$20 million renovation planned for Rancho Valencia
The award-winning Rancho Valencia Resort and Spa, an Auberge Resort in Rancho Santa Fe will embark on a six-month, approximately $20 million renovation beginning in January 2012. Nestled among 45 acres of rolling hills and lush gardens, the famed Southern California hideaway will undergo a makeover that will include remodeled suites as well as new and enhanced reception, dining, fitness and meeting spaces. The project is expected to be completed by Summer 2012.
Rancho Valencia’s renovation will include refreshed interiors and enhanced exterior living areas in the guest casitas. Changes to Rancho Valencia’s meeting and event spaces will include a new conference room, remodeled ballroom and boardroom and enhanced patio for weddings, social functions and corporate meetings. The resort also will unveil a new restaurant concept that will feature a stand-alone bar with an enlarged outdoor seating area and a redesigned private dining room with patio, creating more al fresco dining locations. In addition, the resort’s award-winning spa and fitness center will be further expanded with the addition of a new yoga pavilion, Pilates studio and expanded workout facilities.
In May 2010, the 49-suite luxury resort entered a new era, when a San Diego-based investment group acquired it, led by Jeff and Hal Jacobs, two former high-tech executives and longtime San Diegans. The group’s additional general partners are hospitality entrepreneur and co-founder and Chief Executive Officer of Fiji Water, Doug Carlson, and San Diego real estate developer and entrepreneur Jeffrey Essakow.
“With the renovation of Rancho Valencia, we’re committed to bringing renewed energy into this beloved Southern California getaway and continuing the tradition of providing the gracious personalized service and exclusive experiences that guests of Rancho Valencia have come to know and cherish,” said Jeff Jacobs, former chief marketing officer of Qualcomm. “It is our intent to build upon the resort’s unique charm, character and authenticity while maintaining its original architectural integrity.”
Spearheading the design is Todd-Avery Lenahan, principal, ABA Design Studio, a North American-based interior architecture and design firm specializing in landmark luxury hotels and resorts. Lenahan will collaborate with one of Rancho Valencia’s original architects, Doug Mansfield, to preserve the Southern California landmark’s unique charm and sense of style that reflects the beautiful landscape surrounding the property.
The last major renovation at the resort was the opening of the world-class Spa at Rancho Valencia in 2006. The 10,000-square-foot retreat features Italian fountains, pools, outdoor soaking tubs and showers, 10 treatment rooms with private patios and an extensive selection of fitness classes.
For more information about Rancho Valencia, visit
or call (800) 548-3664.