NatalieZ: What a wonderful place to stay. I know rancho Santa Fe very well and have stayed at all the hotels in the area and several rentals over the years. Nothing compares . I have been staying here for over 3 months with my son and my husband. The casita has everything you would need. It is beautifully decorated, and immaculately clean and well maintained, thanks to the adorable staff that work here. The pool and the grounds are a dream, and I agree with other reviews, one feels they are in a five star resort but with a caring personal touch. I would highly recommend the stay here over anywhere else in Rsf . We have had a long stay here but it has been absolutely perfect in every way!!! Thank you so much for making everything perfect 😊
Doug A:I have had the privilege of staying on Richard Branson's Necker Island, in five star safari lodges in Africa, and some of the finest hotels in the world and there is nowhere that I like more than this magnificent piece of paradise. The guest house is a cozy two bedroom with a living room in between, and a beautiful pool and spectacular view. It's a sanctuary and a romantic escape. Definitely worth a visit or many.
Mark H: With our family of four (children of 15 and 18) we ended our road trip through USA in this marvellous house in Rancho Sant Fe. What a great place to have a relaxing rest! The great swimming pool, plenty of different places to sit & relax, the tennis court, jacuzzi, etc. And of course the very helpful housekeeper Enes who even took care of our laundry. Upfront we found it quite a high price to for a week but it was worth every penny.
HAC15349: One of the best places we've ever stayed. Wonderful, luxurious, relaxing privacy. Bucolic setting. Nice for us adults and our seven year old. Much better than staying in a similarly priced hotel!! We went to Legoland one day (easy, relatively short drive) for my son's birthday but decided to stay at the casita rather than do any other sightseeing and didn't regret it for a minute (especially after spending an hour in traffic in Torrey Pines and La Jolla on our last afternoon). Internet access was spotty, but I'm not sure that was a bad thing. We prepared simple meals in the casita (Whole Foods and Albertsons are nearby) and had great meals at nearby Delicias restaurant. Can't wait to return!
Curt B: Vacationed for one week with my aged parents and wife. Can't say enough great things about the experience. Accommodations were extremely quiet and comfortable, location was ideal, pool and spa were wonderful. Ellen, the owner was out of town but her communications and directions were exceptional as were Enes the housekeeper and Gustavo the gardener. I highly recommend Casita del Arboles and hope to be back!
Anonymous said: My wife and I stayed at the casita with our two grown children for a post-thanksgiving break. The property is beautiful with great vistas and a lovely garden setting in the heart of prestigious Rancho Santa Fe. Our host and on-site owner went out of her way to make sure we were comfortable and familiar with the extensive amenities available to us. The weather was cooler than normal, so we didn't use the gorgeous pool, but we loved the hot tub, and naps in the hammock and morning coffee in plush robes at the outdoor dining table. We played tennis on the first class court and my wife enjoyed the roses, fruit trees and observing the honeybee hives. This is not your ordinary vacation rental! It was a great place to relax and reconnect. The master bedroom bed could have been a little larger for comfort and there could have been a bit more useable space in the kitchen area for guest supplies, but these were minor issues for all the luxury we enjoyed. We were very comfortable and felt fortunate that, by going a little out of the way, we avoided the typical hotel stay and have great memories of this one-of-a-kind property.
Pari S.
We stayed here for Valentines weekend with my Husband and two young Boys ages 5 and 8. It is probably one of our most favorite vacation rentals to date and we have booked very many. The casita is lovely and well maintained. The grounds are kept well. Pool and spa were clean, however I think the heaters were off. We got in touch with the mainenance man and he showed up within 2 hours and was very nice and helpful. He turned the heat on for the hot tub and we were able to use it in a few hours. I would suggest, mentioning that if you plan to use it just incase the heat is not turned on. We packed pre-marinated bbq to throw on the grill. My husband cooked us delicious meals while I relaxed in the hammock watching the Boys play in the hot tub, the running stream and with the water toys. When we woke in the mornings, I sipped coffee and just day dreamed. We explored the gardens and picked oranges for fresh orange juice. I've got to say it's one of the best tasting oranges I've had. The roses were not in bloom during the winter season but I'm sure in Spring and Summer the sights would have been even more beautiful. The tennis court was lots of fun and made us sweat. The casita is directly across from the pool on the large estate. It was very private and scerene. I think we'll be returning in the Spring/Summer for sure. We loved it there.
Anonymous: We LOVED our vacation at the Casita de Arboles. We actually were not really on vacation but had to move out of our home for an extended time due to some water damage. The owners Ellen and Rand are very warm and made us feel at home instantly and were open to helping out whenever they could whether they were in town or not in town. We have 2 kids (8 & 5) who swim in the pool every day and are learning to play tennis on their immaculate tennis court. We also enjoyed the Jacuzzi immensely. The setting within the beautiful grounds and view of the Rancho Santa Fe hills in the distance is gorgeous and we have spent many relaxing afternoons just enjoying the view, lounging in the hammock, reading a book from the Casita book shelf, listening to what we call the “rushing rivers” water feature which is a very natural looking water feature that empties into the pool. We enjoy our walks down to the tennis court, passing through the rose garden. There’s a little sitting area with cozy benches too where you can look out over all the colors of the rose garden. The kids are fascinated with the beekeeping that goes on at the house as well. Ellen and Rand had just installed Direct TV and made sure we knew how to use all the remotes. They have been very responsive any time we have asked for how to do something. There is a housekeeper that comes during week days and helps with laundry which has been something we are very grateful for due to our long stay (5 weeks). We will truly miss Casita de Arboles and have many happy memories of our time there!
Michael Z: I stayed here with my wife and 5 month old daughter at the end of August. From the moment we arrived, Ellen, the property owner, was exquisitely attentive to all our needs. In particular, she purchased a crib and other products to make sure we'd be comfortable with our baby. There's so much to be said about the property as well. It's truly a gem, hidden away in the recesses of the one of the most luxurious neighborhoods in San Diego County. Every amenity - from the pool, to the expansive tennis court, and all others - was clean and well maintained. I cannot recommend Ellen highly enough: it makes such a difference when you feel like the owner is absolutely committed to you enjoying your stay. And take it from me - you will!
Touk S: This was a wonderful property that was perfect for our family of 3. We loved the privacy and awesome amenities such as pool toys, game boards, and numerous other thoughtful touches when we arrived such as the golf umbrella and chairs for our daughter's soccer game! This was our first time using HomeAway and we had high expectations for this 5-star property. We are very happy to report that the Casita did not disappoint!
Anonymous: The words and pictures don't do it justice. Everything from top to bottom was exquisite. The casita, the grounds, the views, the tennis court, the pool were all spectacular. However, what stood out most was Ellen's personal determination to make our stay as enjoyable as possible. She went well out-of-her-way to provide our family with personal touches that made the stay all the better. We have two young daughters that Ellen made sure felt very welcomed and happy. Halfway through our stay we were planning our next visit to the casita. If you're planning on staying at Casita Del Arboles - then plan on being happy you made such a good decision.
Anonymous: From the moment I saw this property on the website I thought this place was too good to be true, but upon arrival I was stunned at the fact that the beautiful pictures barely even begin to do justice to this magnificent location. Ellen had gone out of her way to ensure our girls had a special welcome and felt right at home. Both she and Rand are incredibly accommodating and make you feel like you're an old friend in for a visit. The guest house is stunningly decorated and very well kept. Our kids loved spending tons of time in the pool and walking around the property. We were in town for a few days and I wanted a place where we could spend an entire day together as a family without the need to leave the property and this was certainly the place. From the panoramic views to the tranquil natural setting you will be hard pressed to find a better location for your stay. One word of advice...don't plan many activities away from the property, once you are there you will not want to leave! Thanks Ellen and Rand. We will be coming back for sure.
Rob W: If you want to wake up next to the splendor mountains, with the Pacific in the distance, surrounded by incredible flower gardens -- this is for you. The perfect temperature everyday -- with every creature comfort. It is the most luxurious spa -- with complete privacy -- because you are the only guest. If there was a perfect secluded place with immediate access to everything -- restaurants, mountains, the beach and more -- this is it! Even the bed was like the one that you will find in the finest hotel. It is living in a perpetual Zen moment.
Kathleen C: Glorious is the first word that comes to mind. Casita del Arboles is by far one of my very favorite places to stay. When my husband and I visited California we split our trip into two parts, the first staying at Casita del Arboles and the second at a high end hotel in downtown San Diego. Looking back I wished we'd stayed at Casita del Arboles for the entire trip! Relaxing in a comfortable lounge chair with a book overlooking the roses, orange trees and valley; the view couldn't be more beautiful or serene. Waking to chirping birds and the sound of a running brook was such a treat from city living. The property is meticulously maintained to the highest of standards, it isn't surprising to see the hostess cutting fresh roses in the morning and gathering oranges for fresh juice. It sounds like something out of a movie and truly, that's how it feels. My husband and I did some sightseeing while there and Casita del Arboles was the perfect location for that. It was so nice to come back to this sanctuary after a busy day on our feet, a lovely swim or stroll through the gardens was the perfect way to end the day. We will definitely stay here on our next trip to California, hopefully sooner rather than later.
Cindy B: Casita Del Arboles is beautiful. The accommodations and the property exceeded any expectations I may have imagined. The guest house sits on the grounds of an absolutely stunning home, with property and amenities that are on the same spectacular level. The furnishings look like they are from a custom designer, lovely, comfortable and everything seemed brand new. There is a serene pool, a rose garden the likes of which I have never seen before, a fruit grove to pick fresh oranges and peaches, and even a tennis court. This is a slice of heaven, if you are fortunate enough to be able to reserve it. If the review allowed for more stars, I would give them to this dream of a vacation spot. Easy drive to the beach, hiking, Del Mar Racetrack and downtown San Diego. A total ten in every way!
Zach W: Perfect place to stay for a perfect vacation. The Casita del Arboles was a warm and quiet two-bedroom home overlooking a beautiful pool, hot tub, and stream with a spectacular view of the San Diego valley (as well as the owner's immaculate rose garden). The property is minutes from scenic Rancho Santa Fe, a short drive to the ocean, and well-situated to all the best attractions in San Diego. We can't wait to come back!!
Royal W: My wife and I arrived at Casita Del Arboles on Valentine's Day for a relaxing weekend during our most recent trip to the USA. I must say, the warmth & elegance of the Casita, coupled with the quiet solitude of the area, was both relaxing and rejuvenating. The two bedroom casita is situated overlooking a beautiful pool and hot tub that are lined with wonderful flowers and offers a panoramic view of the gorgeous Rancho Santa Fe valley. We travel all over the world and have stayed in many of the best resorts internationally. Yet we had some of the best nights sleep we have ever had at this very special guest house in Rancho Santa Fe. Beds are sublimely comfortable. Except for the sound of song birds in the morning, and the stream outside our room, the environment was peaceful, serene and tranquil. With the amenities provided by the very generous, thoughtful hosts, our stay was like being at the finest spa resort. Casita Arboles is truly a world class destination resort. We cannot say enough good things about it and would come back from London again just to stay there. We give it our highest recommendation and praise. 5 stars - and if we could rate it higher, we would.
JoAnn: What a beautiful place to stay! This property was every bit as promised and more. A private guest home in a beautiful neighborhood looks out on a tropical pool and beyond that orchards and rose gardens. The house itself is tasteful, impeccably appointed, and very easy to live in. The owner went out of her way to make my stay relaxing and enjoyable. I recommend this property highly, I am grateful to have found it.
Rafael G: Our time here was absolutely amazing. From the moment we arrived we knew that we chose the perfect place to stay. Outside: We loved waking up in the morning, walking through the garden to the tennis court where we got a few matches in (while enjoying the courts stereo system to top it off) before cooling off in the beautiful pool. Casita: The casita is beautifully crafted with a fantastic layout. There are two private suits with their own bathrooms and a spacious shared living room. Perfect for friends vacationing together or families. The view looking out the large glass sliders is stunning in the evening with a nice patio space to enjoy a glass of wine. We look forward to coming back and would highly recommend it to others.
Larry P: The casita is magnificent. It is beautifully decorated—the furnishings and every inch of the two bedroom little home-away-from-home is perfectly cared for. Comfort is an absolute certainty. The most difficult part about being there is leaving. Every time I think, this is perfect, "What more could one want?" Unfortunately we could not get Ellen and Rand to adopt us. For one night stay or a week long visit you will be overjoyed you decided to stay here. Thanks Ellen and Rand for creating such an amazing garden of delight, inside and out.
MomofThree: Casita Arboles in Rancho Santa Fe was the find of a century for us. We've rented lots of VRBO houses, but truly we've never stayed in one as nice as this one, certainly never one that is so high end. The house is magnificent, but beyond that, the property is simply stunning. They have a mile-long rose garden, a field of lavender below the splendid pool and spa and running river water feature, orange and peach and other fruit trees, lilies, rosemary...it's like the Garden of Eden. You literally have fresh-squeezed orange juice from your very own tree every morning, and gardenias bloom outside your bedroom door. The casita itself is incredible. The owners thought of everything, down to the toilettries in the bathroom. It's like being at the Ritz. The beds are more comfortable than mine at home. You have full cooking and refrigeration in the kitchenette. There's both indoor and outdoor (overlooking the pool, gardens and mountains beyond) dining tables. We came for the Del Mar races and were very conveniently located for that, and in one of the nicest neighborhoods in America. Plus, it's a short drive to all the best San Diego offers. We enjoyed taking walks around the neighborhood. The house is right across the street from Phil Mikkelson's (the famous Masters-winning golfer) mansion and private golf course. The founder of Qualcomm and also the Hyatt Hotel family lives across the street the other way. Really a great treat to stay here. We are hoping to stay again for Race Season 2015.
Arabella N: Ultimate luxury and elegance, from accommodation to setting/amenities. Quiet and yet close to Del Mar, San Diego, The Zoo, SeaWorld, Legoland and the beaches. We are already planning our next trip!!
Pam R: Every aspect of our stay was fabulous. The casita is spacious and comfortable and we truly felt like we were on vacation. It has all the amenities of a 5 star hotel with along with the privacy and charm of a secluded resort. It provides easy access to all the major attractions around San Diego. We especially enjoyed the breathtaking views and taking walks in the rose garden. We left feeling relaxed and invigorated.
Shannon J: We have now stayed twice with Ellen in her Casita and love it. Beautiful, relaxing, comfy, cozy and so relaxing. Everything we needed was at hand. Ellen and Enez were both so sweet and accomodating. Enjoyed both the pool and tennis court and all there is to do in and around Rancho Sante Fe. Our hike at Torrey Pines State Park was spectacular, as were all of Ellens recomendations for restaurants and activities. We hope to make this long weekend stay a few times each year.
Mo G: Great place,amazing view ,great hospitality,loved
Jackie M: Clean, well maintained and relaxing! A great spot for a quiet weekend away.