Hotel del Coronado – known as “The Del” – in San Diego, is reopening its spa after a seven-year US$550 million (€448 million, £409 million) renovation of the historic property that first opened in 1888 and was the backdrop for the Marilyn Monroe film Some Like it Hot.

The hotel’s renovation

The restoration of the beachfront property, which first opened in 1888, has included upgrades for all areas of the resort, which has been visited throughout its 137-year history by politicians, including President Franklin Roosevelt, President Richard Nixon, President Jimmy Carter) and celebrities such as Charlie Chaplin.

The preservation and redesign of the Victorian wing guestrooms were overseen by David Marshall of Heritage Architecture and Planning. The firm received industry awards for its diligent reconstruction of the hotel’s front porch and lobby areas from the California Preservation Foundation and the Save Our Heritage Organisation.

Wimberly Interiors and GSB Inc ensured the public areas remained Victorian with original finishes, but with contemporary enhancements to bathrooms and furnishings. In 2024, original ceiling frescoes were discovered in the hotel’s Ocean Ballroom vestibule (by William Busch and Jacob Gumpertz) and they have since been restored by conservationists.

Burton Landscape Architecture Studio worked on the garden courtyard, returning a bronze statue called “Naiad Queen” – a replica of one made by French sculptor Charles Cordier – that was located at the hotel between 1888 and 1912. This reproduction was created by Carapace Arts. Existing historic plants were preserved, such as tree ferns, a large floss silk tree and queen palms.

The property now has a Nobu restaurant – the dining empire founded by Nobu Matsuhisa and Robert De Niro – in 3,700sq ft of indoor and al fresco space and an expanded fitness centre offers classes such as beach spin, beach and aerial yoga and Pilates.

The Spa and Salon

The reimagined Spa and Salon (which originally opened in 2007) now has an outdoor lounge with an infinity pool, new lounge areas for men as well as a Marilyn Monroe-inspired Beauty Bar. The new concept reflects the healing properties of the sea, with ocean-inspired treatments.

The spa has also partnered with longevity platform Lumati, offering spa guests technology by the company called the 5-in-1 Recharge Station. This is a device the user stands on to receive five potential therapies at the same time for 15 minutes at a time.

• Full spectrum photobiomodulation light therapy – to increase energy, enhance recovery and promote better sleep.

• Molecular hydrogen inhalation therapy – the company says inhaling molecular hydrogen reduces stress, boosts immunity and increases alertness.

• Micro-impact therapy – using vibrations, Lumati says this modality improves bone density, enhances circulation, releases STEM cells and activates deep muscle recovery.

• Sound therapy – through connected headphones, the device plays audio to stimulate the vagus nerve and offer guided breathwork and meditation sessions.

• Supplements – the device is complemented by a series of supplements to support performance, energy and longevity.

“The Del is thrilled to partner with Lumati as we redefine the guest experience through next-generation wellness,” said JP Oliver, managing director at Hotel del Coronado. “The 5-in-1 Recharge Station offers guests access to a highly effective, transformative experience in just 15 minutes – a seamless blend of luxury and longevity.”

Lumati’s network of partners includes clinics, resorts and wellness destinations in the US, Mexico and Australia – with plans to expand into Europe.

Ownership

Part of the Curio Collection by Hilton since 2017, the property is owned by Blackstone Real Estate Advisors.

Blackstone bought a majority stake in Strategic Hotels and Resorts' Hotel del Coronado in 2011 to help restructure the debt on the resort.

In 2015 Blackstone completed the acquisition of Strategic Hotels and Resorts in a transaction value of approximately US$6 billion (€5.2 billion, £4.5 billion).