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Welcome to a world of travel, entertainment and culture, curated from a global collective of writers, photojournalists and artists. Each article of our award-winning magazine is sure to inspire, no matter which of our destinations you call home.
 
 
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Del Mar, San Diego, US

26 September 2017

For a beach town tucked away in San Diego’s North County, Del Mar certainly packs plenty of celebrity punch. Intended as a glamorous resort destination from the time Colonel Jacob Taylor acquired 338 acres of waterfront land in the 1880s, this coastal enclave has grown to harbour a constellation of talent.

For a beach town tucked away in San Diego’s North County, Del Mar certainly packs plenty of celebrity punch. Intended as a glamorous resort destination from the time Colonel Jacob Taylor acquired 338 acres of waterfront land in the 1880s, this coastal enclave has grown to harbour a constellation of talent.

Golden Globe-winning actress Angie Dickinson calls it home, as does legendary skateboarder Tony Hawk and motivational speaker Tony Robbins – the latter once taking residence in the Del Mar Castle, an historical multimillion-dollar, 10,000-square-foot hilltop property overlooking the ocean. Meanwhile, after his divorce from I Love Lucy’s Lucille Ball, Golden Age actor and musician Desi Arnaz retired to his ranch close to the Del Mar Thoroughbred Club Racetrack. In fact, Del Mar may be known more for horse racing than its Hollywood glitterati. This track, the second largest horse-racing venue in the western US, recently celebrated 80 years since singer Bing Crosby greeted its first guests on July 3, 1937.

November marks Del Mar’s debut as host of the Breeders’ Cup, a premier competition that’s considered bigger than the Super Bowl by the horse-racing industry.

The Breeders’ Cup began in 1984 and currently alternates between venues in the US, the weeklong programme kicks off with festivities leading up to the two-day main event that runs from November 3 to 4. Celebrities, horse racing enthusiasts, out-of-towners and locals are expected to bet more than US$160 million, meaning that all bets are on Del Mar track becoming a firm favourite in the Breeders’ Cup schedule.

ANNMARIE D’ERCOLE

Fifteen years ago, jeweller Annmarie D’Ercole set up shop in Del Mar. Located right in the heart of the village, a five-minute walk from the ocean and adjacent to world-famous L’Auberge Del Mar hotel, her eponymous shop stocks womenswear by Joie, JET, Ramy Brooke and Illia, plus premium denim by J Brand, Mother and Hudson – brands all in sync with that relaxed California lifestyle. But the real draw here is her custom-designed and LA-made jewellery. Annmarie’s delicate everyday pieces combine 14-karat white, yellow and rose gold with diamonds, and coloured precious and semi-precious gemstones. Come horse-racing season, the shop draws a fashion-forward crowd seeking more substantial pieces such as sliced diamond necklaces and earrings, diamond eternity bands, pave diamond rings and statement necklaces.

207 15th Street, Del Mar CA 92014 | 858.792.6953 | shopannmarie.com

DEL MAR HAT COMPANY

If you’re aiming for some glamorous race attire, then your next stop should be here for the obligatory show-stopping hat. The selection at Del Mar Hat Company ranges from elegant headpieces like those favoured by the Duchess of Cambridge to more extravagant wide-brimmed styles for a vintage feel.

1555 Camino Del Mar #313, Del Mar, Ca
92014, 888.424.4287

GARY’S STUDIO

Although Del Mar Racetrack does not enforce a dress code, it’s an occasion that demands you dress to impress. Guys into preppy and smart casual styles can select from cashmere knits, Patrick Assaraf mock zips and Rag and Bone crew necks, as well as on-trend sports coats – the grey plaid wool Hugo Boss Hutson Sports Coat with notched lapels and chest pocket is perfect with chinos and a white shirt and tie. If you decide to go the full suit, then you have your pick of the latest cuts from top fashion houses including Isaia, Hugo Boss, Canali and Zegna. Accessories are plentiful here, too, with a great range of ties and pocket squares – just remember the old style rule: to avoid being a little OTT, remove one accessory before leaving the house. As for shoes: Mabel by Salvatore Ferragamo and 13880 Cesar by Magnanni Footwear are fine choices.

Del Mar Plaza | 1555 Camino Del Mar, Del Mar | CA 92014, 858.794.0740

L’AUBERGE DEL MAR

Because del mar translates from the Spanish “by the sea”, you really should head to the water-facing Living Room Bar. Situated in the recently revamped award-winning L’Auberge Del Mar, it’s a plush meeting spot, popular with locals and hotel guests at golden hour.

1540 Camino Del Mar, Del Mar, Ca 92014, 858.259.1515, laubergedelmar.com

ADDISON

If you’re a fan of fine dining and the type of Michelin-starred quality you’ll find at legendary US restaurants such as DC’s French Laundry and Chicago’s Alinea, then Addison is worth the 10-minute drive from the ocean. Located within the grounds of the extraordinary Fairmont Grand Del Mar – a world unto itself – it is housed in a standalone stone Renaissance-style building overlooking mountain canyon and golf course views. The only AAA Five Diamond restaurant in Southern California, it’s helmed by Relais & Châteaux Grand Chef William Bradley, whose appreciation for French technique, local and exotic ingredients, and artful plating makes for an extraordinary experience. Depending on the season, the chef’s 10-course tasting menu might start with kumamoto oysters and Santa Barbara sea urchin, followed by sake cured kampachi and then Ossetra caviar with leek cremeux. The wait staff keeps service perfectly orchestrated. Set aside about three hours for a well-paced dinner.

5200 Grand Del Mar Way | San Diego, CA 92130, 858.314.1900 | addisondelmar.com

SEAGROVE PARK

The best spot to see dazzling panoramic sunsets over the Pacific Ocean, this park also functions as an open-air gallery, featuring ‘The Art of the Horse’ statues decorated by local artists in anticipation of the Breeders’ Cup. Tag your pictures #BC17 #ArtOfTheHorse.

15th St & Coast Blvd, Del Mar, Ca 92014

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