Elite Traveler November-December 2018

GUIDE TO SANDIEGO The Golden Door attracts wellness seekers from all over the world

Originally inhabited by the Kumeyaay Native Americans, San Diego violently changed hands several times throughout history; first by colonizing Spaniards in 1774, then by Mexicans in 1821 during the Mexican War of Independence and finally by early American settlers in 1848, after Alta California joined the United States thanks to the Treaty of Guadalupe Hidalgo. From the street names to the cuisine, the Mexican influence on San Diego is impossible to miss. Just a half-hour’s drive from the US/Mexico border, San Diego offers up legendary surf spots as well as an energetic Gaslamp Quarter, and posits itself as the craft brewery capital of America. The oceanfront city is home to July’s largest international comic book convention, San Diego Comic-Con, as well as the mustachioed Ron Burgundy, the hot shot newscaster played by actor Will Ferrell in Anchorman: The Legend of Ron Burgundy . His eternal words “you stay classy, San Diego” have become somewhat of proverb in this Southern California town, echoed multiple times a day by its friendly and humorous residents.

EXPERIENCE

Golden Door Nestled in 600 acres of hiking trails, with mountains to climb and fresh air to inhale, Golden Door has attracted wellness seekers from all over the world looking to reset with daily massages, fitness classes and on- property-sourced meals. For the last 60 years, the resort has focused on preserving and enhancing human tranquility. While the typical experience is a week long, three- to seven-day full buyouts are now possible with a 30-guest minimum. From $4,250 per guest per night, goldendoor.com The America’s Cup Match Race Experience Race a pair of America’s Cup competition yachts, the 24-guest Stars and Stripes against the 12-guest Il Moro with yachtsman Dennis Conner as your skipper. Get hands-on, jibing and tacking up the coast, or simply relax, glass of wine in hand, and let the handful of crew handle the sailing. The three-hour tour includes an onboard photographer and videographer for each yacht. A full dual buyout is possible. From $3,000 for Stars and Stripes , $2,000 for Il Moro . Contact Warren Allan, warren@acsailexpert.com, +1 619 630 6383, dennisconner.com

by Alexandra Cheney

Race a pair of America’s Cup competition yachts