The same report also showed that the highest percentage of international tourists to the island were from the U.S.

Here’s why American travelers are flocking to this island paradise:

Why Visit Palawan?

Palawan isn’t just one island.

This incredibly popular Philippines hot spot is actually an archipelago comprising 1780 islands and islets. Meaning you’ll soon find your own definition of paradise here.

But the main island is the 5th largest in the Philippines, and this is where the vast majority of tourists choose to base themselves when they visit Palawan.

Time for a quick geography lesson!

Palawan is actually as close to Borneo as it is to Manila and this explains why it feels different to the rest of the Philippines. It has different cultural influences too.

The main attraction of Palawan is just how beautiful it is: it really has to be seen to be believed!

Think a lush and dense rainforest interior, and then sugar white beaches fringed with crystal clear water.

If it’s beaches you’re interested in, then the town of El Nido is the place to be.

Along with the obligatory white sand and gently lapping waters, you’ll also find towering limestone cliffs to the rear of the beaches and abundant marine life in the water.

El Nido Paradise offers scuba tours and boat tours of the smaller islands that surround El Nido.

An island-hopping tour will cost P9,600 ($170) and this includes the convenience of a hotel pick up.

For thrill-seekers, Tubbataha Reef is the best spot in Palawan for scuba divers.

It is home to some of the finest coral reefs in the world and is considered the best diving spot in the Philippines.

A Fascinating Cultural Heritage

It’s so easy to be distracted by the outstanding natural beauty of Palawan: it’s like a paradise on earth.

But what makes Palawan unique when compared to other pretty islands is its unique cultural heritage.

Take a trip to the Fayu Temple, which is a Chinese Buddhist temple in Honda Bay, Puerto Princesa City, Palawan. There are only 2 Fayu temples in the Philippines: the other is in Manilla.

Palawan boasts a rich Chinese culture, and this is a great place to explore this. As an added bonus, entry is free of charge making it a great break from the beach for travelers on a budget.

Perhaps the most famous cultural attraction in Palawan are the Tabon caves. This mega cave complex is made up of 225 caves and 8 of these can be visited by tourists.

As important as they are beautiful, these caves are considered the “cradle of civilization” for the Philippines thanks to the number of jar burials and prehistoric human remains found here.

The water is vibrant blue, and the cave structure itself is fascinating.

It’s also worth noting that the people on the islands are warm and welcoming to tourists.

Laid-back, easy-going, and happy to share their culture, the people of Palawan will play a key role in making your vacation both interesting and stress-free.

Getting To Palawan

The best time of year to visit Palawan is during the island’s dry season.

This runs from November to April, meaning that now is the perfect time to start planning your trip!

And I’m not going to lie and say that getting to Palawan is easy: there is no direct flight from the U.S. But it isn’t hard either!

You’ll simply need to fly to Manilla and then take a flight from there to Puerto Princesa International Airport.

Despite having international in its name, Puerto Princesa International Airport flies primarily domestic routes with the main route being to Manila.

An example flight would see you fly from LAX to Manila with Philippine Airlines.

You’ll then have a short layover in Manila before flying onto Puerto Princesa International Airport.

From November 1 to November 9, a return economic flight on this route will cost $1,266.

Although flights aren’t cheap, once you’re on the island, it is considered a very affordable destination for travelers on a budget.

Tor Brierley

Tor has been writing for more than 20 years and has visited 25 countries (and counting!) She specializes in European and family travel and never says no to new adventures.

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This article originally appeared on TravelOffPath.com

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August 27, 2024
Move Over London! Discover This UK City With Rich History And Less Stress

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When you think of the most quintessentially British city, you probably think of London.

But as a proud Brit I promise you that there are other, equally fascinating, cities to explore.

York is a city that was also established by the Romans and boasts fascinating historical attractions but without the stress of navigating London.

A study from All Accor found that York is the most chilled and stress-free city in the UK.

The city ranked highly thanks to its abundance of green spaces, number of quaint coffee spots and libraries, and overall cleanliness.

Here’s why York is one of the best cities in the UK to visit right now:

Rich History That’s Easy To Explore

Unlike sprawling London, York is a wonderfully compact city which makes it incredibly easy to explore.

You can visit almost all of its historical attractions on foot.

One of the best historical attractions in the city is The Shambles. This is a narrow and winding medieval street where you can wander along cobbled stone footpaths.

Many of the buildings here date back to the 14th and 15th centuries.

Nowadays this is a great place to shop in local, independent stores.

Rumor has it that JK Rowling used the street as inspiration for Diagon Alley in her Harry Potter stories, and you’ll find 3 different Harry Potter stores on the street as a result.

You’ll also find Potter fans wearing robes and wands on the street, which is a lot of fun to see even if you’re not a fan.

You can’t visit York without going inside the York Minster. It’s considered one of the most spectacular cathedrals in the world.

This stunning 13th-century Gothic cathedral is huge, and dominates the skyline of the city. It features incredible medieval stained glass as well as 2 functioning bell towers.

Admission to the Minster is £18 ($23.50) or you can visit the Minster and the Central Tower for £24 ($31.50).

One of my favorite historical attractions in York is Jorvik.

This is a reconstruction of a Viking Village, reflecting York’s rich Viking history. You can fully immerse yourself in the experience here.

If you have even a passing interest in Viking culture or history, then this is the place to be. Entrance costs £16.50 ($21.50) per adult.

Epic City Scenery

York is one of the UK’s most scenic cities, and there are plenty of places where you can soak up incredible views not only of the city but of the surrounding countryside, too.

One of these is the York city walls.

These stretch for around 2 miles around the city and were constructed during the 13^th century, passing through both the Museum Gardens and the ruins of St Mary’s Abbey.

It will take around 2 hours to complete the walk, but the views are truly stunning at certain points.

To see the city from a more unique perspective, why not take a river cruise along the River Ouse?

Float down the river on a comfortable boat while the captain shares stories and anecdotes of the city. With City Cruises York a sightseeing cruise will take around 45 minutes and cost £14 ($18) per person.

For something a little more special you can enjoy a York fish and chip cruise, where you’ll eat award winning fish and chips from your lap as you float through the Yorkshire countryside.

This cruise will cost £25 ($32) per person.

It’s also worth mentioning that York sits in the middle of Yorkshire: a region often referred to as God’s Own Country thanks to its outstanding natural beauty.

You can very easily travel from York to walk in the Yorkshire Dales or take a day trip to one of the county’s vibrant coastal towns such as Whitby, Scarborough, or Filey.

Incredible Christmas Markets

I know it’s probably a little early to mention Christmas, but I’m going to because Christmas is my favorite time of year to visit York.

The atmosphere, decorations, and the Christmas market in the heart of the city all lend York a winter wonderland feel.

This year the York Christmas Market will take place from 14th November – 22nd December. The city has a medieval atmosphere, and you can enjoy locally made Christmas produce as well as shop for traditional handmade gifts.

If you’re interested in some retail therapy, head to Parliament Street and St Sampson’s Square, where you’ll find 75 alpine-themed chalets. 80% of the traders hail from Yorkshire, so this is a great way to support local businesses and find something you won’t find anywhere else.

Warm up with a glass of mulled wine and embrace the fun. You can even play Christmas-themed mini golf in the heart of the city!

Getting There

York doesn’t have its own airport, so most international travelers to the city will fly into either Manchester or London.

While Manchester may well be slightly more convenient, it’s usually significantly cheaper to fly directly into London.

The best way to get to York from London is to take the train. The journey takes around 2 hours and runs directly from Kings Cross Station.

Train prices in the UK are notoriously erratic, and the earlier you book the cheaper your tickets will be.

But expect to pay around £22 ($29) for a one-way ticket between the two stations.

Tor Brierley

Tor has been writing for more than 20 years and has visited 25 countries (and counting!) She specializes in European and family travel and never says no to new adventures.

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This article originally appeared on TravelOffPath.com

Opinions expressed here are the author’s alone, not those of any bank, credit card issuer, hotel, airline, or other entity. This content has not been reviewed, approved or otherwise endorsed by any of the entities included within the post.

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August 25, 2024