Stepping through the doors of this elegant inn is like being transported to a little European village. The rooms are luxurious yet understated, with Italian sheets and huge, classic soaking tubs; sitting in the sun-soaked brick courtyard makes you feel like a movie star. To eat and sleep here is a weekend in itself, but even those staying elsewhere should consider splurging on the intimate restaurant ($$$$). The single, prix-fixe tasting menu consists of eight courses, each one a marvel imagined by chef Tim Mosblech. The deconstructed lobster taco, for example, consists of a tortilla strip balanced atop a tiny glass of clear tomato and cilantro essence, a cube of lobster, and a shot of lime ice drenched in fine tequila. Pros: In town but off the main drag, four blocks from the beach, full-service luxury. Cons: Touristy area, not a good choice for families.
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