Check Into One of North County San Diego’s Most Elegant Resorts for Swoon-Worthy Suites, Swimming Pools and a High-Profile Steakhouse
Set on 200 acres in the charming coastal city of Carlsbad, from Park Hyatt Aviara’s blufftop perch, the Forbes Five-Star and AAA Five Diamond resort overlooks the Batiquitos Lagoon and enjoys peekaboo Pacific Ocean views. Just minutes from nearby beaches and the famous LEGOLAND theme park, its tranquil setting makes the resort a sweet summer escape, whether vacationing with friends, the whole family or a couples retreat. Wow-factor moments begin on arrival in the striking lobby, but add in chic rooms and suites, an award-winning championship golf course, a chef-led steakhouse and a wide range of immersive guest experiences, and it’s easy to see why Park Hyatt Aviara has been deemed one of the best Carlsbad beach hotels by discerning travelers in the know.
Elegant Residential-Style Rooms and Suites
If secluded balconies with coastal and fairway views and marble bathrooms with soaking tubs top the nice-to-have items on your list, then you’ll love the resort’s chic guest rooms and spacious suites. Designed for relaxing in style and comfort after a day spent exploring, they’re more akin to luxe residential living spaces with plush amenities like Frette robes and slippers, Illy espresso machines and bath products from New York-based fragrance brand Le Labo. Ground-floor rooms have furnished terraces, and several are pet-friendly. Suites (where additional amenities include nightly turndown service) range from the two-bedroom Blue Heron overlooking the Aviara Golf Club and Batiquitos Lagoon to the grand Presidential Suite, which is surprisingly popular with families. Golfers will love the first-floor Palmer Suite (named after the legendary Hall of Fame golfer), which has a putting green on its patio.
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Multiple Resort Pools to Take a Dip In
Where better to spend a quintessentially sunny Southern California afternoon than chilling out beside one of Park Hyatt Aviara’s sparkling swimming pools? Kids and families will love the waterslide tower and tide-pool area in the main Splash Pool Deck, which means the très Instagrammable adults-only Oceanview Pool Deck is a haven for those seeking peace and tranquility to read, swim, sunbathe and sip on a cocktail or two. Both are accessible 24 hours a day (yes, you can pop down for a midnight swim)! Reserving a private cabana at the Splash or Oceanview pool is a cherry on the sundae type of experience with perks including shaded lounge chairs and chaises, overhead fans, complimentary fruit bowls and bottled water. Oceanview Pool cabana guests also receive a bottle of sparkling wine.
San Diego’s Only Arnold Palmer-Designed Golf Course
Recognized as one of the country’s best by Golf Digest and Golf Magazine, the par-72, Arnold Palmer-designed championship course at Aviara Golf Club is an eye-catching centerpiece to the property. Sculpted between rolling hills and framed by terrific views, its well-groomed fairways and greens feature plenty of bunker and water challenges for players of all skill levels. The course is eco-friendly too with initiatives that minimize environmental impact, including the introduction of drought-tolerant grasses and reduced water usage. Schedule a private on-course lesson or join one of the weekly group clinics to elevate your game or take things to the next level with an advanced fitting at the TaylorMade Aviara Performance Center. If you don’t fancy teeing off outside, there are two Topgolf Swing Suites on-property with state-of-the-art simulators for a more laid-back group hangout with drinks, food and music.
Activities: From LEGOLAND and E-bike Tours to Fireside S’mores
While visits to nearby area attractions like North and South Ponto Beach at Carlsbad State Beach and LEGOLAND are a draw for families, the resort has a ton of on-site activities for guests, including the beloved Batiquitos Lagoon Trail (an easy three-mile out and back), which runs through the property. Visit the concierge or download the RunGo app for information on this and additional routes. There are six tennis courts and a range of classes like barre, yoga and cardio circuit offered at the state-of-the-art fitness center; for more adventurous experiences led by local experts, the resort partnered with Adventure IO to provide off-property activities, ranging from private surfing lessons to e-bike tours along Pacific Coast Highway. But nothing ends the day quite like fireside s’mores—purchase a kit from the Aviara Market and get cozy around a fire pit while watching the sunset.
Six Dining Concepts: From a Chic Lobby Bar to a Chef-Driven Steakhouse
“Top Chef” veteran Richard Blais’ steakhouse concept, Ember & Rye, inside the Aviara Golf Club has been a hot-ticket reservation since it debuted two years ago as part of the hotel’s $50 million renovation. Signature appetizer caviar and pancakes, classics like steak frites, plus seven different cuts of steak—including an A5 Japanese Wagyu ribeye—all grace the menu. Open for breakfast, dinner and weekend brunch, Ponto Lago is the resort’s signature Baja-inspired restaurant with an extensive tequila and mezcal selection and an all-new Baja Brunch on Sundays! Indulge in artful dishes like concha french toast, chilaquiles, machaca, oysters, and ceviche and drinks like Mexican hot chocolate, margarita flights and build-your-own Baja Bloody Marys.
For sunset views, sushi and cocktails (try the Soju-based Kimchi Vesper), head to the Pacific Point Lobby Bar. Stop by Aviara Market for grab-and-go coffees and snacks or Waters’ Edge for poolside bites and drinks. Robe out with room service (because who doesn’t love breakfast in bed), but enjoying one of Park Hyatt Aviara’s picnic baskets beachside makes a memorable experience; the Park Basket is perfect for two!
Park Hyatt Aviara Resort, Golf Club & Spa
7100 Aviara Resort Dr
Carlsbad, CA 92011
760.448.1234
Keri Bridgwater is a freelance writer covering travel and lifestyle. Her work has been featured in Fodor’s Travel, Marie Claire, Matador Network and InsideHook, among other outlets and publications.
