I walked away from my ordinary life and for two glorious days I am enraptured by extraordinary, casual elegance of Estancia Hotel & Spa in La Jolla, California. The minute I turn off freeway and into their entry driveway, sound of soft, crunchy gravel under my tires welcomes me into a world that feels like my own private equestrian estate.

I am in awe of property, which is situated on 9.5 acres. It’s amazing how a simple left turn off busy California freeway lands me in such a beautiful place. I enter a historic California coastal ranch that is alive with rich history of low rise adobe structures that connect by open-air arcades, luxurious gardens, and all surrounded by sweet smelling eucalyptus trees. This picturesque setting is complete with Pacific Ocean breezes that immediately set me at ease.

Arriving at Estancia, I feel like I have come home to my own private retreat where wealthy ranchers knew what hospitality meant. To my surprise, I discover that hotel is built on site of former Black family La Jolla Stables. The old world elegance is visible: wrought iron railings, arched doorways, picturesque clay tile roofs, and cozy fireplaces — exactly how I imagine life in Old California, a time when breathing fresh open air, and feeling connected to natural surroundings is what is expected. Those were days when adventure was found in exploring your environment.

Estancia is an adventure in comfort and style near Torrey Pines Cliffs and Pacific Ocean.

Every space surrounding The Estancia articulated this adventure. The property is relaxing and quiet but not remote. Five minutes away I discover hand gliding cliffs that overlook Pacific Ocean. Gliders take off from steep crevices of Torrey Pines cliffs and sail through air with blue sky and darkened waves of ocean as a backdrop.

About ten minutes from hotel is Torrey Pines Golf Course, a Robert Trent Jones paradise that hosts PGA Buick Invitational. Another ten minutes down street is famous La Jolla Cove, where seals sun on rocks and pristine beaches — what a secret delight. But if adrenaline rush of hang gliding or relaxing at beach is not your style, great shopping at UTC Mall is right across street.

The true adventure of my weekend awaits me inside Estancia walls. I check attention to detail: The Mexican Talavar terra cotta lobby floor is custom-made. The lobby walls and around fireplace are covered with an old Italian technique called Integral Color Plaster. It’s a time consuming painting technique that’s all hand trowled-blending. The painter uses various colors to create a soothing rich modeled quality with a subtle finish. All exposed beams and fireplace mantles are made of indigenous California Douglas Fir.

My new adventure not only indulges my senses but enriches me with artistry.

The Old World charm of Spain greets me in garden outside lobby. In fact, word estancia is Spanish for estate. The three brick buildings that are part of hotel are each modeled after original structures from original horse farm, also of Spanish architecture. The business center is modeled after Caretaker’s Cottage, lobby is a recreation of farmhouse, and bar and restaurant are a replica of tack room. The white bricks built into each building are actually from these original structures. The Historical Society preserved bricks even though buildings were torn down. Everywhere is passion for past blended with a modern desire for excellence.

Estancia's modern business center.