For months, I tried and failed. No matter when I looked, I couldn’t find any available dates to book the Alila Marea Beach Resort Encinitas on points.
That changed recently when I found a couple of dates with point-booking availability, so I jumped at the chance.
Review: Alila Marea Beach Resort Encinitas
Image: aliliahotels.com
Location & Parking
The Alila Marea Beach Resort is located on the Pacific Coast Highway on a scenic bluff just North of San Diego, CA, in the enclave known as Encinitas.
Parking is valet-only at a cost of $52 per night (waived for Hyatt Globalists).
Image: aliliahotels.com
Entrance off Highway 1 (PCH)
The valet circle
World Of Hyatt Redemption
The nightly rate during our stay started at $981 (plus taxes and fees), but we were upgraded to a “Studio Coastline View With Balcony” room (which went for $1,264.94 per night).
However, because the Alila Napa Valley was a World of Hyatt Category 6 property, I booked the room for just 25,000 points.
This was a phenomenal redemption value for Hyatt points at 5.02 CPP.
(Before taxes and fees)
Lobby
Front Desk & Check-In
Check-in was of the “personalized” variety, where we were sat down, offered a welcome beverage, and checked-in.
The front desk attendant recognized my Hyatt loyalty and thanked me for choosing Alila, before covering all the features and resort amenities available to us as guests.
As mentioned above, I was offered an upgrade to a “Studio Coastline View With Balcony” as a Hyatt Globalist.
Image: aliliahotels.com
Welcome package
Surfboard rentals
Room Key
A room key made of bamboo? You don’t see that everyday.
Elevator Area
Clean and calm
Hallway
Jagged shadows cast by the natural light
Room Entrance
As we entered the room, we were greeted with large open windows with a view of the ocean, beach, and lagoon.
Bedroom
The bedroom was elegantly designed to be both modern and comfortable, cool and warm, plush and rigid.
The decor consisted of a largely black and white palette, accented by grays and light-shaded woods.
Yes, the pen was placed like this before we got there
View looking back into the bathroom and room entrance
Living Area
The living area was minimalist but functional.
Room Amenities
Nespresso Vertuo Machine
Complimentary spring water
Complimentary local hard seltzer: “Never look a gift horse in the mouth,” is all I’ll say about these.
The Closet
Bathroom
The bathroom was spacious and included a dedicated vanity area, large soaking tub, a sink area, large shower area, and separate water closet.
This Alila offered the rosemary-forward Votary line of toiletry products.
Dedicated vanity
Soaking tub
The shower
Eucalyptus leaves wrap the shower head
Water closet
Balcony
One of the best features of the room was the good-sized balcony, which came complete with ocean views.
View From The Room
Panoramic view
Our room view (from the left: Ocean, South Carlsbad State Beach, PCH, Batiquitos Lagoon)
View of the Marine Reserve
A train runs through it
Our room view at sunset
VAGA Daytime Menu
VAGA Dinner Menu
In-Room Dining
We opted for in-room dining from VAGA, and we were not disappointed.
We went with the Crispy Dan Dan Pastry (excellent), Crispy Octopus (excellent), and the Lamb Shank (good).
Dinner has arrived
Dinner is served
Crispy Dan Dan Pastry
Crispy Octopus
Lamb Shank
Tortillas (which seemed more like Naan)
BYOB: Blind Pig from the Russian River Brewing Company
Breakfast At VAGA Restaurant & Bar
For breakfast, we decided to head down to the restaurant to enjoy the morning fresh air and coastal views.
Indoor at VAGA
Outdoor patio at VAGA
VAGA Breakfast Menu
Breakfast
We went with the Eggs Benedict (excellent), Lemon Ricotta Stack (amazing!), and the Assorted Pastries and Fruit (excellent).
Compliments to the chef: Our breakfast experience at VAGA was one of the most delicious resort breakfasts I can remember.
What’s more, it was made even better as it was a complimentary perk of Globalist status.
Eggs Benedict ($18)
Lemon Ricotta Stack ($16)
Caramel Latte ($7)
Assorted Pastries and Fruit ($15)
Walking The Property Interior
The Pocket Pool & Bar
Coffee Box
Coffee Box. Image: alilahotels.com
Artist In Residence: Aaron Chang
Another interesting thing about the Alila Marea Beach Resort was their “Artist In Residence” designation which featured [local resident] Aaron Chang.
Along with a wall presentation about his background and various mediums, Chang’s distinctive works were prominently displayed in conspicuous spots throughout the hotel.
(I’m not 100% sure this was a Chang piece, but it was dope nonetheless)
My close-up of the room bathroom artwork
The Property Exterior
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Observation Deck
The Bluff
The Beach
The beach below the Alila Marea is known as Grandview Surf Beach.
Unsurprisingly, there seemed to be various surfers and surf-schools in session all day long.
Swimming Pool Area
Perhaps the centerpiece of the resort was the swimming pool area, which although unexpectedly small, seemed to be “the” place to hang out at the resort.
Image: alilahotels.com
Image: hyatt.com
Image: alilahotels.com
(It was overcast the morning of my photoshoot)
Poolside fire-pit
Fitness Center
SPA Alila
Image: alilahotels.com
FHOP Tip: What’s Nearby
Just down the street from the Alilia Marea is Fish 101, the popular local spot for fresh fish tacos and beer. A “mom-and-pop” shop, they specialize in serving sustainably caught fish “California-style”. Be warned, it’s popular, so be prepared to wait in a line “out the door” (totally worth it).
The Bottom-Line Review: Alila Marea Beach Resort Encinitas
When I think of our stay, the words “relaxation”, “wellness”, “staycation”, and “hideaway” all come to mind. The location was great, there were plenty of activities to do, and resort was beautifully kept.
We agreed we were most impressed by the culinary aspects of the resort; VAGA was something special.
I can highly recommend the Alila Marea Beach Resort to couples, families, remote workers, and [especially] surfers.
The Alila Marea Beach Resort is another crown jewel in Hyatt’s California portfolio, and at just 25,000 points a night, it is a bonafide steal (provided one can book it based on availability).
Final Rating: 9.5 out of 10.
