Park Hyatt Aviara Resort – A First Impression Wonder

By Tim Cotroneo

It takes fewer than two seconds to see where a game-changing slice of the Park Hyatt Aviara’s $50 million renovation was dedicated. Step into Aviara’s Mediterranean-style lobby and the resort’s architectural headliner leads guests to gaze all the way to the California coast.

You’d never know that, prior to renovation, Aviara’s now epic lobby view consisted of a framed window and an enclosed feel. Today’s “after the renovation” presence includes an open-air ambiance connecting the lobby to San Diego’s great outdoors. This nature on display perspective allows guests to not only see, but immediately feel, the beauty of their vacation destination.

This image peering west toward the Pacific Ocean is just an appetizer to your total Aviara experience. Once inside the lobby, look up to find a one-of-a-kind chandelier floating down from the ceiling. The sculpture showcases the migration of birds taking refuge in the neighboring Batiquitos Lagoon. When a light breeze eases through the lobby, the sculpture dances, and suddenly the birds are in motion. If you wonder what Aviara can do for an encore, know that the resort is just warming up!

Check in to Something Special

When was the last time you fawned over a concierge desk during check in? The desks, accented in white, black, and green marble offer another luxurious touch. Hardly a week goes by that a guest doesn’t ask about the marble and how to purchase this same stone for his or her home.

Once you’ve settled into your suite or room, that’s where Aviara’s $50 million investment launches into overdrive. Private balcony, stylish artwork, teak furnishings, marble bath, Hyatt’s uber-comfortable bed, and a fabulous view featuring either the courtyard, pool, Baquitos Lagoon, or the Arnold Palmer-designed golf course.

You’ve unpacked, cleaned up, and you’re ready to enjoy all the trappings within Park Hyatt Aviara Resort’s 200-acres of luxury. So where does one begin?

From Breakfast to Dinner and Everything in Between

Ponto Lago is definitely a restaurant you’ll want to experience for dinner. This classy, indoor/outdoor dining option is also your best bet for a scrumptious breakfast buffet or a piping hot entree off their menu. An added dining attraction is Ponto Lago’s show kitchen where you can watch the restaurant team in action.

Lunch is a great opportunity to bask in the famous San Diego sunshine while dining poolside at the Water’s Edge restaurant. Enjoy salads, Mexican fare, or burgers while taking in the amazing views of the SoCal hills.

Savoring a magnificent sunset during Happy Hour at Pacific Point Restaurant should be a can’t miss element to your Park Hyatt Aviara Resort stay. Get comfortable on the terrace, listen to the live music, bask in the awesome scenery, try one of their craft cocktails, and savor the delicious sushi. As vacations go, this is as good as it gets.

For dinner, hop on the free shuttle for a five-minute trip down to Aviara’s newest restaurant, Ember & Rye. Located next to the golf course’s 18^th green, this lively bistro is home to Chef Richard Blais. Steak and seafood items top the menu, while nightly specials are sure to create dining memories.

Golf, Tennis, Surf, and Explore

The Aviara Golf Club was designed by the legendary Arnold Palmer. For the past decade, this beautiful 7,000-yard layout has hosted an LPGA nationally televised tournament. For guests looking to elevate their game, Aviara is home to the Kip Puterbaugh Golf Academy and TaylorMade Performance Center. If that’s not enough, Aviara also has a Topgolf Swing Suite right next to the Pacific Point bar.

Generations of tennis players have made the trek to Aviara to play their favorite game on one of the resort’s six tennis courts. Steve Halverson, long-time Director of Tennis, welcomes competitors of all skill levels to play in Aviara’s scenic tennis environment.

For something completely different, try Aviara’s Surf with the Chef. This unique experience begins with Ponto Lago Chef Pierre Albaladejo cooking his student a morning breakfast. This taste treat is followed by Chef Pierre guiding you on the waves at one of Carlsbad’s three neighboring beaches. Your surfing lesson concludes with the Chef cooking a “toes in the sand” lunch. Oh yes, after lunch you’ll be presented with your own personalized longboard that Aviara will ship back home.

The Park Hyatt Aviara Resort locale is magically positioned near several of Carlsbad’s best attractions. There’s Legoland, SeaWorld, Safari Park, and the San Diego Zoo for the kids. Nature lovers will love the Carlsbad Flower Fields. Plus, there are miles of biking and walking trails for those who simply thrill to the great outdoors.

A Lasting First Impression View

Time flies when you’re having fun, and your Park Hyatt Aviara Resort vacation seems to end way too soon. As the valet brings your car up to Aviara’s circle driveway, you can’t resist one last glance.

You turn back to reconnect with the view that started it all. You look past the exquisite chandelier of dancing birds and gather one last memory of Aviara’s stunning lobby view.

The view, the room, the food, the golf, the surf, the idyllic weather, and your Southern California experience leave 50 million gentle footprints on your heart. Who knew that Aviara’s two-second first impression would be a vacation game-changer? Park Hyatt Aviara Resort