WorldWeb Travel Guide scours the State of California
to find its best getaway spas and resorts.
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Loews
Coronado Bay Resort
photo courtesy Loews Coronado Bay Resort |
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The beauty of California
- which is unparalleled in its diversity – makes it a great location for outstanding
accommodations in the form of resorts and lodges. The proximity of San
Francisco, Los Angeles
and San Diego make such
destinations ideal for getaways for the populace of these large centers, but
many visitors to the state also take a break at one of these very attractive
destinations as part of their California trip.
Because tastes vary so much, it really is difficult to say what makes an outstanding
getaway. The resorts and lodges mentioned in this article are luxurious (though
varying in degrees of luxury): all offer stunning locations amongst California’s
finest scenery, very comfortable accommodations, excellent food and wine and
a wide variety of leisure facilities either on-site or close by. Some have extra
features such as luxury spa and beauty services, museum quality art collections
and exotically landscaped grounds. The main purpose for all these wonderful
places is to recharge batteries – even after a short stay, few visitors leave
not feeling totally rejuvenated. These places certainly epitomize the California
lifestyle of sophisticated casualness. What they all have in common is that
they are destinations in their own right, a guest can come to one of these resorts
and need never leave the grounds and still have a marvelous vacation.
All parts of California are fortunate to have a good selection of accommodations.
Each of the resorts mentioned here is in a different area of this very diverse
state that is actually larger than the majority of the world’s nations. While
they are in our top ten, this is not meant to take away from any of the other
wonderful resorts in California. These particular resort getaways are selected
by us, because we believe they represent a great cross section of the vast selection
available, and should meet their guests’ high standards and expectations.
The Bodega Bay Lodge And Spa
Northern California offers some of California’s most unspoiled areas. While
the climate lacks the heat of the south, the ocean scenery here is remarkable.
To enjoy this at its finest, the Bodega
Bay Lodge and Spa has a stunning location overlooking the Pacific and
the town of Bodega
Bay in Sonoma
County. It is situated only 65 miles from San Francisco amongst sand
dunes and pine trees, and adjacent to a wild bird sanctuary. The Bodega Bay
Lodge and Spa offers a peaceful and secluded haven in this lovely seaside town
– famous as the location for the Alfred Hitchcock movie ‘The Birds.’
The area has great golfing, diving, surfing and fishing. For a change of pace,
hunting for antiques or long beach walks exploring the rock pools on the way,
helps make for perfect relaxation. The Lodge itself is noted for its elegant
yet comfortable appointments.
The award winning Duck
Club Restaurant is very highly rated, and the chef here takes great
pride in preparing fine cuisine using the best in fresh local ingredients. The
Spa at the Bodega Bay Lodge is world class and offers a wide variety of treatments
to help guests feel replenished and to make their visit truly memorable. There
is also a beautiful pool area overlooking the beach and a state of the art fitness
facility. The rooms and suites at the Bodega Bay Lodge are carefully furnished.
The rich, cherry wood furnishings contrast well with the colorful duvets on
the comfortable king and queen sized beds. Every room and suite has a balcony
or a terrace, a fireplace, a wet bar, fully stocked fridge, and an in-room movie
system.
The Bodega Bay Lodge and Spa promises to provide a very quiet and relaxing
getaway and is especially suitable for those who enjoy the ocean in a very natural
setting.
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The
Resort at Squaw Creek
photo courtesy of the Resort at Squaw Creek |
The Resort at Squaw Creek
In the High Sierra
is the famous area of Squaw Valley – site of the 1960 Winter Olympiad. In recent
years a splendid new resort has been constructed in Olympic
Valley - the Resort
at Squaw Creek takes the best advantage of its splendorous surroundings.
This year round vacation paradise has easy access to some of the best skiing
on the continent. The resort has its own triple chairlift to take skiers over
to Squaw Valley, and also has an outdoor skating rink. There are also many cross-country
ski trails in the vicinity of the resort. Summer always brings the long-awaited
golf season and anybody who plays even a few holes at the resort’s own Robert
Trent Jones Jr. golf
course, will be mesmerized by the mountains that tower above as they
enjoy their game in the clear mountain air. Close by is Lake
Tahoe with a plethora of water sports available there, and for those
who like to play games of chance the casinos of Reno,
Nevada are close by.
The Resort at Squaw Creek has its own spa, where a full range of beauty and
rejuvenation treatments is available. The beautifully equipped fitness center
has top of the line machines, dry saunas and indoor and outdoor hot tubs. The
outdoor pool area is particularly attractive and has a beach and a water slide.
Around the resort there are hiking and biking trails and horseback riding is
a popular pastime as well. Tennis is yet another leisure option – the courts’
setting enable players to witness an awesome view of the valley that hopefully
does not throw them off their game. This resort is particularly suitable for
families and special children’s programs are offered.
The Resort at Squaw Creek has no less than five dining options – from the first
rate Glissandi (considered to be amongst the best in the Lake Tahoe region)
and the formal Italian Ristorante Montagne, to the informal Bullwhackers Pub
and the Sweet Potatoes Deli. For breakfast, Cascades Dining Room is the perfect
choice and other meals are also served here for those who like dining in a full
service restaurant but with a more casual ambience. Of the 403 rooms here, nearly
half of them are suite accommodations. Every room commands a scenic view and
all are attractively furnished in a contemporary style with wood furnishings
that are very pleasing to the eye. The bathrooms have granite counter tops and
there are fridges, bars and speakerphones in every room. The rooms have all
the extra amenities one would expect from a top of the line facility such as
bathrobes, hairdryers, irons and boards and original artwork.
The Resort at Squaw Creek provides a perfect getaway for the whole family,
and appeals especially to lovers of the mountains, skiers and golfers.
Greenhorn Creek Resort
In California’s Central Valley the picturesque country that was once the site
of a great gold rush is now being reclaimed by nature. Mark Twain wrote about
this part of the state, and happily the region hasn’t lost any of its beauty.
An additional advantage is that it is somewhat removed from the traditional
tourist trail so peace and quiet prevails here. The brand new Greenhorn
Creek Resort enables visitors to enjoy the natural surroundings amidst
a luxury that was unimaginable in Twain's era. The Robert Trent Jones II redesigned
golf course here is one of the finest in Northern California. Gold Country itself
offers a very good selection of activities including touring one or several
of the many ghost towns, visiting wineries, spelunking in caves, or shopping
for antiques and art. Horseback riding and water sports in the pristine lakes
are also widely available in the vicinity. For fans of things alpine, the mountains
and snow country of the High Sierra are close, as is the unsurpassed beauty
of Yosemite
National Park.
Located just outside Angels
Camp around 35 miles east of Stockton,
Greenhorn Creek has been primarily developed with the golfer in mind, but offers
a host of other recreational activities for all visitors. These include tennis,
swimming and hiking, as well as a fully equipped exercise facility with a pool
and steamrooms. The Greenhorn Creek Resort offers its guests accommodations
in comfortable cottages with one, two or three bedrooms. Each cottage has a
large deck or patio and a fully equipped kitchen. The cathedral ceilings add
to the spaciousness of the cottages, and yet the overall effect is of a cozy
family-oriented home. The cottages are set amongst beautiful ancient oak trees
and are steps away from the golf course and all the available activities of
the resort.
Dining at Greenhorn Creek is a pleasure. CAMPS restaurant is renowned for its
fine produce – much of it organic and particularly noteworthy is the Angus beef
that is served here by the creative chefs. The wine list is of equal merit to
the food and has been the subject of accolades from the wine media. CAMPS has
a lovely patio for those who like dining outdoors and it is possible to eat
under the arbor that overlooks the golf course. Food is also available at the
Turn Grill and Snack Bar, and the catering staff at Greenhorn Creek will be
more than happy to customize an event at any chosen location in the resort.
Greenhorn Creek is an excellent choice for golfers and their families and for
those who love relaxed outdoor pursuits in a less developed area far from the
stress of the big city.
Carmel Valley Ranch
Without question, it can be said that the Central
Coast region of California offers some of the finest marine scenery
on earth. To many, this region seems to be close to paradise, and this certainly
describes the famous town (which is more like a very exclusive village) of Carmel.
Not only is the scenery awe inspiring – the popular Seventeen-Mile Drive is
one of the best ways to witness this – but the soft, gentle climate is a tonic
to those tired of the extreme heat or cold of other places. Although well known
for its movie star residents, Carmel is most famous for its golfing facilities
including the legendary Pebble
Beach course. There are several fine resorts in the area, all with the
emphasis on golf. However for lovers of a certain amount of privacy and solitude
the gated grounds of the exquisite Carmel
Valley Ranch are sure to please. This place is so magnificent, that
for some, just to stay here and soak in the opulent surroundings - without ever
lifting a golf club - is enough.
Carmel Valley Ranch is set on 1,700 acres in the hills that rise to the east
above Carmel. It is six miles from the resort to the town. The resort shares
this land with the local wildlife including deer, foxes and wild turkeys, and
the beautiful and colorful flowers, shrubs, and trees that cover the ground
confirm the knowledge that one has truly arrived in a unique place. The hills
make for challenging terrain for the more advanced golfer, and the views of
the mountains and to the ocean below are incredible. The Carmel River that flows
through the course and two man-made lakes, plus many bunkers of both grass and
sand, mean that the Peter Dye course is great for all levels. The ranch has
an attractive clubhouse, a golf school, practice facilities and a very good
pro shop.
The accommodations at Carmel Valley Ranch are truly remarkable. The overall
theme at Carmel Valley is one of gracious relaxation and nowhere is this more
evident than in the luxurious suites. All the accommodations are suites. The
suites are clustered in small groups, and consist of 23 buildings that are spread
through the grounds. The decorators here have done a great job of combining
comfort with excellent taste. Each suite has one or two fireplaces, and a large
deck. The bathrooms are stocked with designer toiletries, thick bathrobes and
fresh flowers. Each suite has a refreshment center that is restocked every day
with beer and wine, soda and snacks. With the nightly turndown service freshly
baked cookies are served. The suites all have large patios and many of them
have a private whirlpool on the deck.
It goes without saying that such a prestigious resort as Carmel Valley Ranch
would have good food. The resort ensures that the cuisine it provides to its
guest matches the high standards and attention to detail that it is known for.
The Oaks is a contemporary formal dining room that uses local fish and game,
and the enviable local fruits and vegetables. The herbs used in the delicious
dishes come from the resort’s own garden. The wine list here is also considered
by experts to be of merit. The golf clubhouse also has its own Club Grill which
serves traditional food indoors or on the patio. It also has a full-service
bar. To complete the selection the resort also has the Ranch House Café & Juice
Bar located in a pleasant garden by the tennis facilities. This serves lunches
indoors and outdoors and a perfect lunch would be to sit here while watching
a game on center court.
As well as golf, the Carmel Valley Ranch is very popular with the tennis crowd.
The ranch’s original house is home to the tennis clubhouse. There are 10 hard
courts, two clay courts, and a pro shop. Saunas and whirlpools enhance the facilities
here. The resort has two swimming pools and a variety of whirlpools located
throughout the grounds. The extensively equipped fitness center has a full range
of exercise equipment and also coordinates various leisure activities such as
hikes in the adjacent mountains and horseback riding.
Carmel Valley Ranch will fulfill anyone’s fantasy of the perfect California
getaway. It is an excellent choice for the golf or tennis enthusiast, or for
those who simply enjoy nature combined with luxury and style at its finest.
For those who enjoy all or even one of these features, and who also appreciate
a certain amount of privacy and intimacy this resort will be idyllic.
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View
from Dining Room Terrace - Inn at Morro Bay
Photo Courtesy Inn at Morro Bay |
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Inn at Morro Bay
Further down the coast is the pretty community of Morro
Bay. Situated a little south of Hearst
Castle – the phenomenally beautiful estate that belonged to newspaper
baron William Randolph Hearst - Morro Bay remains unspoiled and is a sanctuary
for several species of seabird. The viewpoint here evokes the same feelings
that Hearst must have experienced as he viewed the ocean from his estate. In
the epicenter of it all and right on the oceanfront is the Inn
at Morro Bay - a charming and very low-key resort, where relaxed informality
is combined with great service in a very natural setting. The hotel is located
inside The Morro
Bay National Bird Estuary that is part of the Morro
Bay State Park. Adjacent to a rare blue heron rookery and a scenic 18-hole
golf course, the Inn at Morro Bay provides a truly natural retreat for its guests
among the 100-year-old Monterey cypress trees.
This property has a massage center with a selection of services available,
a fine outdoor pool, and even provides free mountain bikes to enable its guest
to explore the many fine natural features of the area. From the Dining Room
it is possible to see the bay - during an early traditional or healthy breakfast
at sunrise through to a California cuisine dinner at sundown. The adjacent lounge
also has an excellent view of Morro Bay and features live entertainment.
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Guestroom
at the Inn of Morro Bay
Photo courtesy Inn at Morro Bay |
The lovely two story Cape Cod style accommodation wing features 98 rooms, all
furnished in French country décor. The features of the rooms vary according
to the price paid, which enables those on a budget to still enjoy this fine
establishment. All have CD players, feather beds and coffee makers. Some have
patios or balconies, fireplaces, hydrotherapy spas, bathrobes and refridgerators.
The Inn at Morro Bay also features a very popular waterfront cottage that is
very well equipped, and includes a large patio with hot tub. This is the perfect
retreat for a romantic get away in an environmentally sensitive area.
While the Inn at Morro Bay may not be quite as sophisticated as some other
resorts, it provides excellent facilities and service in a charming locale.
It is perfect for couples seeking a break at a lower price than many of the
more prestigious resorts, but certainly has as much to offer as anywhere, especially
in terms of unspoiled charm and solitude.
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The
Gardens at San Ysidro Ranch
photo courtesy of San Ysidro Ranch |
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San Ysidro Ranch
South of Morro Bay in the Montecido area of beautiful Santa
Barbara is the legendary San
Ysidro Ranch. San Ysidro has its place in the history of California
as an exclusive retreat for the rich and famous. There has been a luxury guest
ranch here since 1893, prior to that the site was a working citrus ranch. In
the 1930s movie star Ronald Coleman purchased an interest in San Ysidro and
it then became a popular getaway for the Hollywood ‘A’ list. Vivien Leigh and
Laurence Olivier were married here, and JFK and Jackie Kennedy honeymooned at
San Ysidro. So discreet was the management at San Ysidro that they would never
divulge the names of the guests, so it was never officially confirmed that these
events took place here until decades afterwards.
The lush grounds of San Ysidro consist of 500 acres located between the Santa
Ynez Mountains and the blue Pacific. Flowers are everywhere, and the scent of
blossoms and the sound of distant surf make for a particularly tranquil resort.
Located only an hour from Los Angeles, San Ysidro’s purpose is to be a haven
from the big city and it fulfills this role admirably. The gardens here play
a very big role in the overall beauty of the resort, and additionally provide
first rate fruit, vegetables and herbs for San Ysidro’s two renowned eateries
– the classic and world famous Stonehouse Restaurant and the less formal but
excellent Plow and Angel Bistro. These provide exemplary dining experiences.
The restaurants are located in the original packing house building from the
former citrus plantation. People travel for many miles to eat at one of these
restaurants. The Old Adobe is a ranch house dating from 1825, today it serves
as a private dining room, and offers one of the most unique locations to eat
in the state. Of course the catering staff here are also pleased to offer personal
room or poolside service.
San Ysidro consists of 38 unique accommodations located in 20 attractive cottage
buildings. These range from the popular and beautifully appointed Canyon Rooms
to the top of the line Eucalyptus Cottage. With 2200 square feet and with every
conceivable luxury amenity including its own private pool, the Eucalyptus Cottage
is perhaps the ultimate in resort accommodation anywhere in California. Whatever
your choice, your accommodation at San Ysidro is sure to delight and will provide
the perfect getaway in unashamed luxury. Every accommodation is very well equipped
and furnished in French country style. Every room includes a fireplace or stove,
private patio, goose-down comforters, free snacks and bottled water, CD stereos,
robes and slippers and much more. At San Ysidro guests can be assured that their
comfort will be a number one priority – the service here is exemplary.
The San Ysidro Ranch provides a full range of spa treatments in the privacy
of the guest accommodations; these include various facials, herbal body treatments
and massages. The leisure facilities at San Ysidro are deliberately low key.
Most guests take their exercise hiking the lovely grounds, or with a relaxed
tennis game. The beautiful pool is a tempting diversion on a hot day.
San Ysidro provides the stereotypical dream California getaway. It is ideally
suited for those who are seeking a luxury but casual getaway in an exotic and
very peaceful locale. San Ysidro will appeal to lovers of secluded comfort,
fine dining and exemplary service, and to those who are willing to pay a premium
price for such exclusive features.
Ritz Carlton Laguna Niguel
South of Los Angeles in Orange
County is the very attractive artist’s playground of Laguna
Beach. Five miles south from here, at Dana
Point, a piece of the Mediterranean has seemingly been transported to
California. The majestic Ritz
Carlton Laguna Niguel overlooks a scenic bluff, and despite the stunning
cliffs and the wild ocean beneath, presides majestically over the landscape.
This is widely considered to be one of the leading resorts in the world, it
has received numerous awards and accolades and certainly will not disappoint
its guests – simply put it is amongst the best that can be found- anywhere.
The Laguna Niguel is reminiscent of a luxury Mediterranean resort of a bygone
era and yet the open spaces that surround it are distinctly Californian.
The opulent grounds offer the epitome in California outdoor living. The grounds
consist of beautiful lawns and courtyards. Rare native trees and shrubs are
used along with a creative use of tropical flowers and plants. The resort has
two outdoor pools, two whirlpool spas, and the Monarch
Beach Golf Links – an 18-hole course designed by Robert Trent Jones
Jr. Other premier golf courses are within the vicinity of the resort. The two-mile
long sandy beach can be reached by shuttle from the hotel. The hotel has four
tennis courts and onsite pros for guests who want to brush up on their game.
Another tennis club with seven courts is also close by. Sailing and fishing
charters are available from the beach and the resort has a good system of biking
and jogging trails. A very scenic game of croquet can be played on the grounds
and there are badminton and volleyball courts. The fitness center has a well-equipped
exercise room, saunas and a steam room. Exercise and other fitness classes are
held, and fitness assessments are provided to guests who desire them. The full
service beauty salon has a wide variety of treatments and massage services are
also provided.
Inside the actual hotel the prevalent atmosphere is one of a very exclusive
Old World establishment. The paintings and art works that adorn all the public
areas are of a quality that can be found in a European museum. A guest’s first
impression of this art is an exquisite fountain with dolphin sculptures at the
hotel’s entrance. Genuine antiques or high quality reproductions form the furnishings.
Rich carpets and tapestries line the floors and walls. The library and bar have
a classic maritime theme, with leather and marble trimmings, prints and models
of ships, and portraits of famous early American naval officers. Afternoon tea
in the Library is a popular tradition here. The French art works in the formal
Dining Room is remarkable, as is the French food and wine. The Club Grill and
Bar provides top quality American-style dining in a lively hunt club atmosphere.
The Terrace Restaurant is located on a delightful flower festooned terrace overlooking
the Dana swimming pool. Guests can choose to eat outside or under cover. The
Terrace serves a very popular Sunday Brunch. Casual dining and snacks are also
available at a variety of other locations throughout the hotel – both indoors
and out.
Needless to say the 393 rooms and suites at the Ritz Carlton Laguna Niguel
are exemplary. Nothing has been forgotten in the design and furnishing of these
comfortable and sumptuous accommodations. Classically furnished with authentic
reproductions, every room has a balcony with a stunning view of the ocean, or
the lushly vegetated hotel grounds. Some rooms overlook Mediterranean style
courtyards complete with fountain. The rooms have every modern amenity that
can be expected from a property of the highest possible rating. Of particular
note are the marble bath tubs, on-demand videos, and European toiletry baskets.
In keeping with current trends all the accommodations at the Ritz Carlton Laguna
Niguel have been designated as non-smoking.
The Ritz Carlton Laguna Niguel is a gem amongst world resorts. It is designed
for those who want a luxury getaway at one of the finest resorts in the world
- with a wide variety of leisure activities available. It caters to those who
have expensive Old World tastes and fulfills the requirements of such guests
in a consistent fashion that is unparalleled anywhere else. The unbeatable high
standards apply to all aspects of the resort including accommodations, cuisine,
public rooms and leisure facilities.
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La
Costa Resort and Spa
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La Costa Resort and Spa
South of Dana Point a few miles down the coast from the city of Oceanside
is the town of Carlsbad.
Here can be found the famous hacienda style La
Costa Resort and Spa. This is a total leisure-oriented resort of the
kind that is so popular – particularly south of Los Angeles. The sports and
spa facilities here are hard to beat. The 400 acres of La Costa have been part
of the scene at Carlsbad since 1965 but has received a 100 million-dollar total
rejuvenation that has brought it up to contemporary California standards – and
way beyond. Health is the byword at La Costa – health through physical activity
or through the spa, and the treatments and nutritional programs it offers guests.
The accommodations available at La Costa provide guests with a great range
of choice according to needs. There are 79 rooms, suites and even private executive
residences with up to five bedrooms. All the accommodations provide a high standard
of luxury including a basket full of La Costa’s own brand of personal toiletries.
La Costa features two PGA golf courses that would be any golfer’s dream. Whatever
the skill level, golf here is an incredible experience. Many prestigious golf
tournaments are held here, and the golf pros on staff are more than happy to
help the uninitiated learn the rudiments of the game, or offer the non-neophyte
tips on how to improve theirs. There are golf schools and a great golf shop.
La Costa has 21 tennis courts (seven are lighted) offering a choice of clay,
grass or hard court. Tennis pros are on hand for private lessons and tennis
school and clinics are also available – several eminent tennis tournaments are
held here annually. Learn the game of croquet here or borrow a bike to tour
the grounds. Enjoy languishing in the heated pools. Special recreational programs
are available for children that will keep them occupied for hours on end.
The 75,000 square foot spa at La Costa is the largest in North America. All
the various massages and treatments are available here and include facials,
body wraps and water therapies. The spa facilities are wonderful and consist
of Roman baths, Swiss showers, saunas, whirlpools, plunge pools and inhalation
rooms. The fitness room has every conceivable piece of exercise equipment. There
is a multitude of fitness programs, wellness classes and weight loss guidance.
Additionally, special courses are held on a variety of nutritional themes and
nutritional cooking classes are a very popular feature. La Costa offers a wide
selection of packages including accommodations use of the spa and leisure facilities
and a choice of fitness programs and courses. After a day or two of spa and
wellness programs a visit to La Costa’s beauty salon will be appropriate to
enhance the good feeling. The very experienced stylists here are equipped to
provide any required beauty treatments and high quality hair care – all with
La Costa’s signature beauty products.
La Costa has no less than five restaurants for its guests to choose from. The
emphasis is on great service and good food, with fresh linens and cut flowers.
In keeping with La Costa’s health theme a very good selection of healthy food
options are always available on the menu. Pisces is a seafood restaurant providing
menu selections that take full advantage of the wonderful local California seafood
as well as fresh Maine lobster and Dover sole. For guests who really want to
unwind, La Brasserie is casual and is well known for its Sunday brunch and Friday
evening seafood buffet – an event not to be missed by any lover of the ocean’s
bounty. La Brasserie also features Brasserie Spa Dining – a full selection of
delicious healthy foods created with the approval of the nutritionists at La
Costa’s spa.
La Costa has everything for the active family or couples getaway – the recreational
facilities are second to none. It is also of great appeal for those who like
to emphasize healthy living, or who perhaps want to get a head start on that
diet or exercise program with the stimulus of dynamic surroundings.
Westin Mission Hills Resort
The desert resort of Palm
Springs is well known as the golf capital of California, as well as
for its balmy climate in winter and for its legendary former mayor and Congressman
Sonny Bono. Palm Springs has a plethora of resorts in the vicinity of the community
that provide outstanding facilities – especially with the golfer in mind. Of
these one of the best known and most popular is Westin
Mission Hills Resort located in Rancho
Mirage. Despite the arid location one of the first things to strike
most visitors here are the lovingly landscaped grounds of the resort, which
provide a true oasis in the desert. The Moorish styled buildings of the resort
are equally stunning and of course in perfect tune with the surroundings – the
arches and pillars giving the same overall impression as an Andalucian or Moroccan
castle such as the Alhambra Palace in Granada, Spain. The desert sun causes
the color and effect of the buildings on the landscape to change throughout
the day. The majestic palm trees, flowers, sculptures and lawns of the grounds
all add to the regal yet very casual ambience of this marvelous resort.
This resort has only been opened since 1987, but in that relatively short period
it has gained high status amongst California golf resorts – so much so that
Westin has expanded it to 150% more than its original capacity. Today the Westin
Mission Hills has 512 rooms including suites. Accommodations are divided between
the original building and 16 pavilions which each house about 30 rooms. The
pavilions surround gardened courtyards in keeping with the Moorish theme. Every
room is oversized and has a terrace and a good view of the mountains and golf
course. The furnishings are in restful and subtle colors and the wood is light
– this all adds to the feeling of airy spaciousness which is a strong reality
here and not just an illusion. The suites are even more elaborate and the two
Presidential Suites even have baby grand pianos, stocked pantries and whirlpools.
At mealtimes the Westin Mission Hills has several options. The sophisticated
La Concha features contemporary American dishes including fresh seafood and
premium beef. Bella Vista is located on an outdoor patio offering inspiring
views and tasty California cuisine. Light meals and snacks are served at the
cabanas at each of the three swimming pools and in the Lobby Lounge.
As fine as the actual hotel is, it is the recreation facilities that bring
guests to the Westin Mission Hills - making it a true destination resort. The
three pools include one with a 60-foot waterslide that leads from a waterfall
in the lobby – this will keep families amused for hours. There is an excellent
fitness centre for those who like to take their exercise using weights and machines.
Within the resort there is a park that covers 20 acres and has paved bike and
jogging paths. The resort also has three swimming pools, seven floodlit tennis
courts, sand volleyball courts, shuffleboard, croquet and above all the wonderfully
designed 18 hole golf courses. That’s courses, not course - one designed by
Gary Player and the other by Peter Dye. These two golf courses are the focal
point of the whole resort and the primary reason above many, that the resort
is so popular.
The Westin Mission Hills is great for all lovers of leisure. With remarkable
accommodations and cuisine, and above all phenomenal recreation facilities,
this resort is the perfect choice for couples and families seeking a getaway
that will be full of things to do, without having to go anywhere else to do
it.
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Guest
room at Loews Coronado Bay Resort
photo courtesy Loews Coronado Bay Resort |
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Loews Coronado Bay Resort
San Diego seems to represent the popular image of California; this thriving
city represents good times in the warm California sun. San Diego has any number
of resorts to choose from – most of a very high standard. The quintessential
ocean resort though has to be by the ocean, and a stunning example of this can
be found on the Coronado
peninsula across San Diego Bay from downtown San Diego. Loews
Coronado Bay Resort is located on a narrow strip of land that leads
from the mainland to the peninsula. Everything about this resort is in good
taste, from the understated accommodations to the exquisite grand staircase
in the lobby. Loews Coronado Bay Resort sets the standard in modern resort hotel
design. Although San Diego can be clearly seen across the bay, guests would
have little reason to leave this haven. As well as a getaway resort, Loews is
ideal for the business traveler who can enjoy a mini-getaway at the resort when
the workday is over.
The resort has its own 80-berth marina, boats can be chartered, or if those
staying at the hotel have their own boat they can dock it here. Bicycles, boogie
boards and wave runners are all available for rent. There is a private beach
available or select one of the three swimming pools or two whirlpools at the
resort. For the real hedonist imagine being in the pool watching a movie on
a big screen after a hard day’s relaxing – this is a reality at Loews Coronado
Bay Resort. Tennis can be played on one of the resort’s three floodlit courts
and there are several golf courses to choose from in the vicinity. The well-equipped
fitness center has saunas and steam rooms as well as free weights, stationary
bikes and treadmills. Massages are available or, for the really energetic, aerobic
classes are held. To be really pampered, the beauty salon is steps away.
The accommodations at Loews Coronado Bay Resort are enticing. The 440 rooms
and suites all command wonderful views of the harbour, marina, pool or the lovely
flower and herb gardens that adorn the 15 acres the resort is set on. The large
windows leading to the terrace make these views particularly enticing. The rooms’
furnishings and accessories are in colors that enhance the natural light. Amenities
include oversize baths with showers and Japanese style steeping tubs, and comfy
terry cloth robes help make guests even more comfortable and relaxed. If romance
is on the agenda, the accommodations here are particularly appealing.
In resorts such as this it is important to have a good selection of restaurant
options on sight. Loews Coronado Bay Resort does not disappoint and there are
four options in addition to the extensive room service menu. This is a high-class
resort and it would be a shame not to enjoy at least one dinner in the ‘jacket
required’ and highly acclaimed Azzura Point restaurant. The menu here is continental
and to set the mood start off with tapas served in the restaurant’s bar.
The entrance to the wonderful Market Café features an espresso bar and a deli,
but the sit down lunch, dinner and breakfast menu is a real treat as well. The
attractive décor will remind guests of an upscale market and here you have the
option to eat outdoors. Sunday brunch here is a worthwhile event. Open from
late morning until early evening La Cantina Bar and Grill is located on the
hotel sun deck. La Cantina serves tropical drinks and is the perfect place for
a casual lunch. Cay’s Lounge is designed to remind guests of a yacht club, for
those who feel like unwinding, an evening spent here, watching sports on the
large-screen TVs will be excellent.
Loews Coronado Bay Resort is a great destination getaway. It is particularly
noteworthy because it provides such a relaxing getaway and yet is located in
a big city. This is a glamorous retreat for anybody who needs to unwind by the
ocean and enjoy good food and tasteful surroundings. It is great for romance.
Whatever the final choice, all these resorts will offer a truly memorable getaway.
Any financial and time investment in a break to any of these places will be
well worth it. A few days at any of these locations will make anyone feel renewed,
and ready to take on some of the more frenetic activities that the extremely
diverse state of California has to offer its visitors.
Resort Reservations
Reservations for all these resorts can be made through the WorldWeb Travel
Guide’s secure online booking service. Rates vary considerably according to
season and day of the week. While the rates for these properties are high compared
to many regular hotels, they represent excellent value as so much of the resorts
wonderful facilities are included in the price.
