Showcasing the work of Joseph Wong Design Associates and Mark Zeff Associates, Alila’s first newbuild in the Americas embodies the vibrant surf and beach culture of Southern California.

Expanding the global portfolio of its luxury Alila brand, Hyatt Hotels Corporation has launched Alila Marea Beach Resort Encinitas along the Southern Californian coast.

Alila’s growing US presence

Developed by San Diego-based investors JMI Realty and Fenway Capital Advisors, and built by Suffolk Construction, this 130-key hotel marks the brand’s 16th opening worldwide and only its third US property following Ventana Big Sur, an Alila Resort, and Alila Napa Valley, which launched earlier this month.

“It is incredible to see Alila Marea Beach Resort Encinitas, a project over two decades in the making, come to fruition,” said John Kratzer, chief executive officer of JMI Realty. “We look forward to sharing this special place with our guests and neighbours in the San Diego community.”

“The completion of the resort is a culmination of many years of hard work and planning,” added Larry Jackel, Fenway Capital Advisors managing partner. “It is our hope that travellers will experience a new benchmark in luxury hospitality with Alila Marea Beach Resort Encinitas.”

Understated, coastal flair

The newbuild, Alila’s first anywhere in the Americas, sits along the coastal bluffs of San Diego and stays true to the brand’s commitment to sustainable tourism and notable eco-design. As such, Joseph Wong Design Associates and Mark Zeff Associates – which is behind the interiors – have created an understated concept inspired by the hotel’s unspoiled seaside location.

A palette of natural materials like stone and driftwood also sets the tone for pops of colour, modern amenities and artwork by San Diego-based Aaron Chang. Best known as one of the first photographers to join surfers in the ocean, Chang serves as the hotel’s artist-in-residence, meaning an exclusive permanent collection will be showcased throughout the scheme, alongside a rotating installation in the main restaurant.

The property’s low-key, organic design continues into the guest accomodation, which spans 114 rooms, nine studio rooms, five one-bedroom suites and two presidential suites. Here, private balconies or patios – many with their own fire pits – have coastal or garden views, while inside, amenities include coffee and tea by local favourite Lofty Coffee, a Tivoli Audio Model One Bluetooth and luxury Bellino linens crafted from sustainable beechwood fibres.

Meanwhile, the 1,037 sq ft Ponto and Grandview presidential suites each have floor-to-ceiling windows that frame views of the Batiquitos Lagoon and the Pacific Ocean, and a double-sided fireplace that opens up to an outdoor living space, living room and bedroom with spacious ensuite bathroom.

An impressive culinary programme from Chef Zepeda

The hotel’s culinary offerings come courtesy of James Beard Award semifinalist Claudette Zepeda, a San Diego native, whose passion for locally sourced, sustainable ingredients shines through every F&B venue, including at The Pocket, a poolside space; Coffee Box, which serves freshly baked goods; and VAGA, the property’s signature dining spot.

Elsewhere, Spa Alila uses products from Maya Chia, Dr Dennis Gross and Body Bliss in a range of customised and holistic facial and body treatments, while a series of versatile meetings and events spaces – which includes a sprawling 3,800 sq ft ballroom – can cater to everything from saying ‘I do’ atop the iconic southern California Cliffs, to cocktail parties for up to 350 guests.

And in true Alila style, there are a range of immersive experiences and collaborations on offer, including trying out a specially designed fleet of electric bikes from Encinitas-based Electra Bicycle Company and taking surfing lessons from local surf school Surfin Fir.

“Marrying the striking design and artisanal luxury experience that the Alila brand is globally known for, with the authentic warmth and vitality of San Diego, Alila Marea Beach Resort Encinitas is truly a destination not to be missed,” said general manager Benjamin Thiele. “Our team is honoured to open our doors to the local community and travellers to experience our new luxury resort in this breathtaking location.”

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