Family Travel Contributor
This week, Family Travel Contributor, Hillary Helsing, takes us to La Costa Resort and Spa for more stelllar family fun. No stranger to surf luxury, Hillary, an ex-pharmaceutical sales executive and one-time Quiksilver employee, resides in Huntington Beach and lives for luxe family vacations that don’t always have to cost a pretty penny.
A great family getaway that won’t break the bank, La Costa Resort and Spa, less than an hour from Orange County and 10 minutes from Legoland, is nestled in the hills of Carlsbad. Forget the beach on this trip. Drive, valet and stay. Bring the baby or the tween, and leave the nanny at home. Your family is well taken care of at this resort. There is a water play area, 7 pools, water slides (2 that are toddler safe), sandy beach pool that is 3-4 feet deep! Mom, this means you do not have to get in if you don’t want to. Sip a mai-tai and watch your darlings frolic in the shallow, huge kiddie pool.
I hear ya…Where is the luxury? First, ask for a renovated room or suite, they are beautiful. Second drop the kiddos off at Kidtopia. Kidtopia is a 6000 sq. ft. recreation center of indoor fun for ages 6 months to 12 years. It is adorable; slides, games, huge fish tank, lighted dance floor, and a bevy of young enthusiastic staff.
La Costa's Big Kid Slide
Grab your hubby and play tennis, golf, or go to the spa. They tout the spa is rated #1 in Southern California, I beg to differ. It is, however, newly designed and very nice. I do agree with Travel Magazine, this resort is clearly #2 in Family Friendly Resorts! Last but not least, “Ask! Ask! ask!” Ask for discounts, vouchers, or upgrades. They are more than willing!
Rooms start at $229 and go up and up!
