Namastay Carlsbad

Namastay Carlsbad!

2/23/2017

Agua Hedionda, Carlsbad, Ruksana Hussain

While this looks pretty close, it was quite far to the edge there and even harder against the tide.

Today was just choc a bloc of activities but started the day nice and early with a trip to the Agua Hedionda Lagoon where I kayaked for about an hour. Another friend paddle boarded – would like to try that sometime but unsure of my balance and core strength! The whole time kayaking I said to myself - How awesome to own a place here, just get up and head out on the water…serenity at its best. You can just sit there bobbing on the water in peace while you see crazy traffic up on the highway lol!

Park Hyatt Aviara, Carlsbad, Ruksana Hussain

Can't think of any couple that wants to leave this paradise in 2 hours

Checked out a couple local resorts today and some of the food and wellness programs they offered. First on the list was the Park Hyatt Aviara Resort, Golf Club and Spa. The resort sits atop a hill overlooking the Batiquitos Lagoon wildlife sanctuary so astounding views galore. It’s a Forbes Five Star and AAA Five Diamond property with Spanish-Colonial style. They have an 18-hole Arnold Palmer-designed golf course - I don’t play golf but I am sure the golfers will love knowing that! Five dining venues onsite and a spa featuring 20 treatment rooms. This part about the spa I know because I did get a spa treatment in here and it was as wonderful as expected! What I really enjoyed though was their waiting area with healthy bites to nibble on and some fresh juices as well.

Chef Jason shared this appetizer with an interesting lemon palate cleanser in the end

Additionally I got a sneak peek into their couples massage suite, which can be reserved for two hours at a stretch. I am not sure anyone would want to leave the space - it had a separate welcome area to relax in after your massage, with a chimney overlooking a private patio area that had an outdoor dining space, a pool/Jacuzzi for the couple to enjoy in addition to the private bathroom they had in the suite as well. I know, shut up!

Kale salad at the spa cafe was a healthy indulgence

The second was the Omni La Costa Resort & Spa, also the venue for a progressive lunch. This is one of the largest resorts I’ve visited, a village in itself, comparable to La Quinta in Palm Desert. Again, classic Spanish-Colonial style and houses The Spa at La Costa and The Chopra Center, 17 tennis courts, two 18-hole championship golf courses, an expansive Athletic Club, and five restaurants. Was quite surprised to see the Chopra Center amidst so much activity, half expected it to be in a secluded area atop a mountain somewhere but this location makes it easily accessible to all.

Omni la costa, bistro 65, Ruksana Hussain

This chocolate tofu mousse from Bistro 65 had me stunned.

Our “Active lunch” began with visiting the PFC Fitness Center where wellness chef Jason C. Kieffer served us healthy appetizers, similar to what anybody participating in their programs would enjoy. Walked over to their Spa for a sit down lunch outdoors – refreshing. Finally walked over to Bistro 65 for dessert, and lastly stepped in at the Chopra Center for a quick meditative experience.
The PFC Fitness Camp offers wellness programs onsite that has resulted in thousands of sustainable weight loss and life transformations for individuals around the world. The Spa at La Costa includes a thundering Roman waterfall shower and Southern California’s only reflexology walkway. The Chopra Center offers a nurturing place to heal the body, find mindful empowerment and emotional freedom, and experience spiritual awakening with yoga, spa, and meditation sessions. And Bistro 65 is a lively dining area offering classic bistro fare made with regional, sustainable ingredients and seasoned from the restaurants’ own herb garden wall. Fabulous views of the golf course and rolling hills, and some brilliantly innovative desserts – one of which even had tofu in it!

Omni La Costa, Chopra Center, Ruksana Hussain

One of many meditation spaces at the Chopra Center, this one smaller and very, very quiet.

While it sounds like all I did was eat, there was a lot of walking involved which had me pretty worked up appetite and enthusiasm-wise for dinner at the new place in town – Campfire. Apparently every one else in town thought the same too because the place was packed to the brim. As the name suggests, Campfire gathers friends around a fire to share food and drink. So they have a pretty cool outdoorsy area with a play teepee installed and the décor indoors is all woody and cabin-like as would be the case if you were camping somewhere. Ended up being a beast of a feast with the bartender bringing out about six samplers of cocktails, some created especially for our tasting, followed by chef’s choice of appetizers and entrees. Everything, of course, was extraordinarily delicious but the top on my list was the cured fish board instead of the typical meat and cheese charcuterie board – I have not had that anywhere. Exceptional food and drink, lovely service, energetic vibe, I can see myself going back there again with friends in tow.