My husband has been having some serious health issues and we will be traveling from New Mexico to Scottsdale, AZ to the Mayo Clinic in January to get another opinion. We just found out though that whatever tests the doctor orders will not take place until 5 days later. We could head home and then go back out, but I suspect that we will need some distraction and rest. We could stay in Scottsdale, but that is my home town and we have visited many times in the past. So the option I am considering is flying to somewhere on the coast and find somewhere totally luxurious to retreat to and nurture ourselves. We do love nature, history, art, etc but I don't know how much sight seeing we will have the energy for. I've looked at three options:
1. San Francisco - find a luxury hotel and then sight-see as we are able, but would have easy access to restaurants, museums etc.
2. I found a number of resorts approx 3/4 hour from LAX so choose on of those and basically enjoy the sea and pool and just resting somewhere beautiful or
3. Santa Barbara which according to google is about 2 hour drive from LAX - that would preclude going into LA for dinner or a show, but we have never been and it sounds lovely.

So if you were us what would you choose? Any recommendations for hotels/resorts that would be beautiful, peaceful, restful? I appreciate your insights.

"... beautiful, peaceful, restful..."

It's possible to fly Phoenix to Santa Barbara. I'd go there and, depending on the weather, take a couple of driving trips into the Santa Ynez Valley and beyond.

Speaking of weather, I wouldn't choose San Francisco in January, but that's me. And as for 'restful,' I wouldn't choose an L.A. area resort unless I planned to stay put and not drive/sightsee. Daylight hours in January are short, and unless you're familiar with the city L.A. traffic can be maddening.

There are some gorgeous destination resorts with spas that would make for a very nice respite. I wouldn't say any of them are within 3/4 hour of LAX, but Terranea is probably within an hour. Fabulous views and, in January, often migrating grey whales right off the coast. Winter mid-week rates are reduced.

https://www.destinationhotels.com/terranea

I agree that San Francisco would never be my recommendation for what you name for various reasons. It's not even close to PHX, so not sure I understand what is going on.

I guess you are rejecting the nice resorts in Arizona because you know it. Santa Barbara is okay, you could easily just fly to San Diego or LA and stay in a luxury place in either one, though. Like the Hotel del Coronado for San Diego. There are plenty of quiet enough luxury resort hotels around LA, if you want that.

If I were going to Santa Barbara, I'd fly nonstop from PHX, which you can do. In fact, given I think SB is a bit boring, it might be the perfect place for just a couple days and quiet enough.

I agree with Christina regarding San Diego and Hotel del Coronado. Beautiful and San Diego area would give you plenty to do and see.

This is January. I'm skeptical that anyone will be at the beach or lounging around a pool. Average high in LA is only 68 and the ocean water is cold. Heated pool is an option but getting out would suck.

Have you looked at Las Vegas? Tucson? Sedona? San Diego would be great (Coronado especially) but again, January isn't beach weather so factor that into your decision.

You won't find anywhere in California where it will be beach/pool weather, but it may be nice and warm. I've spent time in San Francisco several times in January and had 70 degree weather, so you never know.

I'd look for a hotel/resort that appeals and choose on that basis, since you won't be swimming. I read a recent review of a new hotel near Newport Beach that sounded nice, and I once stayed at a Ritz Carleton in Pasadena, which is now a Langham Resort. It was lovely.

Have you thought about the Amangiri out in the Utah desert? Definitely luxury and very restful. In the middle of nowhere. Might not be a bad drive from Scottsdale. Not speaking from personal knowledge since its far beyond my budget.

PS Its off hwy 89 almost on the Ut Az border in Escalante Grand Staircase between Page and Big Water.

Santa Barbara would also be my first choce for rest and relax, maybe do a bit of wine tasting in the Santa Ynez Valley just north of there.
Hard to comment on resorts close to LAX without knowing the names, there are a few upscale places down in Orange County plus Terranea.

thanks all, Coronado is not on the list because of complicated memories (spent a lot of time there with parents who are gone - it would be too bitter sweet), I guess anywhere in CA is a short direct flight from AZ and so easiest. Never really been drawn to Las Vegas. Wherever we go we probably won't be doing the driving due to the health issues we are dealing with - so this is splurge city but I think we will need it. so we will probably pay to have a driver take us wherever we decide on. I will definitely look into Santa Barbara and Terranea (I think that was one of the ones I looked at), nice to know there are direct flights to Santa Barbara. appreciate the advice (and 68 sounds nice to me!)

Santa Barbara is gorgeous. But to give you an alternate:

You could also fly to the John Wayne Airport in Orange County and stay at a hotel there. Newport Beach, Laguna Beach, Huntington. Also fun to see the historic city of Orange.

I assume Enchantment is too close to home to appeal?
We had a great, relaxing trip to LaCosta Resort one April. If you felt like exploring, you could hire a private driver for the day.
Ah, the reviews are not that great now
https://www.tripadvisor.com/Hotel_Re...alifornia.html