The Alila Marea Beach Resort Encinitas has debuted on San Diego’s North County coast as the Hyatt brand’s first new-build in the United States. The resort is handsomely integrated into the coastal bluff it occupies and draws upon the natural splendor of its coastline setting in a design from locally based Joseph Wong Design Associates.
“We have created a seamless connection with the shape of the site—a magnificent location—and the most inspiring aspect, the ocean,” explains Mark Zeff, whose eponymous Brooklyn-based studio handled the resort’s interior design. “We have embraced the idea of laidback serenity mixed with luxury so that the experience is not about ‘wow factors’ everywhere, but an overall creative inspiration that envelops you.”
Clean lines and a palette of natural material—including warm woods, stone, and driftwood elements—characterize the interiors. Sophisticated décor composes an air of understated elegance accented with pops of vibrant color and nature-inspired artwork. “We used a lot of soft organic materials, textures, and colors so that, just like the ocean and beach environment, there is a quiet strength in the simplicity and texture of the property,” Zeff adds.
In addition to the onsite Coffee Box café, the Pocket serves as the resort’s laidback poolside eatery, while VAGA Restaurant & Bar invites guests dine against the backdrop of seaside bluffs and an exhibition kitchen. The 3,800-square-foot Oceana Ballroom is the natural centerpiece of the resort’s meeting and event space, comprising an indoor-outdoor foyer and terrace. Finally, Spa Alila rounds out the onsite amenities with five treatment rooms, separate men’s and women’s saunas, and a relaxation space.
As for accommodations, Alila Marea is home to 114 spacious guestrooms, nine studio rooms, five one-bedroom suites, and the Ponto and Grandview presidential suites. Coastal and garden views are framed from each chambers, which feature with natural elements and organic lines informed by the landscape. Totaling 1,037 square feet, both presidential suites frame boast floor-to-ceiling windows and double-sided fireplaces that serve the interior living room and the outdoor living space.
