San Diego hasn’t been all it’s cracked up to be in 2024.
Locals and tourists alike become mesmerized by the sheer beauty of ‘America’s Finest City’, but that’s only because they can’t see the bacteria permeating through many of the beaches in the area, including some flocked by tourists.
Beach closures have been constant, stretching from the Tijuana border, the vacation hotspot of Coronado, to San Diego’s own beautiful shores.
Factor in the hassle of airport construction and unenforced homelessness laws, and I’m happy to report a bright spot in San Diego rather than rip the city a new one.
The good news is that San Diego is much larger than given credit for, so there’s more than meets the eye in terms of the negative aspects.
Oftentimes, nearby LA casts such a large shadow that it may seem to shrink the rest of Southern California like a Rick Moranis movie.
Located in ‘North County’ as locals say, Carlsbad is truly one of San Diego County’s best kept secrets despite being home to more than 100,000 people, but the secret is coming out with a newly opened airport.
I recently perused the delightful Carlsbad Villages district; expect minimal homeless encampments, clean, pristine beaches, and perhaps the most enjoyable resort minutes away from the heart of town.
5-star Park Hyatt Aviara is the perfect blissful retreat away from the rush of San Diego’s tourist season.
Relax and recharge absorbing some of the region’s most scenic landscapes and treat yourself to a world-class spa, immaculate award-winning restaurants, or 18 holes on golf legend Arnold Palmer’s only SoCal course.
San Diego’s Most Luxurious Hideaway
Take ‘hideaway’ literally. I’ve lived in San Diego for 10 years and never knew such a lavish resort existed in Carlsbad.
While it’s certainly not alone in terms of luxurious stays in this underrated beach city, Aviara stands out the most now that I know how great it is to stay here.
Formerly a Four Seasons property, the hotel was hit hard during the dark days of Covid and, like many of us did, they seized the opportunity to reset, and man, did they succeed!
While the aesthetic still appears Four Seasons-esque, adding some new and improved touches made this resort even more of a draw, like the expanded courtyard, one of the prettiest aspects of Aviara.
Perhaps this is why celebrities have Aviara pinned as their top San Diego resort, such as Janet Jackson and Tony Hawk, the latter of which just happened to be here when I visited.
It’s easy to see why the rich and famous come here for some R & R. The resort oozes exclusivity being tucked away on a long winding driveway nowhere near the hustle and bustle, even for Carlsbad’s generally laid-back vibes.
I’m not ashamed to say I’m a no-name travel writer, but even I had to keep my ego in check with how important all the friendly staff made me feel, which isn’t something you can say for every resort.
I felt like the center of attention all around from the front desk check-in, valet drivers, to the exquisite restaurants’ wait staff.
Not to mention being chauffeured around site to site in a brand new Jeep Grand Wagoneer, a far cry from other resorts’ typical beaten-down vans.
There are only 6 Park Hyatts in America, but Aviara knocks this one out of the park providing a blissful luxurious escape, no better place to feel unbothered in this slice of SoCal paradise.
A Family-Friendly Resort With Adults’ Sanity In Mind
Anyone who has splurged on vacation knows one of the best and worst parts of resorts is loud booger-pickin’ kids running rampant when you’re just trying to relax.
Best being it’s great for parents, worst being they’re not your children.
Park Hyatt Aviara is the best of both worlds, which makes sense due to Carlsbad’s family-friendly allure boasting LEGOLAND, the popular Carlsbad Premium Outlets and sunny spacious beaches.
Whether you’re activating Vacation Mode or Staycation Mode, adults won’t lose their minds from screaming kids running wild as Aviara has all the bases covered, including being a pet-friendly resort with fun events like Paws at the Park.
But families can have a blast together too. Despite being a golfer’s dream destination, you don’t even have to step outside to hit the links with the Topgolf Swing Suite indoors – super fun for all ages and a lot cheaper than playing 18 holes.
Featuring two grand pools on-site, one is catered for families, while the other is a picture-perfect oasis for 18-and-uppers.
The family pool, as we’ll call it, is a kiddo’s dream come true. The pool itself is massive, but the big prize is the neighboring mini-waterpark with a pair of fun slides crashing into a separate pool.
And yes, a lifeguard is on duty so you can turn off ‘Mom and Dad mode’ and enjoy a cocktail.
The kids were having the time of their lives, which was my cue as a 34-year-old childless man to walk a short distance to the adults-only pool—the highlight of my stay.
I’ve been to numerous resorts and some pools can be a disappointment, but not this one. My one small gripe would be the ‘18+’ rule wasn’t entirely enforced.
Overall, sitting poolside with a pitcher (yes, a pitcher!) of margs overlooking vast rolling hills and picturesque lagoons couldn’t be better.
Better yet, there’s a secret jacuzzi for even more privacy and was rarely used by anyone else.
It truly felt as if I reserved it for my own personal use for stargazing over the Batiquitos Lagoon, essentially forgetting my spacious King Room was equipped with its own hot tub.
Renting private cabanas was also an option. Since the pool was relatively crowd-free, I didn’t see a purpose, especially since rates are not clear-cut, changing daily.
Ember And Rye Is Back And Better Than Ever!
Backed by celebrity chef and all-around good guy, Richard Blais, whom I had the pleasure of meeting, Ember & Rye is my new go-to splurge for date nights.
‘Staycation’ or not, a 45-minute drive from my apartment is worth every drop of California’s overpriced fuel.
Recently revamped after an unfortunate fire accident, this ‘steakhouse of sorts’ is back, better than ever, and all sorts of incredible from the award-winning wine list to melt-in-your-mouth steak.
Better yet, the menu hits every price point up to the sinful A5 Japanese Wagyu, which…no words…it doesn’t get any better.
I could write a separate article on how this should be the most hyped restaurant in SoCal. Richard, hit me up!
Although, if you’re more into ‘sorts’, the Veal Chop with green blueberry capers (yep! you read that right!) was phenomenal.
Ember and Rye is not alone, however. Don’t skip out on Ponto Lago, rounding out Aviara’s dynamic culinary duo.
Most conveniently located to your room, this impeccable restaurant highly touted by Forbes Travel Guide served up a mean ‘Baja’ brunch available on Sundays.
Tip: when dining at Ember & Rye, ask for patio seating. The amazing views rival Aviara’s adults-only pool and as summer nights cool down, they offer cozy fire pits.
Aviara’s Mind, Body, & Soul: 50 Minutes Of Pure Serenity
If you’re the type who loves to pamper themselves at lavish resorts, perhaps you’re aware of the Miraval brand.
Park Hyatt Aviara is home to the only Miraval spa in California, Miraval Life in Balance Spa Aviara.
Full disclosure: be prepared to fork over a pretty penny. The prices were quite shocking.
After scouring the menu up and down and enjoying a complimentary glass of champagne, I chose to book something I’ve enjoyed in the past, but am by no means an expert, so bear with me…
I am new to the sound bath game, but my Sacred Sounds Himalayan Bowl Massage guided by aromatherapy, breathwork, and vibrational sound therapy was eye-opening and just what I needed to calm my mind as a ‘work-a-holic’.
Accompanied by a full-body massage, my physical ailments melted away by minute 50. The Himalayan sound bowl evoked a sense of calm, only intensifying my desire to dive deeper into the spiritual realm of this trendy meditative service.
Aviara does offer a 24/7 fitness center as well with various classes, such as yoga. It may seem like a small touch, but the fact they offer cold towelettes post-workout was another level of bliss.
Tip: Ask for Kerri at Miraval. She did an incredible job as my massage therapist making sure I was comfortable and at ease the whole service.
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