Four Seasons Residence Club Aviara
Go ahead and extend that stay, I guarantee that the longer you’re here, the harder it’ll get to leave.
Tucked away in lush foothills of the laid-back coastal town known as Carlsbad, is the Four Seasons Residence Club Aviara. Featuring luxury rentals north of San Diego, this Four Seasons is catered to those who are in need of a relaxing getaway in a place that feels like their home away from home.
With villa rentals accommodating up to a group of 4 adults or 4 adults and 2 children, these resort residences were built to fully equip you with all your needs for a stay. Better than an Air B&B, as you don’t have to clean or cook if you don’t please, since room service is a call away and the Seasons restaurant is located on-site. With a gym and spa located on the property as well, in addition to a beautiful heated pool and kids pool, golf-course, and plenty of activities the concierge can easily arrange for you, there is no doubt that there is plenty to do for everyone. Of course, if you guys know me, you know that I prefer to actually sit back and relax so my trip featured low=key activities that allowed me to indulge in peace.
The Room
Our one-bedroom villa was very spacious (1,245 sq. ft.) and included a fully equipped kitchen, one king bed and one sofa bed, a master bathroom plus one powder room with a full-size shower. Washer and dryer was also included in the villa, along with ample closet space, dining area, fire place, and two private balconies —in the bedroom and living room. Basically, it has everything you need and could ask for.
I wasn’t kidding when I said earlier that this place will feel like your home away from home, as KSOLE and I felt completely comfortable, safe, and even got acquainted with most of the staff members. It was our hideaway for the three days we stayed. Not to mention, there was enough space for both of us to work in peace, so we didn’t feel like we were crowding each other either. Something to keep in mind for families, as the kids won’t be in your way or each other’s so there’s some peace guaranteed.
The Food
During our stay, we tried to enjoy the villa as much as possible. We opted for room service in the mornings and dinner for one of the nights. The standard delivery time was between 20 to 40 minutes, which is pretty average. The kitchen staff was quite diligent and thoughtful, as they remembered my dairy allergy and would double check the dishes I ordered for any dairy or would offer to revise the recipe around the allergy. I love places that are actually caring and takes these things into consideration.
On one of the nights, we opted to experience Seasons’ Kitchen Counter, which is an unique dining option that allows guests to sit right at the counter of the kitchen. Here is where you can witness all the magic happen, from chatting it up with the team to getting to really know the inspirations behind the dishes with the Chefs. It’s a front row experience that I highly recommend to everyone in the area, especially if you love Food Network (or food in general). I honestly felt like I was a judge on Chopped, tasting all these custom creations as the menu is completely up to the Chefs. You just tell them what you’re allergic to or deeply dislike, and the rest is up to them.
What we had:
Scallop Crudo (served in a coconut)
Fried Samosa
Corn Three Ways
Tomahawk Steak
Almond Panna Cotta (with warm churros)
There was not a dish out of the 5-courses served that I didn’t like. With cocktails and wine pairing options available, this dining experience certainly is one of the top 3 best dinners KSOLE and I have had. We also had enough leftovers from the giant Tomahawk steak to eat the next day for lunch, which was nice sine we had a kitchen in the villa. More excuses to stay in, hah.
The Spa
Prior to our departure, I had to squeeze in a spa session. If you know me, you know I love a good massage during my hotel stays. Driftwood Spa offers treatments ranging from skin care, nail care, massages to teen treatments for the juniors. Yes, your teens can get some R&R in as well!
In addition, you can also host a SPArty for your friends, which is an after hours private spa event with complimentary libations and plenty of pampering with access to three deluxe treatment rooms and relaxation lounge after 5PM. The package includes three 25-minute treatments per person, a complimentary bottle of champagne, and spa bites. It’s great for birthdays or bridal parties, or if you and the girls (or guys) are in need of some pampering.
Since I didn’t have my girlfriends with me, I opted for a 50-minute Revive CBD Massage, which is a new addition to the menu. I had heard so much about it and wanted to give it a try, as CBD balm has been a trending topic for the last year. My massage was overall quite relaxing and I enjoyed it, but I have to say I didn’t feel a difference between that and a regular massage. I don’t know what I was expecting but I thought it’d be different. Turns out, there was a miscommunication and I was actually given a classic massage. The staff profusely apologized for the mistake, which is honestly a simple mistake that can happen to anyone, and was kind enough to gift me the CBD balm to try at home. I did get to try the CBD Wellness Tea after my treatment and certainly felt really relaxed after that, hah.
The session was great overall, but I would advise to just double check on the type of service you’re getting with your masseuse before the treatment begins. Guess I’ll have to come back later to try the Revive CBD Massage now!
KSOLE and I stayed for a total of two-nights, while it was short and sweet, it was just enough to refresh ourselves for the upcoming busy week. We started every morning, waking up to the sunrise and listening to the birds happily chirping from our living room balcony of the one-bedroom villa. Our view of the Aviara golf course was beautiful, as the sun peeked through the tall surrounding trees and the Batiquitos Lagoon below us filed with playful ducks. With a hot cup of coffee in hand, cozied up in our robes and slippers, it was a serene way to wake up each day and if only I had the same view back at home! I’d certainly be an early bird more often.
Each night was spent watching TV on the couch, in the living room, before we retreated to the bedroom for a good night’s sleep. I loved how peaceful it was at night, no cars or city noises, and central air/heat was great. We drifted to sleep was ease and woke up feeling refreshed everyday.
Thank you Four Seasons Residence Club Aviara for hosting us and spoiling us with the gorgeous views, delicious food, and relaxing time overall!
Disclaimer: This stay was in partnership with the Four Seasons Residence Club Aviara, but all opinions are of my own and are 100% completely honest.