Four Seasons Residence Club Aviara, Carlsbad Ca.

Housed in Spanish Colonial-style buildings surrounded by beautiful grounds filled with lush greenery, this Four Seasons Residence Club offers a peaceful getaway with the comforts and feeling of home. The expansive property encompasses two "neighborhoods," the Summits and the Meadows, each of which is centered around a Clubhouse and features amenities like an outdoor pool and fitness center. 

Interiors are elegant, but with a laid-back California feel and cool, contemporary furniture in neutral hues complemented by potted plants and lots of greenery. The lobby has a comfortable, living room vibe with a pale blue couch and leather-backed chairs around a blonde wood coffee table topped with succulents, as well as an elegant fireplace flanked by bookshelves lined with various tomes, plants, and knickknacks. Cool lighting fixtures dangle over gray reception desks. Other common areas, like the adjacent restaurant, have a similar relaxed vibe with stylish decor that’s heavy on contemporary wooden furnishings, lots of green plants including more succulents, and a beautiful decorative tile floor. 

Outside, paved paths meander through well-maintained landscaping bursting with plants, flowers, verdant bushes, and trees, with tall palms dotting the lawns. Gorgeous views over the surrounding scenery of hills and valleys unfold from various vantage points throughout the property.

The Four Seasons Residence Club Aviara is located in a quiet part of sleepy Carlsbad, surrounded by private residences and golf courses. There's not much within walking distance, and a car is necessary to get around. Once known for the healing properties of the local mineral water, Carlsbad came in the spotlight once again when LEGOLAND California amusement park opened there in 1999 (under a 15-minute drive from the hotel). This seaside community, one of the wealthiest in California and in the U.S., has plenty of antique stores and restaurants, but it's mostly residential, and there's little to do after the sun sets. However, there are some interesting historic buildings, excellent golf courses, and wonderful beaches that are great for surfing and sunbathing (about a 10-minute drive from the hotel). The closest urban areas are Encinitas to the south (20-minute drive), and Oceanside to the north (25-minute drive). San Diego is a 45-minute drive south.

The hotel offers One- and Two-Bedroom Villas that can sleep up to eight people. Like the rest of the stylish interiors throughout the property, the villas feature elegant, contemporary decor with a California vibe; the spaces are light and airy with a soft color palette and homey touches like fireplaces and comfortable sofa beds in spacious living rooms. Large windows fill the spaces up with lots of natural light and offer lovely views over scenic green landscapes, the Batiquitos Lagoon, or the Aviara Golf Course. Glass doors open onto private balconies or terraces furnished with teak lounge furniture. 

Open-plan kitchens are outfitted with modern appliances that include full fridges, stovetops and ovens, dishwashers, microwaves, coffeemakers, toasters, blenders, as well as cooking and dining ware. Besides spacious master bedrooms, Two-Bedroom Villas also have second master bedrooms, which offer separate entrances as well as kitchenettes, bathrooms, and private balconies or terraces. Other amenities include flat-screen TVs, DVD players, washers and dryers, and free Wi-Fi. Luxurious marble bathrooms feature double sink vanities, soaking tubs, and walk-in showers.

The hotel has two lovely outdoor pools with hot tubs and separate kids' pools. The surrounding spacious sundecks are lined with padded loungers as well as umbrella-shaded tables and chairs. A pool towel hut is also thoughtfully outfitted with sunscreen and aloe vera gel, as well as a water dispenser. The on-site Seasons Restaurant serves farm-to-table, California-inspired fare with an emphasis on seasonal and local produce. There’s also a gourmet cafe that offers coffee, pastries, fresh juices, and grab-and-go items, as well as a coffee shop. Poolside dining is also available and encompasses lunch, snacks, and various beverages and cocktails. 

Guests seeking a dose of indulgence can book a massage or a variety of other treatments at the hotel spa, which has three treatment rooms as well as a nail salon. There are two modern fitness centers on-site equipped with modern exercise machines. Trainers are available and locker rooms include showers and steam rooms. Families are well catered for with a bright and cheery kids’ club, which is outfitted with flat-screen TVs and a variety of games and books, plus various seasonal activities are organized and babysitting services are available. There’s also a business center equipped with iMacs and a printer. Golfers will appreciate the free shuttle service to the nearby Aviara Golf Club. Wi-Fi is free throughout.