The Westin Carlsbad Resort and Spa Perfect For A Memorable Coastal Getaway

BY: Chanin Victor

Observer Travel Editor

Suppose you're searching for sunsets, ocean breezes, and spectacular views and want to escape to luxury. In that case, The Westin Carlsbad Resort & Spa is the perfect hotel for a memorable coastal getaway. It is a family-friendly resort and a dog-friendly resort too. The Westin Carlsbad, located in the upscale coastal community of Carlsbad, California, offers unparalleled panoramic views of the Pacific Ocean, 208 exquisitely appointed guest rooms and 28 suites with stunning ocean views. The resort sits atop a 50+ acre complex situated at the crossroads of Carlsbad's thriving tourism and business districts.

For those looking to relax, no need to look any further. If you feel like venturing out and exploring, you'll also be near the area's top activities and points of interest. Spring is definitely in the air right now, and The Westin Carlsbad offers some Spring Packages for their special guests. The getaways include two tickets to the flower fields, a free one-hour bike ride and a free shuttle to and from the fields (based on availability). With no shortage of activities for the family, the resort also offers a private entrance to LEGOLAND (tickets purchased separately). Look for the Spring Package when booking online.

The colorful Mediterranean guest rooms feature minibars, flat-screen TVs, and free Wi-Fi. Staying at this luxe resort means you'll experience the finest linens, robes and fluffy towels, Westin Heavenly; Bath products, and Westin's signature Heavenly; Beds. We've always been huge fans of the brand. Of course, self-parking ($28) and valet parking ($35).

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You'll want to experience this chic, four-star resort's other amenities. The saltwater Oceania pool is heated and open 24 hours. A plethora of seating areas, pool games, and incredible views mean you could spend the entire day here. Unwind in the jacuzzi and stargaze above.

Love to get your steps in and complete those circles? The Westin WORKOUT Fitness Studio is state-of-the-art with many choices of fitness equipment and even a Peloton Bike.

Are you looking to get pampered? The luxurious Ocean Pearl Spa features ocean-inspired treatments, marine-based botanicals and skincare products for the body that nourish, purify and restore. Try the vitamin C aromatherapy showers and eucalyptus wet saunas. The relaxation lounge is a perfect place to catch up on a book or just wind down as you wait for your service or enjoy a cup of tea. The "Two of a Kind Massage" in a shared room would be the perfect bonding moment for a mother/daughter vacay. You'll both receive a customized treatment, then enjoy a light snack and something bubbly (if age permits) as you find time to catch up and unwind together. 50 Min. - $380 for two | 80 Min. - $450 for two - Doggies are just for fun!

Directly behind the resort or near the bluffs, you'll find scenic hiking, biking and running trails, which you can easily access. The property's onsite bike rentals also make it easy to get around the area; one hour free is included in the overnight resort fee.

The Westin Carlsbad Resort is close to shopping, restaurants, beaches, golf, Carlsbad Village, and LEGOLAND amusement park. Every year, The Carlsbad Flower Fields are open from March to May, as is the Strawberry picking fields. The resort offers a complimentary shuttle to and from these destinations (within a 5-mile radius). You can also hop on the "Ride the Tide" open-air beach trolley with shuttle service to Tamarack Beach.

The Carlsbad Flower Fields provide a quintessential mother-daughter experience. Every year from March through Mother's Day in May, the flowers blossom at the Carlsbad Flower Fields and create fantastic fields of color.

The nearly fifty acres of Giant Tecolote Ranunculus flowers are a sight to see. There are thirteen bright colors, including picotee (mixture of variegated colors), carefully selected over 85 years to produce the gorgeous Flower Fields we see today. You can spend hours wandering the fields (we did), enjoying your beautiful surroundings, and participating in some fun, family-friendly activities on site. First, it's worth visiting the sweet pea maze (even as an adult, it's fun to see if you navigate your way through). Then, you should take the antique tractor wagon tour through the fields for the views and learn the flower fields' history. Santa's Village is an excellent choice for younger kids. Be sure to go early in the year and the day for the coolest weather conditions.

When it's time to dine, 20|Twenty, the onsite restaurant, offers an inventive menu featuring ingredients from Southern California farms and sophisticated indoor and outdoor patio seating overlooking the Carlsbad Pacific coastline. Enjoy breakfast, lunch, and dinner.

Breakfast offers a kids menu, and adults can take their pick from omelets, benedicts, or hot off the griddle. Lunch is fresh soup, salad, and inspired sandwiches.

Chef Julian Quinones has created innovative dishes full of flavor, an excellent choice for dinner. 20|Twenty was everything we imagined plus more. In honor of the scenic and vivid Flower Fields, he created a limited-time only, mouthwatering Hibiscus Baja Ceviche made with Local Striped Bass, avocado, cucumber, citrus, tomato, plantain chips, and hibiscus. We started with this, of course, along with the Beet and Burrata Salad - Fresh beets and burrata with Seasonal Citrus, Hazelnut Gremolata, Petit Greens, Saba & XVOO. Both were excellent. I highly recommend the Diver Scallops with Parsnip Puree, Cider-Glazed Brussels Sprouts; Pork Belly for the main course. Every bite was better than the last. The glaze and sauce on the side were delicious too, and I'm embarrassed to say I was a clean-plater. We split a Brandied Pear Crème Brulee for dessert, and both loved it.

Also inspired by the brilliance and beauty of the flowers, Mixologist, Steve George, designed a deliciously floral Lavender Blossom Fizz Cocktail with Venom Vodka, lavender-infused syrup, lemon juice, topped sparkling wine, and orange blossom water spritz, as well as a refreshing Hibiscus Sour Cocktail, made with CaliFino Blanco Tequila, grapefruit juice, aquafaba, a splash of lemon juice, agave nectar, bitter-hibiscus syrup, and lemon twist. Besides the delectable meal and drinks, eating at 20|Twenty is a feast for your eyes, with the most incredible views during the day and sunset, overlooking the coast.

Unique opportunities to spend a mother-daughter weekend away are always the best! However, an adults-only weekend or a family vacation would also be the perfect time to stay at this luxury four-star resort and spa with time to enjoy all the amenities. The Westin Carlsbad Resort and Spa will make your memorable getaway an unforgettable adventure to reminisce about for years to come.

The Westin Carlsbad Resort; Spa, located less than a mile down the road from the Carlsbad Flower Fields, offers guests special room packages to enjoy during the flower field season. The getaways include two tickets to the flower fields, a free one-hour bike ride and a free shuttle to and from the fields (based on availability). With no shortage of activities for the family, both resorts also offer a private entrance to LEGOLAND (tickets purchased separately). Look for the Spring Package when booking online.

The Westin Carlsbad Resort and Spa is located at 5480 Grand Pacific Dr, Carlsbad, CA 92008

Website: The Westin Carlsbad Resort and Spa

*My recent partnership with The Westin Carlton included our stay and dinner at 20 l Twenty Restaurant, but all opinions are my own.