Casa del Zorro is a foxy find: desert get-away is five-star all the way

La Casa Del Zorro (home of the fox) encourages a peaceful and magical stay from registration until reluctant departure.

The fox logo, giving Zorro its name. 

 LA CASA DEL ZORRO: CHECK YOURSELF IN FOR AN EXCLUSIVE HIDE-AWAY DEEP IN THE DESERT NEAR BORREGO SPRINGS

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STORY By CHRISTENE MEYERS
PHOTOS By BRUCE KELLER

Five-star accommodations are enhanced
by a fine restaurant with terrific service.

YOU KNOW you're at a class-act resort as you bask in understated elegance, superior service and artful appointments. La Casa del Zorro is a delightful find!
The serene, gorgeous get-away in the Anza Borrego desert is just a mile from the small friendly town of Borrego Springs. But it is light years away from the rest of the world as the only five-star resort in the area.
Happily, the resort has survived several names and physical incarnations and last year was lovingly restored by a forward-thinking investor-developer-hotelier trio.  Jack McGrory, Casey Brown and Jack Giacomini blend contemporary convenience and amenities with classic desert architecture and a nod to nostalgia.  The place captures the 1937 era of its birth as a small desert lodge to today's world class resort. Through the years, Hollywood discovered it, and San Diego social and business icons hob-nobbed, golfed, drank and dined.

Pools, gardens and grounds are meticulously maintained at the resort. 

Guests are personally greeted and ushered into a world of
impeccable service, beautifully decorated rooms and more.

You'll feel as if you've gone down the rabbit hole as you relax on your private patio, sipping a beverage, surrounded by roses, hummingbirds and gently swaying desert trees. Ah, it's peaceful.
ROMANCE COMES with the territory in this oasis.  It's a champagne and flowers kind of place, with comfy beige robes and Zorro slippers to pad around in poolside, on the patio or in your room. (Each of the 19 casitas in the 67-room complex has a private pool and several larger pools unobtrusively placed.) Two- and three-bedroom digs are available plus newspaper mogul James Copley's former desert get-away place. "Happy Days" is yours for $1,500 a night or $100k if you can stay three months!

Casa del Zorro is beautifully appointed with artwork, antiques and books.  And it's dog friendly as you can see. 

LA CASA del Zorro is a great place to visit with your spouse or significant other.  It's made for hand-holding, strolling, taking a jog, playing ping pong, quietly reading or simply enjoying nature and the lovely mountains.
The place reminds of a bygone era, with adobe, polished wood beams and a fireplace waiting for evening's cool. Mesquite and palo verde trees line the paths and bird life is abundant. We saw hummingbirds and a road runner.
The dog-friendly welcome makes it attractive to these Yorkie-lovers. Nick and Nora were welcome guests, and greeted other polite canines, including a pair of golden retrievers.
THE RESORT strives for tranquility and magic and delivers both in spaces!

The Copleys of San Diego newspaper fame bought the resort
in 1960.  James Copley gave the place its present name.

Guests return because of the superior level of service offered by front office manager Tim Williams, and his boss, manager Patrick Sampson.  All colleagues are professional and gracious, complimenting the quiet, understated luxury of a classic resort.
THE RESTAURANT fuses new and old traditions in its fine dining options.  Sea bass, lamb, steaks and gorgeous salads are served up, with seasonings that nod to the southwest.  Our hostess and waitress were genuine and adept, extending an authentic hospitality to compliment the place's serenity.

Hole number 18 at nearby Rams Hill Golf Club as seen from the club house

MANY RICH and famous have stayed here, from presidents Nixon and George H.W. Bush, to actor Marlon Brando.  All apparently came in search of the solitude and serenity that mark a visit. Noted sculptor Ricardo Breceda maintains a shop on the property and his whimsical metal creatures grace the grounds and surrounding properties.  One of his friendly T-Rex creations greets guests! And a world-class public golf course is minutes away. Rams Hill is one of the most beautiful in the world, a spectacular $22 million Fazio desert course.  My partner Keller enjoyed a round there.
We made the drive from San Diego to Zorro on a leisurely afternoon in a bit less than two hours. Since it's only two hours from San Diego and three from Los Angeles, those cities supply many regulars.
"The Europeans love it," said Williams.  "They love the desert surroundings and the ambiance."
Borrego Springs Airport is five minutes away, with complimentary transportation available. FYI, if you think you see Air Force One, landing in Borrego to bring President Obama for a stay, you might not be dreaming.  The airport can accommodate the landing of a 747!!
COMING SOON: You probably have a nature preserve or wilderness area within easy driving distance. Take advantage! Remember: carpe diem, so explore, learn and live and visit us Wednesdays and weekends at: www.whereiscookie.com

CLICK HERE for Lilian's Last Dance