Issue link: https://www.balharbourdigital.com/i/1543791
C O U R T E S Y L A S A L A M A N DA ; FO U R S E A S O N S ; H OT E L D E L C O R O N A D O LAS ALAMANDAS: REMOTE CONTROL Solitude and personalized service reign supreme at Las Alamandas resort (left), where 18 vibrant one-of-a-kind suites sit on a 2,000-plus-acre sanctuary containing four private beaches and a landing strip. The solar-powered property is outfitted by local artisans, with stonework and handcrafted furnishings, pottery, and textiles. Locally sourced farm-to-table meals are served under an airy palapa. On the docket are a variety of activities: horseback riding, fishing excursions, and a sea turtle protection experience. CAREYES: ARTY PARTIES & CLIFFSIDE CASTLES Two colorful small-scale castles, complete with 360-degree infinity pool moats, cap off opposite seaside cliffs in Careyes, offering postcard views of the Copa del Sol art installation that appears to cup the setting sun. Polo matches, artist residencies, spontaneous house parties, and the spiritually inclined Ondalinda music and arts festival are among the calling cards of this tight-knit bohemian community. The XXVI Copa Agua Alta polo tournament and adjacent festivities kick off at the Costa Careyes Polo Club on March 27 through April 5. In addition to the villas, a unique collection of casitas and bungalows may be reserved. RANCH TO SPA AT FOUR SEASONS RESORT TAMARINDO Perched on a 3,000-acre nature reserve, Four Seasons Resort Tamarindo serves up that just-right balance of rugged and refined. Dine at on-site sustainable farm Rancho Lola, which supplies produce, eggs, and honey for the property. On the polished side are villas with private infinity pools, a picturesque 18-hole golf course bordering the ocean, and the Coyul restaurant, helmed by celebrated chef Elena Reygadas. Step into the spa for a temazcal sweat lodge ceremony or a couples' stargazing massage with wine and charcuterie. Other guided adventures include fishing, paratriking, e-foil surfing, birdwatching, and an ethnobotanical walk that spotlights the medicinal power of plants, used by pre-Hispanic cultures for healing. XALA'S SUSTAINABLE STEWARDSHIP The forthcoming Xala sustainable community will include 75 beachfront estates on five-acre lots alongside a 51-key Six Senses resort and branded residences. One lot is reserved for Richard Gere, a prominent supporter of the project's hyper-local community development and eco efforts, from sea turtle protection and reforestation to a coral reef build that aims to generate marine life and a surf break. The grounds include five miles of beach, two Ramsar- protected estuaries, an equestrian center, more than 440 acres of mango orchards, and a 10-acre organic farm and seed bank. A sculptural lighthouse designed by artist Gonzalo Lebrija will double as a space for art exhibitions and other community gatherings. The 157-key Four Seasons Resort Tamarindo Since 1888, the Hotel del Coronado has been welcoming guests to its luxurious beachfront resort on San Diego's idyllic Coronado island. The grande dame, known as The Del, recently completed a six-year, $550-million restoration, and she's looking fresher than ever. As part of the reimagining of the property, there are now five distinct "neighborhoods" at The Del. Among them, the new beachfront Shore House gets our top vote. Designed as a luxury residence, you truly feel right at home: the full-scale kitchen (Wolf oven; Sub-Zero fridge; wine cooler) is host-ready; the spacious living room's L-shaped sofa doubles as a queen-size bed—perfect for a family affair; and the master bathroom has a double vanity, walk-in shower, and ample closet space. Pro tip: Book Room 5352, which has an extra-large wraparound terrace where you can practically touch the mica-flecked sand. In the morning, pad downstairs for a locally sourced brekky by the pool, available only to Shore House guests. With just 75 rooms and suites, there's never a need to stake out pool chairs, or stand in an endless check-in queue. In fact, Shore House has its own dedicated valet and reception. —TALI JAFFE-MINOR CHECKING IN: The Del Marilyn Monroe resided at The Del while filming Some Like it Hot; one of Shore House's oceanfront villas BALHAR B O U RSH O P S .CO M