Enjoy a sportsmen’s paradise in the heart of Southern California at the Omni La Costa Resort & Spa.
By Steve Habel
Photos Courtesy of Omni La Costa Resort & Spa
With its gleaming white stucco buildings, swaying palms, famous sprawling pools and the plaza of shops in its main court, the oh- so-chic Omni la Costa resort & Spa quickly announces that you’ve stepped into the hub of California cool in the heart of the hills of Carlsbad, just a short hop north of downtown San Diego and miles away from the cares of the outside world.
Since its opening in 1965, La Costa has been the place to be and be seen and a haven for beautiful people and tourists from throughout the world who want to experience the best of Southern California.
Just the mention of La Costa brings back memories of swashbuckling golfers sashaying across its fairways and greens, and tennis professionals in all-white togs whipping crosscourt backhands and crisp volleys as the well-heeled and suntanned fans cheer and just soak it all in.
At the end of its main court, past the shops and restaurants and blooming flowers, sits a studio where world-renowned holistic physicians Deepak Chopra and David Simon have taught thousands of people the timeless tools of meditation, yoga and Ayurveda.
For the past 40 years, the resort has continued to grow and attract guests seeking wellness, relaxation and fun. A recently completed $50 million in- vestment modernized the resort, heightened the air of luxury and improved the existing services.
Whether looking for a luxurious getaway that overlooks the verdant hills surrounding the resort, or a spacious villa suite that easily accommodates the entire family, travelers will find the accommodations at the Omni La Costa Resort that are right for them. Each room, suite and villa sports unmatched amenities and in-room comforts designed to heighten the guest experience.
Golf Times Two
Given all La Costa offers and its stunning setting, there has never been a question that the 
resort’s duo of golf courses has always been and remains its No. 1 calling card. La Costa’s original two Dick Wilson-designed golf courses have been renovated during the past four years by the dynamic design trio of Damian Pascuzzo, Steve Pate and Jeffrey Brauer. The refresh has returned the tracks to national prominence and must-play status, and recreated their fun factor, always an important aspect with resort courses.
The North Course renovation was completed in 2011, and the course is now called the Champions Course. Pascuzzo, Pate and Brauer updated the design (originally a Wilson collaboration with Joe Lee), but also added length and playability elements, as well as better drainage, irrigation and a change in turf and conditioning.
The South Course work was finished in November 2013, and included complete reconstruction and redesign of all 18 greens, as well as a thorough resurfacing of tees, all-new bunkering and the planting of paspalum turf on the fairways. It has been rebranded as the Legends Course.
“The Legends Course gives golfers a completely different type of golf course to play at La Costa,” Pascuzzo says. “It’s fun and interesting, with different visuals and some subtle nuances, especially around the greens. Golfers are really challenged to use their imaginations.”
Getting Fit to Give Your Best on the Links
La Costa also offers golfers the opportunity to get in the best shape of their lives while learning or improving their skills via its comprehensive Golf & Fitness Program, which is available exclusively at the resort. The program combines expert golf instruction with the fitness and wellness expertise of the award-winning Premier Fitness Camp (PFC).
From start to finish, the name of the game is improvement, as La Costa’s certified instructors take students’ golf game to the next level. PFC’s wide- ranging and life-changing exercise, nutrition and wellness program helps players meet their weight-loss and fitness goals. The personalized instruction is combined with state-of-the-art technology to help every golfer identify his or her strengths and improvement areas, learn ball-flight laws, correct mechanics and ensure proper club fitting.
This place is so good at honing your game and fitness that one guest stayed at the resort for a whole month, eventually returning home as a lean, mean, greens-hitting machine with her local club championship dead in her sights.
More, More, More
The Omni La Costa Resort & Spa also offers eight distinctive pool areas, including kid-specific spots with waterslides and an adults-only pool for rest and relaxation.
Omni La Costa caters to family vacations as well, with programs and events for all ages, from the youngest guests to teens looking for a good time. Many of the programs are complimentary, and the activities schedule refreshes monthly and includes seasonal highlights.
Spa Magazine named the resort’s Southern California Spa the top wellness spa in the country. Whether you’re looking for a spa getaway or wanting extra radiance for a wedding, you can choose from any number of services that make you feel as good as they look.
In addition to massages, facials, pedicures, manicures, therapies and more, you can also find peace of mind and tranquility at the Chopra Center, where professional healers help guests gain emotional, spiritual and physical balance.
The Chopra Center for Wellbeing brings visitors to an idyllic retreat that blends the healing tradition of the Far East with Western medicinal techniques.
If tennis is your game, you can serve and volley at one of the region’s top destinations. The Omni La Costa Resort & Spa has been host to professional tournaments, including the Acura Classic and the Southern California Open. With 17 clay and hard courts, including seven lighted courts for evening play, stadium seating for 1,000 people and a seasoned staff of USPTA-certified professionals, the resort allows you plenty of opportunities to refine your game with a tennis partner or through personal instruction or clinics.
When hunger calls (and it’s going to because it’s hard work having so much fun), check out the property’s three restaurants: the upscale and iconic Bluefire Grill for the finest in authentic California cuisine; the Diversions Sports Lounge for watching all the games and tournaments; and Bistro 65, a lively and contemporary eatery with food made with local, sustainable ingredients and seasoned from the restaurant’s own herb garden wall. The bistro offers outdoor dining with magnificent views of the resort’s two golf courses and the surrounding rolling hills.
The Omni La Costa Resort offers a little bit of everything anyone would want in a destination location. And if your personal batteries need a little recharging, there’s certainly nothing wrong with just taking some time to relax, sit by the pool and soak in the sun and the resort’s amazing atmosphere.
For reservations and more information, visit lacosta.com.
