Arrival/Check-in: I arrived by car to the scenic seaside area of Carlsbad, California, and set out to find the resort. Although my GPS provided directions, the entrance proved a little confusing, but I eventually navigated through the approach roads. Valet staff were prompt and professional, taking my vehicle and luggage and directing me to the front desk. Check-in was efficient and friendly. Because the property is spread out, guests can request golf cart transport to their rooms. That service is a nice convenience, though I waited a bit and realized my room was less than 100 yards away and easily walkable, which was a minor frustration. (28/30)
Guest Quarters: The one-bedroom suite offered a lovely view of one of the championship golf courses. The room felt well appointed, with spa-quality amenities and flat-panel televisions in each space for casual entertainment. However, the work desk was disappointing: the outlet was loose from the wall, making it an unreliable workspace. The greater issue was the bed. For a five-star spa resort, the mattress was unexpectedly uncomfortable, with springs that pressed into the back and made restful sleep difficult. That shortcoming undermined the overall stay; after an indulgent spa treatment, an uncomfortable night would be especially disappointing. (19/30)
Services/Amenities: The resort features two renowned 18-hole PGA championship golf courses, though they currently do not host professional tournaments. The property is also home to 21 tennis courts—clay, grass and composite—that have hosted the annual Acura Classic Tennis Tournament. The spa is world-class and includes the Chopra Center, founded by Dr. Deepak Chopra, offering complementary mind-and-body wellness programming for a complete relaxation experience.
The pools are attractive and well maintained, providing enjoyable options for leisure. Dining choices on-site, however, are limited: aside from a poolside café, there are only two additional restaurant options. For a resort with more than 400 guestrooms, the limited dining selection feels insufficient. While nearby restaurants are within reasonable driving distance, many guests will prefer not to get back in a car after a long day at the pool or spa. (37/40)
The Experience: The location is one of the resort’s strongest assets. La Costa—Spanish for “The Coast”—dates back to the 1960s and has long been a draw for visitors seeking a luxurious Southern California escape. Under current ownership, the property’s classic coastal Spanish architecture has been preserved and enhanced while amenities and services have been modernized. As the first full-service spa resort in the United States, La Costa helped define the destination spa concept and continues to offer many forward-thinking features.
Total Score: (84/100)
La Costa Resort and Spa
2100 Costa del Mar Road
Carlsbad, CA 92009
tel 760 438 9111
http://www.lacosta.com