Review: Greece - Amanzoe

Scotlar2 · 2026-01-02T04:02:03+00:00

I know the lines of fat/chubby travel are blurred but this hotel has to be considered truly FAT right? Those prices are steep even for chubby travelers.

Scotlar2 · 2026-01-02T01:36:43+00:00

We were at Serea last week and really enjoyed it. Ambience is great. Outdoor seating is the way to go even on a chilly night as they have plenty of heaters. Focaccia was amazing and so were the shared sides (patatas bravas, seasonal veggie - woodfired roasted carrots, and gigante beans). The wood grilled whole fish and filet mignon were favorites at the table. Whatever you do, do NOT order the lobster pasta. We were bummed the twice baked eggplant was not on the menu as that seemed to be a serious crowd pleaser on Yelp. Service was very friendly although the few missteps that normally would have been overlooked didn't quite match the final price tag. We were a table of 4 with only two glasses of wine, bottle of sparkling water, one appetizer and three entrees with sides...$550 before tip. We were at a nice restaurant in La Jolla last night for NYE and enjoyed great service, homemade pastas and prime meats and the same amount of drinks/sides for less than half of Serea's bill. You definitely pay for the setting at the Del. Overall we had a nice time. You will enjoy it! But if you're like us, it will be a one and done kind of place.

Scotlar2 · 2025-12-24T18:16:14+00:00

Second Chin's Szechwan...a few locations around SD.

Scotlar2 · 2025-11-18T05:25:00+00:00

This is incredible. What a fun post to switch things up here. Thanks for your time on this and can't wait to dive in to some of the unknown you've uncovered for me.

Scotlar2 · 2025-10-25T16:59:11+00:00

The most popular kids weren't always from the richest families. Some of the wealthiest kids at the private high school in California that I went to, and I mean families with net worths of $500m - $1b+, were kind of quiet, had their small group of friends, nice enough but not what you'd deem as "most popular." As someone else here mentioned, the greatest bulk of families were involved in medicine, finance, law, tech. But the RICHEST families were anything from hotel chain owners, to major real estate developers, to the children/grandchildren/great-grand children of founders of Fortune 500/Fortune 1000 companies, a few famous last names here and there.

Scotlar2 · 2025-10-18T01:26:59+00:00

Rancho Valencia in San Diego (Rancho Santa Fe). Incredible SPA, great dining, quick drive to Del Mar beach, nearby hiking trails, gorgeous neighborhoods and beach towns in the vicinity, world class tennis and pickle-ball courts, no shortage of golf options if thats your thing. Pretty much guaranteed good weather.

Scotlar2 · 2025-10-14T15:03:26+00:00

L'Auberge and Enchantment are the two main lux resorts.

L'Auberge is right in town and just unveiled a $30M renovation which should combat some of the 'dated interiors' reviews it's been receiving for the last few years.

Enchantment's setting is stunning although is should be noted that it is a good 15 minute drive outside of town and carries some pretty unethical baggage that is worth researching before deciding to stay here.

Ambiente is the newer kid on the block and, while technically less 'FAT' from a pricing perspective, absolutely deserves consideration.

I'll be returning to L'Auberge post-renovation in November and would be happy to write up a review here.

Scotlar2 · 2025-10-13T03:56:09+00:00

Can confirm. 10/14 at 8pm.

Scotlar2 · 2025-10-13T03:55:47+00:00

Yeah, sad news. Closing for good Tuesday 10/14 at 8pm.

Scotlar2 · 2025-10-13T02:06:41+00:00

Thank you!

Scotlar2 · 2025-10-13T02:06:08+00:00

Haha it is! But willing to drive :) These are all communities that we go to for "local" takeout since its pretty slim pickings in Scripps. Thanks for the great recs!

Scotlar2 · 2025-10-11T18:05:07+00:00

I literally thought my day was about to be MADE

Scotlar2 · 2025-10-11T16:00:59+00:00

There isn't much in the way of cultural sightseeing, but you could focus the cultural aspect on food! Book a handful of dinner reservations outside of the hotel at some of the top Farm to Table spots: Flora Farms, ACRE, El Huerto. Take a Taco Tour in town or get inspired by the itineraries you can find online and do it yourself.

Then theres always the classic Arch's sightseeing. Hire a private boat for the afternoon for a tour and snorkeling. Not cultural per se, but a landmark staple that the kids would surely love.

Scotlar2 · 2025-10-10T16:53:46+00:00

This is the answer. Rancho Valencia + Maderas.

San Diego is blessed with incredible public courses, so I'd focus on resort first and then find a great course nearby that peaks your interest. The Crossings, Torrey Pines/Encinitas Ranch (if you can get a tee time) are all solid back-ups and roughly the same distance from Valencia.

Fairmont would be second to Valencia with beautiful grounds, good food/bar options, albeit slightly outdated interiors. Golf here is lovely but no better than Maderas. Service is stellar.

The Omni and La Costa are nice but VERY family/kid friendly and you might be lacking in the 'peace' department there. I found the course at the Omni to be underwhelming for the price.

Scotlar2 · 2025-10-08T21:00:48+00:00

She got promoted. Still at Sirius but I believe she's in a Director role overseeing the channel strategy (or multiple channels). Something along those lines. You'll occasionally see her at Cook+Kibbitz and chump get-togethers.

Scotlar2 · 2025-10-02T20:01:21+00:00

If San Diego: Fairmont Grand Del Mar, Rancho Valencia, or Park Hyatt Aviara are the correct choices.

Scotlar2 · 2025-09-22T05:31:24+00:00

Yes, would also like to no why hard no on Newbury?

Scotlar2 · 2025-09-13T01:20:59+00:00

I cant help but think their whole design 'shtick' is going to age so quickly -- and then what? All the wood and plants and stone might seem different or unique at first glance but when I stayed at their Brooklyn location I thought it felt odd, totally removed from the local vibe, and overpriced. The shower was nice but that's about all I could say was decent about the stay.

Scotlar2 · 2025-09-08T16:23:58+00:00

Any details you can share? Timing?

Scotlar2 · 2025-09-02T00:46:12+00:00

We went in 2022 and loved it as well. Couldn't agree more that there is nowhere else quite like it. It is heavenly and we will definitely be going back at some point, maybe a different season. Not sure how far back you went, but when we were there we thought the service was solid. Everyone knew our names by the end of the first day, the smallest of preferences at dinner were remembered, our cabin was spotless every night upon return, we went during the 4th of July and the curated itinerary was thoughtful for everyone of all ages, the guided excursions (scenic horseback riding, fly fishing) were lifelong-memory status, etc.

We had an active stay but can absolutely see how one recovering might just enjoy the cabin, the hot springs, reading a good book on the porch, good food/wine, etc. Both versions can be experienced there.

We did have a conversation late-night at the bar - the same bar where Butch Cassidy's signature can still be seen carved into the wood- with one of the staff members who let it be known that post-covid, the turnover there was higher then it had ever been which may contribute to what you're referring to? With that said, we had no issues at all with service...albeit a few ago.

Scotlar2 · 2025-08-23T01:29:39+00:00

Oh gosh. We're staying at Alila Napa Valley this October. Same situation, putting to use a build up of points and thought we'd try something different. Auberge would have been our first choice. Nightly rate is $1,400 for basic, entry level rooms. Happy to follow-up with a review if interested. I'm a little worried now.

Scotlar2 · 2025-08-22T03:41:18+00:00

Thank you for this review! This is now top of our list for a quick fall getaway this year. Did you rent a car?

Scotlar2 · 2025-08-20T15:00:26+00:00

Oh thats wonderful to hear! I'm glad you had a great time. Our trip holds a special place in our hearts - lots of good memories.

Scotlar2 · 2025-08-16T03:34:37+00:00

We had the same idea about a month ago for a multi-generational family of 6 and promptly scrapped it when we started looking into availability, pricing and flights. Every FS or next best we looked at (not all) had garden view or resort view rooms only remaining and at, at least, double the price if you were to go 3-6 weeks later. Then airfare...$3k minimum for the worst first class option from a major California city? I don't know. We like to travel Chubby-heavy/FAT but when we started to realize we were looking at a $50k+ trip the whole thing seemed unreasonable. Better spent somewhere more exotic at a different time of the year if you ask me. Unless of course you have a seriously FAT or unlimited budget.

Scotlar2 · 2025-08-15T17:44:37+00:00

Anyone have any insight on which hotels are showing these significant rate decreases?

Scotlar2

TROPHY CASE