La Costa Resort & Spa

Description:

• Since 2001, La Costa has poured $140 million into a series of renovations, redefining the resort's California ranch-style motifs into a campuslike setting, with a 45-foot bell tower, white stucco walls, and red tile roofs. Rooms have been refashioned with leather headboards and beds trimmed in Egyptian-cotton linens, dark walnut desks, metal accents, and bathrooms with quaint pedestal sinks. A huge spa features 42 treatment rooms and neatly landscaped outdoor sunning areas, a sprawling gym, and the (Dr. Deepak) Chopra Center, with services and products relating to mind/body healing and transformation. The 400-acre property also boasts a 17-court racquet club and two championship 18-hole golf courses; the revamped golf clubhouse includes a state-of-the-art fitness center. BlueFire Grill, the stylish bar and signature restaurant, faces out onto a lovely plaza and has three distinctly different, chic spaces. Kids aren't overlooked here, either -- La Costa has dedicated areas for everyone from toddlers to teens, featuring both high- and low-tech entertainments; the resort's Splash Landing even has theme park-style waterslides and play areas. La Costa recently added 149 privately owned luxury villas, which are available for rent, as well.

  Facilities: 5 restaurants/cafes; 4 bars; bike rentals; children's center and programs (age 6 months-16); concierge; 2 golf courses; health club; 5 Jacuzzis; 8 outdoor pools; room service; spa; 17 tennis courts (7 lighted); Wi-Fi (free in lobby and other spaces)

• © Frommer's 2013

Awards:

Ciao Bambino Family-Friendly Hotel

•  Reviewed 2009

Frommer's

•  Highly Recommended 2010

Other features:

Two PGA championship golf courses, 21 tennis courts, racquet club, spa, massages, facials, herbal wraps, heated pools, salon, onsite restaurants and shopping.