Pantai Inn
About a year ago we stayed at the Pantai Inn in La Jolla. Looking at the resort today…I would stay there again in a heart beat.
Welcome to Bali. Well, maybe not actually Bali.
But it sure felt like it.
Stepping out of the car, soothing sounds of gently flowing water and lightly tinkling bells made me smile. Tasteful, gold and purple umbrellas and lightly scented tropical flowers took my smile to another level. Walking between impressive sculptures, which I learned were Padma sculptures, gave me a peaceful feeling. Immediately, I was in a different place.
Walking in to the Pantai Inn in La Jolla, California, offered a glimpse of a Bali inspired resort. Those Padma sculptures? Being greeted by the Padma lets you leave the stresses of the outside world, and welcomes you into a place of serenity and tranquility.
Guess what? It worked.
But, it kept getting better. Attention to every detail, and I mean every detail, greeted me with water features, exotic landscaping, colors, sights, and sounds. I could have landed on any tropical island.
My own private island.
As it is, this one-acre piece of property includes rough-shingled cottages to Art Deco influences to Balinese design. And, it’s not on an island at all.
But, the peace and quiet, the lush, flower-filled greenery, and even the furnishings trick your mind into believing you really are at your own private island resort. I mean, get a glass of wine, relax in the courtyard, and look at the view. Seemingly endless blue sky meets wave after wave for as far as you can see. And, those sunsets. You have to see them to believe.
The best part? This was my home for a few days.
I was told the Pantai Inn had undergone an extensive renovation in all of its 30 suites and cottages. But, it was so much more than just renovating an existing motel that had been in the family for three generations. It’s more than wanting a place to resemble a Balinese resort. Authenticity was imperative to the family. So was state-of-the-art. Think contemporary beach resort meets old-world luxury.
I’d say they achieved it.
While each suite and cottage are unique, the Bali and Indonesia themes are evident. Authentic artwork and murals decorate the resort. Everything is just a little bit better than you’d expect.
Want to know what’s for breakfast the next morning? Just look on your refrigerator. A menu is posted for the following day. Maybe you’ll be lucky and have the lemon ricotta pancakes with blueberry compote, or the feta, sun-dried tomato quiche. This is the way to start the day…great food and a spectacular view.
Stop in the reception area in the afternoon for a delightful, chef prepared sweet treat. Oh my…key lime mini cupcakes today. Or sit around the fire pit in the evening, enjoying the weather and a glass of wine.
I just lost track of the outside world. Now, that’s a vacation.
https://www.pantai.com/ for more information