SAN DIEGO, CALIFORNIA, USA -- Despite being the home of San Diego's top rated restaurant, El Bizcocho, many visitors to this California tourist mecca might overlook the Rancho Bernardo Inn and Resort. The Inn lies tucked away at the end of a residential district, and presents a truly elegant, yet relaxing environment to return to after a day of San Diego sightseeing. Cool tiled floors, rustic wood beamed ceilings, gorgeous antique furnishings and artwork come together in a medley that really personifies the unique California mission style. Best of all, the resort is close to such popular destinations as the San Diego Zoo, Sea World, Legoland, Balboa Park, and the San Diego Wild Animal Park, yet far enough away to escape the feeling of being in a tourist area.

Of course, you may never want to leave the Inn, there's so much to do on site.

Healthy California Living

Tennis Magazine rated Rancho Bernardo one of the "Top 50 Tennis Resorts." Guests can play on one of twelve courts (four lighted for night play and two stadium courts for competitions), as well as take part in tennis clinics and classes. The resort also hosts "Tennis College" programs -- two, three and five day programs focusing on stroke development, strategy and doubles play. Tennis College programs are available for players at all levels.

Rancho Bernardo's award winning championship 72-par golf course is San Diego's only course to have hosted both PGA and LPGA events. The course recently underwent renovations and upgrades. We found it well maintained, challenging, yet fun, and full of scenic views like fountains, bridges and two natural lakes.

If golf or tennis aren't your things you can work out in the 5000 square foot Fitness Center which includes state of the art cardiovascular equipment including a seven machine Sprint circuit, free weights, treadmill, Stairmaster and more. On staff personal trainers can help customize a workout to most effectively shape and sculpt your body and help you reach your fitness goals.

Guests looking for more pampering can relax at the full service Buena Vista Spa, offering a wide variety of body treatments, massages, facials and manicures. For those who are really serious about implementing a healthy lifestyle into their routine, even after leaving the inn, a visit to the Salus Health and Wellness Center (also on site) can help. Guided by Dr. Neil Treister, a board certified cardiologist, guests learn about the latest developments in stress management, nutrition, diet, exercise, massage therapy and other forms of complementary medicine. You can receive a personalized coronary risk assessment and cholesterol screening as well as a full cardiac examination with treadmill test. The Wellness Center tailors programs to meet your needs and lifestyle including instruction in activities ranging from yoga, meditation, exercise, massage, healthy cooking tips and red wine tastings.

Be sure to ask about the inn's "Stay and Play Program" if you're interested in any of the above activities, as this will give you great package rates.

Fine Dining

Rancho Bernardo Inn just happens to be the home San Diego's most celebrated restaurant, El Bizcocho (AAA 4 Diamond Award and rated the best restaurant in San Diego by the Zagat Guide). Chef de Cuisine Patrick Ponsaty treats cooking like the fine art it is, turning out spectacularly memorable fare. We highly recommend the tasting menu, which features truffles in all their glorious forms. He even serves black truffle ice cream for dessert, which admittedly is an acquired taste. However, everyone will love the Tiramisu Soufflé with Marscapone Crème Anglaise instead.

Foie gras fans should not miss Ponsaty's version -- the richness of the foie gras perfectly offset by a lavender honey sauce and served with an exquisite Sauternes.

Everything about the dining experience at El Bizcocho is first class. The staff, especially our wonderful waiter Trevor Da Costa, is classically trained and all have a wide knowledge of the food and wine served at the restaurant and how to best pair them. This training isn't a nice extra, but a necessary part of the job as El Bizcocho has one of the most comprehensive wine lists we've seen anywhere -- over 550 labels. The restaurant has earned the Wine Spectator Award of Excellence for thirteen years.

If your tastes run towards more casual dining, try the Veranda Grill. You can dine al fresco on the patio or enjoy the air conditioned comfort of indoors and still have a panoramic mountain view and a great vantage point of the 18th green. An adjoining bar with pool tables and darts is a perfect place to unwind after a day on the course or courts.

Special Bonus!
Like to cook? Click here for a step-by-step photo cooking tutorial with Chef Patrick Ponsaty as he prepares the signature dish pictured at right.

Family and Meeting Friendly

A twelve time recipient of the Golden Key award, Rancho Bernardo's 15,000 square feet of conference space is divided between 15 distinctive meeting rooms, each with adjacent patios. The patios and gardens throughout the property provide an additional 30,000 feet of outdoor space perfect for evening receptions, luncheons, team building events, weddings, or other large parties.

And don't hesitate to bring the kids. Rancho Bernardo Inn & Resort has several programs designed to keep the younger members of your group happy. While the adults play golf or tennis, Camp Rancho Bernardo Inn provides professionally designed and supervised fun and games for the kids. Juniors can improve their golf or tennis skills by enrolling in the Excel Sports Camp. Elementary school kids will especially enjoy the Destination Science programs, offering hands-on learning stations such as Ultra Rocket Science, Extreme Inventology, and the Incredible Tech Zone.

Regardless of what your travel situation -- family vacation, meeting or conference planner, golf or tennis trip, or special romantic getaway, the Rancho Bernardo Inn offers a relaxing, scenic place to call home while visiting the San Diego area.

Getting There & Practicalities

Rancho Bernardo Inn & Resort is located at 17550 Bernardo Oaks Dr. in San Diego , CA 92128. Visit their website at www.ranchobernardoinn.com. Phone toll-free 800-542-6096 for reservations or call the resort's main phone number at 858-675-8500 for other inquiries.

From the San Diego airport take I-5 north to Hwy. 163 north (163 merges into I15 north). From I-15, take the Rancho Bernardo Road exit, turn right; follow to Bernardo Oaks Drive, turn left.

Rancho Bernardo Inn is a member of the distinguished Preferred Hotels & Resorts Worldwide.

Cook with Chef Patrick Ponsaty of El Bizcocho!

Click here for a step-by-step photo cooking tutorial with Chef Patrick Ponsaty as he prepares one of his signature dishes.

Cheri Sicard, in addition to being the editor of FabulousTravel.com and its sister site, Fabulous Foods.com is the author of The Great American Handbook: What You Can Do For Your Country Today and Every Day. To learn more about Cheri, click here.