This year marks a pair of milestones in our family. Our son turned 17 and our daughter celebrated her Sweet 16 last month. In addition to arranging teen parties with their friends, I planned a family weekend at what has become one of our favorite staycation destinations over the years: Bahia Resort Hotel in San Diego.
You’d think a trip to Mission Bay would consist of getting outside the proverbial four walls of the hotel to experience miles of sandy beaches and area attraction – but not for us this time around. We already knew how much the property itself has to offer so we opted to stay ensconced as close to the resort as possible. The. Entire. Time. With fantastically appointed beach-access guest rooms and covered lounge chairs at the water’s edge, beach games, a pair of lighted tennis courts, kayak, stand-up paddleboard and powerboat rentals, on-property dining, a sparkling junior Olympic size pool and even a Residents’ Lounge for billiards, table shuffleboard and foosball, there’s no reason to leave.
There’s a fully outfitted fitness center for my son and yoga and pilates classes on the pool deck for my daughter and I to indulge in a little wellness. Whatever your plan is, for our part this trip there was nothing more relaxing than knowing each of our itinerary options were all within a few minutes walk.
Tucked away on a private fourteen-acre peninsula on the west shore of Mission Bay, the Bahia Resort Hotel’s newly renovated rooms and suites showcase accommodations to suit your needs, whether it be a romantic overnight, a girlfriends’ getaway or a family-friendly retreat. We booked the Deluxe Bayfront Suite for a little more space to spread out with a separate bedroom and living area. The full kitchen with stove, oven and compact refrigerator allowed me to bake up sweet birthday treats and microwave popcorn to our hearts content for a late night in-room movie.
This particular suite was pretty spectacularly situated adjacent to Bahia’s secluded beach on the west side of the peninsula. The two lounge chairs on our own private patio overlooking the water made for a particularly enjoyable morning coffee.
Speaking of which, the kids thought the Grab N’ Go offerings (think breakfast burritos, pastries and fresh brewed coffee and espresso drinks) was “super cool” served out of a gleaming Airstream trailer on site.
With regard to destination dining on property, Bahia’s upscale restaurant, Dockside 1953 is certain to make waves (pun intended) on the city’s coastal dining scene with its picturesque waterfront setting, nautical-inspired design and eclectic menu of mouthwatering dishes by Executive Chef Bryan Stuppy.
Chef’s culinary offerings feature “a strong focus on sustainable seafood from local fishmongers and the highest quality produce from local growers and producers.” Seafood aficionados like me will have their work cut out for them in deciding between the literal bounty of “raw” standouts like locally caught Rockfish ceviche, Ahi Tuna tostada or Chef’s crudo. Can’t choose? The Seafood Tower offers an impressive sampling of oysters on the half shell, shrimp, ceviche and seared tuna. I’m personally a fan of making a meal of several appetizers and the menu here provided a delicious opportunity to share an array of delicious dishes – from the melt-in-your-mouth seared Day Boat Scallops and roasted Indian iron mushrooms to the pasture fed Wagyu and Lamb Meatball with whipped Valibreso and Calabrian Chili tomato sauce.
Outdoor activities
Located right on property, Action Sport Rentals (actionsportrentals.com) endeavors to meet the needs of all aquatic enthusiasts. Rent a single or tandem kayak, stand up paddleboard, peddle boats or pontoon boats. We have rented from Action many times over the years so familiar with its offerings, the kids requested a special “birthday spin around the bay” aboard a powerboat.
Guests can rent a Hurricane or Rinker – both fast, fun craft that’s also a super comfortable ride for up to 10 passengers. While boaters stay within the bay, our experience alternated between a leisurely cruise in the channels and a wind-through-your hair ride at speeds topping 40 mph.
Upon arrival at Bahia, visitors really do feel worlds away from the hustle and bustle of the everyday. The locale is literally a symphony of colors and scents as springtime flowers are in full bloom and the salty breeze blows in from the bay. Tropical gardens with winding paths and trickling streams lined with tropical palms, duck ponds and even a rescue seal enclosure. The Bahia Resort Hotel is more than just a destination, it’s a destination to remember.
