Location Highlight: San Diego, CA
Recently, one of our Breckenridge Grand Vacation employees, Jenny Faherty, took a vacation to the southern coast of California, close to San Diego. We caught up with her after she returned to Colorado to see how her vacation went!
Q: What was your overall impression of the Four Seasons you stayed in? What were your room accommodations? Was the architecture inviting, warm or modern?
A: The Four Seasons Aviara was lovely in every way. Set on a tranquil hillside location and golf course about three miles from the Pacific Ocean, its exterior architecture is a classic Southern California hacienda style with terracotta roofing. There are flowering trees and shrubs all over the property, as well as in the adjacent natural landscape. Our unit was a suite and very spacious for two people. It had a king-size bed and elegant furnishings, including a pullout sofa and two large comfortable chairs for the dining table. The efficiency kitchen amenities included a 5’x 3’ refrigerator, microwave, coffee maker (with coffee restocked daily), cutlery, dishes and kitchen utensils. The balcony overlooked the expansive pool area with palm trees and abundant foliage. In the lobby area of the resort, there were some of the most beautiful flower arrangements I’d ever seen. There’s also a great restaurant, fitness center and spa.
Q: What was your overall experience with their customer service?
A: The customer service was excellent, friendly and professional. Housekeeping came every day. If they knocked on the door while we were still in, they simply asked us what the best time would be for them to come back.
Q: Did you go on any excursions around the town you were in and, if so, is there anything worth sharing with our owners?
A: We did a lot of fun and unique things while we were there. Near Carlsbad, the Flower Fields are truly worth a trip. There are almost 50 acres of brilliantly hued Giant Tecolote Ranunculus flowers in bloom from early March through early May. It’s like being in a sea of beautiful flowers. The Gemological Institute of America has a really interesting museum tour of their gemstone collection. It’s a very unique and informative tour. If one has children, Legoland is probably a must-see attraction. Also, check out the San Diego Botanic Gardens, which are about a 15-minute drive from the Four Seasons. In neighboring Encinitas, the Meditation Gardens overlooking the Pacific Ocean are a lovely spot worth visiting, plus it’s a really cool little town. Further south (about a 30-minute drive), the architectural tour of the Salk Institute was a true highlight of the trip. Not only is it an important place for science and medicine, but the building design is extraordinary and the scenery is amazing. Then again, the view along the coast of Southern California is pretty amazing everywhere.
Q: How was the restaurant scene in that location? Recommendations?
A: The restaurant at the resort, Seasons, was very good and has a resort-casual, open-air atmosphere. The Iconoclast Chardonnay, which is branded for the Four Seasons, is excellent. 😉 The Park Hyatt, just up the hill has a couple of restaurants on property, as well as the Argyle Steakhouse on nearby Bataquitos Drive. I had the most delicious crabmeat and shrimp salad ever for lunch there. In Carlsbad Village, which is about five miles away, Vigilucci’s Cucina Italiana is fabulous!
Q: Is there anything else you would like to add? Maybe something small but unique or perhaps something major that really just blew you away?
A: Carlsbad and Encinitas are both relatively quiet, upscale coastal communities with that laid-back California vibe. I enjoyed every minute of being there. In addition to daily excursions, I walked on the beach every day, and when the week was over, I truly felt relaxed and refreshed. I would go back there in a heartbeat!
