sternwheelers continue to cycle back and
forth between the Bahia and the Catamaran
today, used not only as a shuttle but also for
private events and chartered cruises.
In 1995, Evans Hotels purchased The
Lodge at Torrey Pines in La Jolla, reno-
vating and reconstructing a large portion
to create a brand-new luxury resort with
169 guest rooms. It reopened in 2002 with
a prestigious AAA Five Diamond rating
and sits alongside the Torrey Pines Golf
Course, near picturesque Torrey Pines
State Natural Reserve.
As Evans Hotels has grown, members of
the Evans family and other staff members
have worked side-by-side with the local
community. From political activities and
presidential visitors to partnerships with
health organizations and supporting com-
munity events, they have integrated them-
selves into Mission Bay Park, greater San
Diego and beyond.
“I am immensely proud of what we do
and of the relationship we have devel-
oped with our staff members and with the
public,” Evans says, explaining that her
company has brought a stable workforce to
Mission Bay and continued to thrive in a
service-oriented industry.
Castro, an 18-year employee at the Bahia,
adds that while the hotels have grown over
the years, one thing hasn’t changed with
time. “That is our commitment to creating
the best possible experience for each of
our guests,” he says. “And, as an employee
of Evans Hotels, I have become a part of
that commitment.” Castro notes that small
businesses have come and gone on Mission
Bay, but that, overall, the area has remained
consistent. “Belmont Park has changed a
bit and so has SeaWorld, but they continue
to draw many people to this area as do the
beach and bay areas themselves,” he says.
“We remain a very popular place to bring
the family.”
THREE DISTINCT DESTINATIONS
Each hotel has its own personality, atmo-
sphere and style. The founding Bahia
Resort Hotel is situated on a 14-acre pen-
insula with guest rooms featuring views of
the bay or hotel gardens. The light colors
and expansive windows add to the seaside
vibe, creating a breezy, relaxing environment
conducive to winding down. Beachside
cabanas are available, and the resort also
offers professional tennis lessons, access to
nearby water sports, movies by the pool
and cookouts on the beach during sum-
mer—not to mention seasonal cruises on
the Bahia Belle.
The Catamaran Resort Hotel and Spa
is a different environment altogether, with
a tropical Polynesian design. The hotel’s
theme is implemented in everything from
the decor to on-site events. The grounds are
filled with lush gardens—tropical plants,
waterfalls, koi ponds and talking parrots.
Tiki torches and handcrafted Balinese
totem poles further add to the ambience.
The hotel hosts events like summer sun-
set luaus complete with hula dancers and
roasted pigs as well as yoga classes, pool-
side Polynesian dance lessons, seasonal
movies on the bay and cocktail cruises.
The Polynesian theme carries over to The
Catamaran Spa with South Pacific and
Asian-inspired massages and other treat-
ments. And Oceana Coastal Kitchen offers
bayfront dining and California cuisine made
with seasonal, local ingredients.
The newest property in the company’s
portfolio, The Lodge at Torrey Pines, sits
adjacent to the Torrey Pines Golf Course,
which hosted the U.S. Open in 2008 and will
again in 2021. As expected, the iconic course
draws golfers from around the world looking
to play on the same challenging greens as the
pros. The Lodge was built in the California
craftsman style, providing a resort that’s
upscale while still blending well with its
environment. The Spa at Torrey Pines offers
relaxing treatments inspired by the ocean and
adjacent Torrey Pines State Natural Reserve.
And dining options include A.R. Valentien,
the Lodge’s signature restaurant, as well as
The Grill, which recently underwent a $2.5
million renovation and features an outdoor
grill, rotisseries and oven.
While each resort has its own appeal
and audience, they have one important
thing in common according to Evans. “Our
hotels have been resources for families
and all manner of people seeking rest and
relaxation,” she says. “So many people have
formed wonderful memories.” n
FUN FACTS
Learn about the little-known details
of Evans Hotels’ properties.
BAHIA BELLE
This pad-
dle-wheel boat
has been shut-
tling guests
between
the Bahia
Resort Hotel and
Catamaran Resort Hotel
and Spa since the 1960s. Built in
1942, the boat previously ferried
personnel between San Diego’s
Embarcadero and Navy ships in
port. William Evans transformed
the boat—originally named the
Juanita—into the sternwheeler.
CATAMARAN
RESORT
HOTEL
AND SPA
The hotel’s
unique flora
and fauna
amplify its
Polynesian theme,
and the hotel also houses a spe-
cial bird room. Currently home to
eight parrots and nearly 30 ducks,
bird handlers work on-site to train
the birds, which are showcased in
special presentations during spring
and summer.
THE LODGE AT TORREY PINES
An acclaimed, farm-to-table restau-
rant within The Lodge, A.R. Valentien
is named for an early 1900s San
Diego artist who created impression-
ist paintings, pottery and botanical
illustrations. In addition
to fresh cuisine
and a view over-
looking the golf
course, diners
enjoy a collec-
tion of art by
the restaurant’s
iconic namesake.
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