Spend a Fall Weekend Together at This Stunning Resort by the Coast
If your ideal fall couple’s getaway doesn’t include a trip to the luxury, AAA Five-Diamond Park Hyatt Aviara Resort, Golf Club & Spa, start packing your bags! Known for luring intrepid travelers, wellness warriors and even city dwellers out of their urban jungles, this Carlsbad resort combines the town’s laid-back surf vibes with the level of luxury this hotel brand is known for.
Ticking all the boxes of an opulent California resort, Park Hyatt Aviara features San Diego’s only Arnold Palmer-designed golf course, a steakhouse spearheaded by celebrity chef Richard Blais, and a 15,000 square-foot Miraval Life in Balance Spa, making it the ultimate destination for couples. And with fall being one of the best seasons for travel in Southern California, there’s no better time to reserve one of the property’s ocean-view suites and enjoy a weekend by the coast with your significant other. Look forward to culinary classes, pickleball matches, couples massages and alfresco dinner dates at this iconic Carlsbad resort. Here’s exactly how to spend the picture-perfect fall couple’s weekend at Park Hyatt Aviara.
DAY 1
4 p.m. Check-in
Every vacation starts by picking up your room key, but not every accommodation wows quite like Park Hyatt Aviara. You could call them suites, but these luxury abodes were designed to make guests feel like royalty. Golf enthusiasts will feel right at home in the Palmer Suite with a private putting green on the patio, while the Premium Coastal Suite is the perfect couples’ hideaway with its breathtaking views of the coast and Batiquitos Lagoon. And, of course, nothing says fall quite like a good night’s sleep in the Fireside Terrace Suite, where you can break out the marshmallows for a round of s’mores with a private fire pit overlooking the lush resort grounds.
6 p.m. Dinner at Ember & Rye
If the way to your lover’s heart is through food, the newly reopened Ember & Rye will have them falling head-over-fork in love! Helmed by acclaimed chef and television personality Richard Blais, this steakhouse isn’t just known for its premium cuts; it’s also a recipient of the Wine Spectator Award for its top-shelf selections. The interior leans modern and chic—without being pretentious. Golf course views are complemented by a menu featuring decadent dishes like Osetra Caviar, A5 Japanese Wagyu, Embered Brussel Sprouts and Lobster Corn Croquettes. Weekend travelers are invited to wind down the week with their exclusive multicourse Sunday Supper, which features live entertainment and a menu centered around a succulent roast cooked over an open flame.
DAY 2
9 a.m. Breakfast Date at Ponto Lago
A breakfast date at Ponto Lago will surely have you up and out of bed by opening hours, whether or not you’re a morning person. This Baja-inspired breakfast nook is San Diego’s only Forbes four-star restaurant—a title well-earned through its open-hearth kitchen, cold-pressed juices and scenic views of the ocean. The menu alternates between sweet and savory, but nothing says “good morning” better than the famous fruit plate, sourced straight from the farmers market. Elevate your spread with bigger bites like the Ponto Omelet, Concha French Toast or buttermilk pancakes, topped with prickly-pear hibiscus preserves and coconut curd.
11:30 a.m. Golf Lessons at Aviara Golf Club
With a stunning layout, native wildflowers and ocean views, what’s not to love about Aviara Golf Club? Stretching 7,007 yards along the Carlsbad coast, every couples getaway should include a tee time on this Arnold Palmer-designed course. If your swing needs some practice, the resort offers private lessons to help you and your partner master the proper techniques. Schedule a lesson with the Aviara Golf Academy to take you from novice to golf pro with the help of its top-ranked instructors.
1 p.m. Pool Time + Lunch at Water’s Edge
Meet your beau poolside for a lunch affair at Water’s Edge. When the SoCal rays reach their peak, cool off with a cocktail. More specifically, a spicy pomegranate margarita or Batiquitos Bramble, brimming with blackberries and Woodford Reserve bourbon. Pair either with the Buddha Bowl or Aviara Club Wrap for a soulful dose of greens and grains. SoCal sunbathing meets posh, luxury lounging inside the pool deck’s shady cabanas on the Ocean View and Splash Pool Decks. Reserve one to spend some quality time with your person and enjoy perks like TVs, overhead fans, fresh fruit bowls and more.
3 p.m. Play a Game of Pickleball
Securing fame through its rise on social media, it’s no surprise Park Hyatt Aviara made some room for this Insta-favorite sport. Sheltered by whispering palms and backed by the cool blue of the Pacific, their four state-of-the-art pickleball courts are the perfect place for some friendly couple’s competition. Thanks to the Aviara Racquet Club, equipment is available for guests daily from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. After reserving your court, freshen up your skills with a pickleball lesson led by experienced instructors. Then, play a match to practice your signature smash shot.
4 p.m. Spa Treatments at Miraval Life in Balance Spa Aviara
What’s a romantic getaway without a little posh pampering sprinkled in? Miraval Life in Balance Spa Aviara sets the gold standard for day spas, transporting guests to a personal oasis. Body renewal rituals, Ayurveda services, fitness classes and skin care treatments only scratch the surface of what draws wellness gurus to this ocean-inspired sanctuary. Couples treatments include the Warrior’s Recovery Massage, Calming Hot Stone Massage, Sweet Slumber and more. But one of our favorites to indulge in with our s/o is the Juniper Leg + Foot. This treatment incorporates juniper berry oil and is designed to relieve sore muscles and joints. Whether you’re both craving some R&R or are in need of recovery, the indoor solarium quiet lounge, sauna and Pilates studio are also all at your fingertips.
12/2
5:30 p.m. Cocktails + Live Music at Pacific Point
For a little pre-dinner fun, head to Pacific Point! What, at first glance, is a chic lobby bar, also doubles as one of the best sushi bars in Carlsbad. The kitchen is spearheaded by the talented Chef Aaron Nguyen from Nobu San Diego. He brings an impeccable taste for fresh, sustainably sourced seafood. You can taste his maritime masterpieces for yourself during sunset happy hour, which takes place Sunday through Thursday from 3-5 p.m. Treat your lover to the signature Sunset Roll and Peaches and Cream cocktail or sake. Then, kick back together and enjoy live music this fall on Tuesdays, Fridays and Saturdays.
6:30 p.m. Chef’s Corner Dinner Experience
Whether or not you’re decisive when it comes to deciding what’s for dinner, remember, the chef always knows best! Grab your dinner date and reserve your personal table at Chef’s Corner, one of the resort’s signature culinary experiences. Held at Ponto Lago, this private, multicourse dinner showcases regional flavors and seasonal ingredients prepared to perfection by the chef himself. And this evening affair is all about you! Indulge in a specialty menu curated by the chef as he details each course to you upon presentation. We’re talking starters, mains, drinks and desserts with add-ons like wine pairings and mezcal tastings.
8:30 p.m. Cozy Fireside S’mores
Name a better fall duo than s’mores and cozy fireside lounging. Cap off your romantic evening in Carlsbad with a post-dinner sweet treat cuddled up around dancing flames. With several fire pits on the resort grounds, there’s room for everyone to enjoy the crisp autumn air mingled with a sea breeze. And to make things even more seamless, Aviara Market and Water’s Edge have you covered with s’mores kits available for purchase. Roast your marshmallows under the starlit sky before melting them between graham crackers and chocolate peanut butter cups—a Park Hyatt Aviara specialty!
DAY 3
10 a.m. Grab Coffee + a Pastry From Aviara Market
Market mornings are the best kind of mornings. The sweet smell of coffee and freshly made pastries is a great way to kick off the last day of your couple’s vacation. Mimicking a farmers market vibe, Aviara Market has all the morning essentials, from craft coffee beverages and breakfast sandwiches to fresh fruit and health-forward snacks. Wellness gurus will feel like they never left their kitchen, with acai bowls, superfood juices and smoothies made ready to order. Still shaking the last of your slumber? A craft latte from the espresso bar should do the trick. Plus, it’s best savored on the terrace as the city comes to life with the rising sun.
11 a.m. Walk Along the Batiquitos Lagoon Trail
Fall morning walks in Carlsbad offer a special kind of bliss, made up of sunshine and crisp, autumn air. Finish off your stay hand-in-hand with a gentle stroll along the Batiquitos Lagoon Trail, paralleling Carlsbad’s most captivating nature preserve. This picturesque coastal walk follows the border of these scenic wetlands. It’s backed by panoramic views of the verdant hillsides and million-dollar mansions. Spanning 3.4 miles along Carlsbad’s saltwater lagoon, the out-and-back trail is dappled with native wildlife and pops of color from flora. Wayfarers can also download the RunGo app for a voice-narrated walk along the lagoon’s edge before bidding farewell to one of the best couple’s destinations in San Diego.
