Fodor's Expert Review Park Hyatt Aviara Resort

As one of the most luxurious hotels in San Diego, this retreat completed a $50 million resort-wide transformation in 2020, with redesigned rooms, a new lobby, family pool with water park, luxury cabanas, and three new restaurants including Ember & Rye by celebrity chef Richard Blais. It's a play-and-relax haven with an Arnold Palmer–designed golf course, a tennis club, two pools, and views overlooking Batiquitos Lagoon and the Pacific among its 250 acres. The 540-square-foot rooms are remarkably spacious and feature every possible amenity including private terraces with water views and deep soaking tubs. The romantic Couple’s Suite has a semiprivate whirlpool spa courtyard, Swiss shower, and fireplace for the ultimate relaxation. Despite the lavishly appointed grounds, the resort is exceptionally family-friendly. Children have their own pool, nature walks, surf lessons, and VIP LEGOLAND tours. A shopping shuttle transports guests to the Carlsbad Outlets, and a beach shuttle makes a daily trip to Moonlight Beach in Encinitas during the summer upon request.

Dinner at Ember & Rye or a pampering treatment at the Aviara Spa are worth the splurge.