I have always known La Costa Resort and Spa in Carlsbad, Calif. to be the home of various renowned golf tournaments over the years, but not being a golfer I had no burning desire to visit it. However, since their recent $50 million makeover and remodel I thought I should give this iconic resort a try.
Before embarking on our trip, I decided to do a bit of research on the background of La Costa. I learned that La Costa was the first resort in the United States to offer a full service spa way back in 1965. I also discovered its golf significance over the years has remained intact, with the redesigned Champions Course being home for the 2012 LPGA Kia Classic.
In less than two hours driving time from Santa Monica, we entered a charming village-like setting complete with shops, restaurants, Kidtopia Kids Club, a marketplace, a 43,000-square-foot spa and much more. This beautifully landscaped resort covering 400 acres is both lovely and lively. Although it is quite family friendly, La Costa is also an oasis for rest and rejuvenation. It has housed the world famous (Deepak) Chopra Center for Wellbeing for the past 15 years, and I could not wait to check it out. I was not disappointed. I enjoyed their free meditation sessions and tranquil atmosphere. They also have yoga and body-work sessions, but as inviting as the various body treatments looked I thought they were a little pricey for my budget. I guess that I'll never know what I missed, but it's probably better that way. They have a huge selection of books and DVDs, etc. You can get anything “Chopra” there that you could possibly desire.
La Costa also has its own separate spa with a superb spa menu and stunning state-of-the-art amenities along with a charming little restaurant where we had a satisfying “spa-licious” lunch. We took a tour of the resort and noticed that everything from the two acclaimed restaurants to the more than 600 guestrooms and suites had that exciting new, yet comfortable feel. You could see that a lot of thought went into every detail, from the fabrics to the furniture, to the beautiful suites and guest rooms. The oversized bathtub in my suite was heavenly. Everything really is luxurious. I do not know what it was like before the makeover, but this La Costa, or as they like to call it the Next La Costa, is much more than just a haven for golfers. This is a resort with something for everyone.
My only regret was that the weather was chilly during the visit, and I did not get to utilize their pools, especially the new Edge Adult Pool that I had heard so much about. Despite the nippy weather, we did get to enjoy an al fresco dinner at Legends Bistro, as we were seated next to their enormous fireplace. The menu was excellent, and my husband praised the calamari appetizer as the best he has ever had; often an indicator of the remainder of the dining experience and the quality of the restaurant. The food was delightful and beautifully prepared, and I left there feeling like I had not only eaten a delicious meal but it was really healthy! That combination is often hard to achieve!
Sadly, before we knew it, the time had come to return to reality. However, I came away with a refreshed mind from my La Costa induced relaxation and Chopra meditations. I also must admit I came away with a few more DVDs and books than I really need, but I figure these things are meant to be shared.
CAROLE can be reached at Carolesorlin@yahoo.com.
If you go
La Costa Resort and Spa
2100 Costa Del Mar Road
Carlsbad, Calif.
92009
(800) 854-5000
www.lacosta.com
Distance: Approximately 108 miles
Travel estimate: Approximately two hours
