San Diego offers family fun to groups of all sizes and ages – so we’re outlining our top tips for planning an extra special family reunion. Whether on the sand, at sea or behind-the-scenes, San Diego’s experiences are ideal for toddlers all the way up to grandparents.

 

Where to Stay: While hotels are a great choice for business trips and small groups, we recommend a rental home for a family reunion. With a rental home, siblings can gather in the kitchen, long-distance cousins can bunk together, and grandparents can enjoy a private casita away from the fray.

 

big house

The sprawling Mediterranean-style Casa Granada is perfect for larger groups looking for luxury, privacy and plenty of on-site activities. The private estate boasts more than 16,500 square feet and 11 bedrooms, and sleeps to 28 guests. Resort-style amenities at the home include a tennis court, large swimming pool, gym, theater, and game parlor.


fancy room

At the 10,000 square foot Sunset Villa III, guests are treated to panoramic ocean views from curved floor-to-ceiling windows. Built for entertaining, the 6 bedroom, 6.5 bathroom estate boasts several living rooms, a fully equipped gym, a theater room, a steam/sauna room, pool table, two gorgeous wood wet bars, a full outdoor kitchen, a large pool with in ground hot tub and water feature, fire pit and beautifully landscaped grounds.


At Sunset Villa II, guests are treated to unparalleled views and plenty of space. Perched on a natural preserve above La Jolla, the estate features more than 10,000 square feet, 2 kitchens, 7 suites, and 2 additional full baths. It’s perfect for up to 14 guests to be together and maintain privacy. The inviting and open living spaces cater to all needs with large wall-mounted TVs, an aquarium, baby grand piano, professional kitchen, and several living rooms–all of which rival one another for the best view in the house.


bright room

Just down the road, Art Lover’s Paradise is perfect retreat for families with children of all ages. This 7 bedroom, 6.5 bathroom architectural beauty sits on a quiet cul de sac on Soledad Mountain, in the heart of Alta La Jolla. Fully renovated in 2015, the modern design seamlessly blends indoor and outdoor spaces with sliding glass doors that open entire walls to ocean views. Guests enjoy expansive and beautifully landscaped outdoor living spaces, including an oversized hot tub, large swimming pool and a fully-equipped outdoor kitchen and bar.

What to Book in Advance: Eliminate some of the stress when you arrive by arranging pre-arrival grocery stocking through Monarch’s concierge team. No need to make a big trip to Costco when you arrive – your groceries and essential items will be waiting for you in the home when you check-in. Other services we recommend booking prior to arrival? Airport transfers, baby equipment rentals and beach essentials. Coordinating the needs of a mixed family can be made easy by booking a few simple services ahead of time.

 

To fully relax into vacation mode, guests can also arrange for a private chef to prepare a welcome dinner at their rental home. Whether it’s a casual backyard BBQ or a multi-course meal, your first dinner will set the scene for a fun family reunion. The best part? All the cooking and clean-up are taken care of by your chef.

 

At Sea: As a coastal city with nearly perfect year-round weather, there are plenty of exciting options for a day on the water with family. Want a low-key afternoon on Mission Bay? Arrange a double-decker pontoon boat complete with a slide for the kids (and adults!) For a more adventurous group, visitors can book a private experience aboard an America’s Cup Racing Yacht. For a more relaxing sailing experience or for a dinner on the water, up to 48 guests can charter a catamaran on the San Diego Bay.

 

On the Sand: La Jolla Shores offers long stretches of beach and stunning sunsets, so it’s no surprise that many groups opt for a dinner on the sand or a bonfire with s’mores. Need to get the little ones down to bed on the earlier side? Parties can arrange for a daytime beach butler, with snacks or lunch and beach games for the whole family.

 

Behind-the-Scenes: Popular local attractions like the world-famous San Diego zoo offer private tours for groups. For parents looking to relax while kids are entertained, our favorite way to go is the “Inside Look” tour where you’ll be chauffeured in a private or semi-private cart and embark on a behind-the-scenes experience with a zookeeper.

 

Back at Your Rental: Since you’ve booked a beautiful villa for the whole family to enjoy, we can bring the party right to you. A hosted game night or a magician can entertain the family, or a sommelier can enchant the adults while the kids experience a cookie making party with their trained babysitters.

 

The options for a family reunion are endless in San Diego! To book your stay, email reservations@monarchluxuryvillas.com. To enhance your experience, our in-house concierge team is available for planning all of the details. Email concierge@monarchluxuryvillas.com.