Million Air Winter 2021

EXPLORE

Hotel del Coronado CORONADO, CA

They call it ‘The Del,’ a nickname somehow steeped in 1950s wholesomeness, as well as bold familiarity. If it were a club, this National Historic Landmark could roll the names of its blue-blood members off its silver tongue in well-deserved braggadocio, in alto voice: Marilyn Monroe, Lyndon B. Johnson, Lucille Ball, Charlie Chaplin, Greta Garbo, Walt Disney, Bill Clinton — to name but a few. Touted as an American treasure, this marvel by the sea was the circa 1888 brainchild of Elisha Babcock and H.L Story, who dreamed of a resort that would be “the talk of the Western world.” Apparently they succeeded, because travelers continue to gab about this pampering hideaway, a beacon in Southern California. On a perfect beach, The (ever-evolving) Del now offers a variety of ambiences for travelers with a choice of what they call ‘neighborhoods.’ If you want to immerse in history (or perhaps see the resident ghost), choose the original — albeit totally modernized — hotel, The Victorian. For different tastes, The Cabanas section (ideal for girlie getaways) has poolside rooms meant to be your portal to SoCal social life; The Views, a family favorite, has commodious beachside suites; while the exclusive, gated Beach Village provides a community of cottages. Finally, Shore House represents the resort’s new residential option. The neighborhoods all come together, as the founders envisioned, with shared activities from dining (at eight venues) and bike riding to s’mores-making, kids clubs and water sports. There’s even a class called Mermaid Fitness, where core-strength-savvy practitioners participate while wearing colorful mermaid tails. Ocean View Villa from $1,090. Contact Patrick Cheah, director of guest experience, delreservations@hoteldel.com, +1 619 435 6611, hoteldel.com