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San Diego hasn’t been everything people dreamed of in 2024.
Locals and tourists alike become captivated by the sheer beauty of ‘America’s Finest City,’ but that’s only because they can’t see the bacteria permeating many of the area beaches, including some visited by tourists.
There have been ongoing beach closures, stretching from the border of Tijuana, Coronado’s vacation hotspot, to the beautiful shores of San Diego.
Add to that the hassle of airport construction and unenforced homelessness laws, and I’m glad to report a bright spot in San Diego instead of tearing the city apart with another one.
The good news is that San Diego is much bigger than it is given credit for, so there is more than meets the eye when it comes to the negative aspects.
Often, nearby LA casts such a large shadow that it seems to dwarf the rest of Southern California like a Rick Moranis movie.
Located in ‘North County’ as the locals say: Carlsbad is truly one of San Diego County’s best-kept secrets, despite being home to over 100,000 people, but the secret is out with a newly opened airport.
I recently checked out the beautiful Carlsbad Villages neighborhood; expect minimal homeless encampments, clean, pristine beaches, and perhaps the nicest resort minutes away from the heart of the city.
5 star Park Hyatt Aviara is the perfect, blissful getaway from the hustle and bustle of San Diego’s tourist season.
Relax and recharge as you take in some of the region’s most beautiful scenery and treat yourself to a world-class spa, impeccable award-winning restaurants or 18 holes at golf legend Arnold Palmer’s only SoCal course.
San Diego’s most luxurious hideaway
Take “shelter” literally. I’ve lived in San Diego for 10 years and never knew such a luxurious resort existed in Carlsbad.
While it’s certainly not alone when it comes to luxury stays in this underrated beach town, Aviara stands out the most now that I know how wonderful it is to stay here.
The hotel, formerly a Four Seasons hotel, was hit hard during the dark days of Covid and, as many of us did, they took the opportunity to reset, and man, did they succeed!
While the aesthetic still seems Four Seasons-esque, adding some new and improved touches made this resort even more of a draw, such as the expansive courtyard, one of the most beautiful aspects of Aviara.
Perhaps this is why celebrities have voted Aviara as their best resort in San Diego, such as Janet Jackson and Tony Hawk, the latter of whom happened to be here when I visited.
It’s easy to understand why the rich and famous come here for some rest and relaxation. The resort exudes exclusivity as it is tucked away down a long winding driveway, nowhere near the hustle and bustle, even despite Carlsbad’s generally laid-back vibe.
I’m not ashamed to say I’m a no-name travel writer, but even I had to keep my ego in check because I felt like I was treated by all the friendly staff, which you can’t say about every resort.
I felt like the center of attention everywhere, from the check-in at the front desk, the valet drivers, to the wait staff at the excellent restaurants.
Not to mention driving around from location to location in a brand new Jeep Grand Wagoneer, very different from the typical beat up vans of other resorts.
There are only six Park Hyatts in America, but Aviara knocks this one out of the park and offers a blissful, luxurious escape, no better place to feel undisturbed in this slice of SoCal paradise.
A family-friendly resort with the common sense of adults in mind
Anyone who has ever spent money on vacation knows that one of the best and worst parts of resorts is loud, screaming kids running around when you’re just trying to relax.
The best part is that it’s great for parents, and the worst part is that it’s not your kids.
Park Hyatt Aviara is the best of both worlds, which makes sense because of Carlsbad’s family-friendly allure, with LEGOLAND, the popular Carlsbad Premium Outlets and sunny, spacious beaches.
Whether you activate vacation mode or staycation mode, adults won’t go crazy about screaming kids on the loose, because Aviara has all the basics covered, including the fact that it’s a pet-friendly resort with fun events like Paws in the park.
But families can also have a great time together. Despite being every golfer’s dream destination, you don’t even have to step outside to reach the links with the Topgolf Swing Suite indoors – great fun for all ages and a lot cheaper than playing 18 holes.
With two large swimming pools on site, one is suitable for families, while the other is a perfect oasis for those 18 and over.
The family swimming pool, as we will call it, is a childhood dream come true. The pool itself is huge, but the big prize is the adjacent mini water park with a few fun slides that drop into a separate pool.
And yes, there is a lifeguard on duty, so you can switch off ‘mom and dad mode’ and enjoy a cocktail.
The kids had the time of their lives, which for me as a 34 year old childless man was the signal to walk a short distance to the adult pool—the highlight of my stay.
I’ve been to countless resorts and some pools can be a disappointment, but not this one. My only minor complaint would be that the ’18+’ rule was not fully enforced.
In short, sitting poolside with a pitcher (yes, a pitcher!) full of rims overlooking vast rolling hills and picturesque lagoons couldn’t be better.
Better yet, there is one secret jacuzzi for even more privacy and was rarely used by anyone else.
It really felt like I had reserved it for my own personal use to stargaze over the Batiquitos Lagoon, essentially forgetting that my spacious King Room was equipped with a private hot tub.
Rent private cabanas was also an option. Since the pool was relatively busy I didn’t see a purpose, especially since the rates are not clear and change daily.
Ember And Rye is back and better than ever!
Backed by celebrity chef and all-round good guy Richard Blais, who I had the pleasure of meeting, Ember & Rye is my new favorite date night splurge.
“Staycation” or not, a 45-minute drive from my apartment is worth every drop of expensive fuel in California.
Recently revamped after an unfortunate fire accident, this ‘kind of steakhouse’ is back, better than ever, and all species from incredible from the award-winning wine list into a melting steak.
Better yet, the menu offers all price points, right down to the sinful A5 Japanese Wagyu, which… no words… couldn’t get any better.
I could write a separate article about how this should be the most hyped restaurant in SoCal. Richard, hit me!
Although, if you prefer ‘types’, the veal cutlet with green blueberry capers (yes, you read that right!) is phenomenal.
However, Ember and Rye are not alone. Don’t miss Ponto Lago, round up Aviara’s dynamic culinary duo.
Conveniently located to your room and highly recommended by the Forbes Travel Guide, this impeccable restaurant serves a mean “Baja” brunch on Sundays.
Tip: If you dine at Ember & Rye, ask for patio seating. The amazing view is comparable to Aviara’s adult pool and as the summer evenings cool, they offer cozy fire pits.
Aviara’s mind, body and soul: 50 minutes of pure tranquility
If you’re the type who likes to be pampered at luxury resorts, you may be familiar with the Miraval brand.
Park Hyatt Aviara is home to California’s only Miraval spa, Miraval Living in Balance Spa Aviara.
Full disclosure: be prepared to pay a pretty penny. The prices were quite shocking.
After searching the menu up and down and enjoying a complimentary glass of champagne, I opted to book something I have enjoyed in the past, but I am by no means an expert so bear with me…
I’m new to the sound bath game, but my Sacred Sounds Himalayan Bowl Massage guided by aromatherapy, breathwork and vibrating sound therapy was an eye-opener and just what I needed to calm my ‘work-a-holic’ mind.
Accompanied by a full body massage, my physical ailments melted away after 50 minutes. The Himalayan singing bowl evoked a sense of calm, which only heightened my desire to delve deeper into the spiritual world of this trendy meditative service.
Aviara does offer one 24/7 fitness center but also with different lessons, such as yoga. It may seem like a small thing, but the fact that they offer cold towels after training was another level of bliss.
Tip: Ask for Kerri at Miraval. She did a fantastic job as my massage therapist and made me feel comfortable and at ease throughout the entire service.
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This article originally appeared on TravelOffPath.com
The opinions expressed here are solely those of the author, and not those of any bank, credit card issuer, hotel, airline or other entity. This content has not been reviewed, approved, or otherwise endorsed by any of the entities included in the post.
