California's Top Resorts

WorldWeb Travel Guide scours the State of California to find its best getaway spas and resorts.

Loews Coronado Bay Resort photo courtesy Loews Coronado Bay Resort

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.

	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.

View from Dining Room Terrace - Inn at Morro Bay Photo Courtesy Inn at Morro Bay

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.

	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.

The Gardens at San Ysidro Ranch photo courtesy of San Ysidro Ranch

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.

	La Costa Resort and Spa

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.

Guest room at Loews Coronado Bay Resort photo courtesy Loews Coronado Bay Resort

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.