TRAVEL: Your Family Will Thank You

Travel

Play Carlsbad

Your family will thank you

Photography provided by The Westin Carlsbad Resort & Spa and The Crossings at Carlsbad

If your family or group is like most others, there’s never a lack of options—or opinions. It seems there are always four or five votes that weigh in on deeming a course perfect enough for your game—and we’re not talking about good angles for approach shots or forgiving greens. We’re talking about opinions about new theme park rides, prime sand castle building conditions, and how many water activities can fit into one day. We’re talking about all the things your family wants for their perfect golf vacation—not to mention your game.

In Southern California, the place that fits the bill is Carlsbad. Here, “off the beaten path” doesn’t mean out of the way. In fact, Carlsbad is sandwiched right between Orange County and San Diego, and is home to one of San Diego’s best courses—The Crossings at Carlsbad—plus LEGOLAND® theme park, fashion-forward shopping, warm sunny beaches, relaxed train transportation, to name a few.

There you will also find The Westin Carlsbad Resort & Spa—a resort teeming with amazing views, recreation, family activities, and much more. With beautiful contemporary Mediterranean architecture, rolling lawns, flowering shrubs, and nearby pristine beaches, this Carlsbad resort offers a beautiful setting sure to inspire guests of every kind.

The Westin Carlsbad Resort & Spa is a seaside bluff retreat buzzing with the energy of this anything-is-possible Southern California lifestyle. Guests range from golf warriors to business travelers, couples to families. Refreshing marine botanical spa treatments at the on-site Ocean Pearl Spa are a favorite indulgence no matter who you are—as are the ocean-view happy hour and laid-back resort pool where lagoon-style pools are shaded by palm trees.

“We are about one mile away from the coast,” says Casey Schirmer, Complex Marketing Manager of The Westin Carlsbad Resort & Spa. “Having the ocean nearby makes each experience special and enables people from all walks of life to create wonderful memories.” To be able to look at the bluest of oceans and to sun with the unchanging daily 70s temperatures and cool nightly breezes make for a romantic setting, not to mention a fun day at the beach for kids!

“We have an amazing mix of guests at this resort,” Schirmer adds. “We have something for everyone! With our own entrance to LEGOLAND®, we host quite a few families at our resort. And our 75,000 square feet of meeting space attract many corporate events, weddings, and celebrations. Of course the beautiful weather is perfect for golf, and with The Crossings at Carlsbad Golf Course next door, a great golf game is just around the corner. We do it all. The whole spectrum.”

Our four-day stay was loaded with activities enjoyed by our entire family, including three kids ranging from 9 to 19. While it’s pretty tough to please all of us, this resort eagerly met the challenge. From LEGOLAND® to an amazing pool to golf to a full-service spa to fine dining—everyone in our family was thrilled to enjoy a stay at The Westin Carlsbad Resort & Spa.

Each of our afternoons was spent at The Westin Carlsbad Resort & Spa’s fantastic pool. With ample seating, food service, ping pong, Wi-Fi, and a large pool, all of us were more than content spending three hours a day there.

We also enjoyed nine holes of golf at the adjoining Crossings at Carlsbad Golf Course—a beautifully designed and well-manicured public 18-hole championship course designed by Greg Nash. The Crossings at Carlsbad offers plenty of challenges, as well as magnificent coastal views. The course is named for the five bridges—or crossings—that were designed into the layout to meet existing environmental topographic conditions. It is nestled amongst natural habitat and wildlife on more than 400 acres of Carlsbad’s coastal terrain. Environmental preservation is key here, and The Crossings retains much of its coastal sage and other flora, with fairways connected by a handful of bridges built to work the course into its natural, uneven landscape. The course gets extra kudos for a panorama clubhouse boasting views of the ocean just a mile away. And what golfer doesn’t love a 30-second golf cart ride between hotel room and tee time?

Dinner at 20|Twenty was the highlight of our culinary experiences in Carlsbad.

Named for its picture-perfect coastal views, 20|Twenty at The Westin Carlsbad Resort & Spa is elegantly perched atop Carlsbad’s highest point. As the resort’s signature restaurant, its location provides a gorgeous backdrop to a truly delightful dining experience. The menu features farm-to-coast cuisine with flavors and styles inspired by the California coast. All plates are made with fresh ingredients that are organic and locally sourced whenever possible. 20|Twenty is fortunate to have some of the best of California wines on its over 350 bottle wine list. Global vineyards from South America, Italy, Australia, and other parts of the world are also available.

20|Twenty has several seating options. The airy 5,200 square-foot Carlsbad restaurant includes 1,700 square feet of outdoor patio dining where patrons can enjoy sweeping views of the Carlsbad coast, fireplace, and the refreshing ocean breeze as they dine. For indoor dining, try the upscale dining room, the intimate bar, or the relaxing lounge. The outdoor covered terrace has relaxing and communal seating spaces to choose from. It showcases the 180-degree coastal views and custom designed fire and water features. It also has state-of-the art heat elements allowing for year-round enjoyment.

Ocean Pearl Spa at The Westin Carlsbad Resort & Spa is top of the line, reflecting simple yet sophisticated west coast charm by incorporating marine based botanicals along with the finest organic skincare and body treatments designed to nourish, purify, and restore balance. Guests of Ocean Pearl Spa are provided with a private locker with plush robe and sandals, as well as use of the eucalyptus steam room, showers, and relaxation lounge.

Take advantage of The Westin Carlsbad’s Playcation package, including spacious accommodations, a hearty breakfast, and your choice of daily activities including golf at the Crossings (with unlimited use of practice facilities), Resort Hopper tickets to LEGOLAND® California, or a relaxing massage or facial treatment at Ocean Pearl Spa.

The variety of amenities in Carlsbad is likely to leave you wondering how it took you so long to discover this seaside retreat—and thankful that the most interesting families never have a lack of opinions.

The Westin Carlsbad Resort & Spa

5480 Grand Pacific Drive

Carlsbad, CA 92008

760-827-2400

www.westincarlsbad.com

The Crossings at Carlsbad

5800 The Crossings Drive

Carlsbad, CA 92008

760-444-1800

www.thecrossingsatcarlsbad.com