It's not just any pool, though. It's fed by hot springs up valley. For over 100 years people have taken comfort in these healing waters.

Accommodations at Drakesbad are rustic but very clean and comfortable. Our room, paneled in knotty pine, had its own half bath, but for showers, we used bathhouse down by pool. A few of cabins have full baths, and seasoned Drakesbad guests were heard to suggest that taking such a cabin would be "copping out" on Drakesbad way of life. Mind you, same guests were heard to suggest that brushing your hair for dinner was also copping out.

Drakesbad is plenty kid friendly, with games and puzzles in common lodge, a ping pong table, and a terrific tire swing in shape of a pony. Even swimming pool toys are provided.

The dinner bell rings promptly at six, but there's no hurry. Show up any time before seven and you'll be fed, and fed well. We dined on tilapia and fresh vegetables, prepared with an Asian flair. Our hosts, Ed and Billie, made rounds, welcoming new guests and sharing pictures from previous years with regulars. The youngster at our table bolted his food and rushed out to join sunset horseback ride with other kids while his mom enjoyed her meal at a more leisurely pace.

The kids returned as evening settled in around us. Dusk hours at Drakesbad are quiet but still social, with families playing board games in lodge or sitting around campfire. Drakesbad generously supplies makings for s'Mores, but you'll want to get there quick if there are a lot of kids around - any that weren't on ride had rushed to campfire to build their own toasted marshmallow treats. The lights go out around 10 p.m., leaving you to starlight and glow of kerosene lanterns. You can soak in pool under stars or curl up in comfort of your room.

Gourmet Dining at Drakesbad - Ranch StyleBreakfast follows same routine as dinner, with a bell to let you know that it's time to fuel up for day. We had 'scrambles' just way I like them (and I'm fussy about my eggs!). Ed poured hot chocolate for our young table mate with flair of finest of European maitre 'ds. The sack lunches, ordered at dinner night before were stacked on stairs, ready for hikers and riders.

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Pam, Jetsetters Magazine Correspondent – Read Jetsetters Magazine at www.jetsettersmagazine.com To book travel visit Jetstreams.com at www.jetstreams.com and for Beach Resorts visit Beach Booker at www.beachbooker.com

I had opportunity to talk with Rob Stirling, Director of Sales and Marketing for W San Diego and asked him about refreshing enthusiasm each employee exhibited. He told me, "We made a point to hire people that never had hotel experience but loved being with people. We didn't want our staff tainted with how things 'should be done'. It was important for us to have people who loved our hotel and thoroughly enjoyed serving our guests. It's part of what makes us so unique."

Again I felt that soothing, cool sea breeze that always gives me a sense of well being and happiness. I felt privileged to be experiencing one of America's preeminent leisure destinations. The grandeur of ocean always leaves me speechless. The first ten minutes of my stay at W San Diego did same.

The sensations and pleasures of this hip and upscale hotel continued to astound my husband and myself! San Diego is often compared to Mediterranean Riviera and mod touches of décor of hotel, combined with ethnic and rustic weaves truly captured this ambiance.

The next big surprise was our room. I didn't know what to think.

The walls were a deep sea blue and were dramatically contrasted against striking white furnishings. The beach-like slated window treatments cast a hazy, misty, light into room. I could almost smell comfort of night sea mist rolling in. But my thoughts of an afternoon nap were abruptly interrupted with my valet's grand gestures to get my attention. She wanted to make sure I was aware of all amenities this room offered.

She smiled infectiously and bragged, "As always, your luxurious W bed is focal point of room, with its pillow-top mattress, 250 thread count linens and goose down comforters and pillows, you will have best sleep of your life!" Her speech was rehearsed but genuine. The bed was an inviting, heavenly blue, with a large round pillow in center that looked like a beach ball. I waited until our ice bucket was filled before I dove on top of bed to prove how luxurious it truly was. I wasn't disappointed. My husband and I playfully tossed beach ball pillow back and forth. This room, like rest of W San Diego was filled with expectations of fun and pleasure!

But I did notice that if you were there for business, hotel didn't miss a beat with all of its high tech amenities. There was a large desk, two telephones, one with a dataport and speakerphone capabilities, for all those required conference calls. There was a high speed internet broadband access line available, that's also wireless. No need to waste your time at your computer. The phone by bed was cordless.

"Nice touch," I thought. I always hated being held captive by a telephone cord when I wanted to roam room, answer door, or gaze out window, especially if I could see ocean!

Above desk, where there's usually a mirror or painting, hung a huge black board, equipped with eraser and white chalk. Our valet signed her name... Carly, and told us to call her if we needed anything.

Later, my husband and I sent each other chalk messages and drew funny cartoons. I'm still smiling at how mischievous it felt to write on that big black chalk board!

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Janice Wilson, Jetsetters Magazine Correspondent – Read Jetsetters Magazine at www.jetsettersmagazine.com To book travel visit Jetstreams.com at www.jetstreams.com and for Beach Resorts visit Beach Booker at www.beachbooker.com