When it comes to planning an event of any kind, the venue is of the utmost importance. Let us tell you about one of the best places you could ever choose for a milestone event, including amazing luxury hospitality, at Rancho Valencia Resort & Spa. We stayed at this amazing Forbes 5-star rated Southern California property that we are so excited to gush all about! This award-winning resort, and Southern California’s only Relais & Châteaux property, has quickly become one of the most sought after escapes in California for weddings.
Back in 2015, my husband and I were engaged at Rancho Valencia Resort & Spa. He had fooled me into thinking that ‘San Diego Magazine’ needed a diverse couple for a photoshoot. He had mentioned the original couple “dropped out”, so we were really doing them a favor by being their models. In return, they offered a complimentary stay at the hotel. After looking at their website, and that is all I needed! I was sold for staying at this euphoric hidden wonderland and experiencing luxury hospitality at Rancho Valencia Resort and Spa. The variety of intimate courtyards, lush gardens, dramatic views, and personalized details blew me away!
He ended up proposing to me surrounded by the olive trees and it was beyond enchanting. Fast forward to 2023, and we’re expecting our first baby! What better place for a baby moon than back to where it all began, at Rancho Valencia Resort & Spa?
Upon arrival at Rancho Valencia Resort & Spa,
All of those original fuzzy feelings came swarming back to both of us. We were immediately greeted by the friendliest gate keeper and instantly reminded that this place was very special. As we checked in, we were welcomed with complimentary champagne and spa water. We were reminded that the entire staff goes above and beyond to make you feel like you are the only ones that matter.
The rooms are all individual casitas with private entrances, so you feel like the place is exclusively yours. All of the casitas have jacuzzis with a little courtyard, beautiful spa-like bathrooms, with a comfy, yet chic living room. The gorgeous linens make you feel right at home. In fact, it’s better than home because you don’t have to worry about a thing.
As we walked around the grounds and reacquainted ourselves, we could not stop wishing that we would have had our wedding here. It is an ideal wedding property. Rancho Valencia’s variation of indoor and outdoor space has a capacity to accommodate weddings of up to 500 people.
You can have a grand tented celebration that overlooks the beautiful grounds, with possible hot air balloons as the backdrop and a picturesque sunset. Or, you can have a sexy, intimate affair for 24 guests in their sleek wine cellar. Not only are the courtyards and amenities a luxury experience at Rancho Valencia, but they also have 49 authentic hacienda style suites. These are three-bedroom villas that are so charming with a private pool and garden area. Also a great option for the welcome reception. The beauty about this property is that there are so many different options depending on your vibe. You are able to have a grand wedding, or an intimate ceremony at the Rose Garden.
The amenities in detail,
Since many of your guests will most likely be making a vacation out of your event, there is plenty to keep them entertained. A spa day is always luxurious. The spa is supreme with a long menu of relaxing services and an adult only pool to boot. Rancho Valencia is also renown for their tennis as well as the America’s newest fast growing sport, pickleball. We love the idea of hosting a fun, active pickleball tournament for your guests, since it is an easier game for all ages and less intimidating than tennis.
A different day, you could plan on wearing your best “Heathers” plaid outfit and playing croquet. Everyone appreciates a good theme! Honestly, the possibilities of different wedding themes are endless: equestrian Ralph Lauren atmosphere, sporty chic country club, enchanted garden more holistic with vines and flowers, or a traditional big white fluffy dress black tie affair. So many options!
Every morning, my husband and I would wake up and take a sunrise walk around the lush property with our dog (yes, another bonus, it’s also dog friendly!) We would talk about how gorgeous the grounds are, how extraordinary the staff is and how we wish we would have been married there. We may just have to come back annually for our anniversary!
If you don’t currently have anything planned for a small or large group, we hope that we’ve inspired you to start the planning process! If you do have an upcoming event, but have been contemplating on a venue, we hope you feel inspired to book your stay and experience luxury hospitality at Rancho Valencia Resort & Spa. Not only will you experience luxury hospitality, but you will also experience authentic cuisine and most importantly, a sense of deep relaxation during your stay.