Treat Yourself to Some Luxury at the Four Seasons Aviara Resort in Carlsbad

Interested in enjoying a little luxury? Do you have something special to celebrate, like a birthday or anniversary? Or do you simply want to reward yourself (and perhaps enjoy it with someone you care about).

The Four Seasons Aviara Resort in Carlsbad offers a great opportunity to enjoy a day, or part of a day of luxury, depending on your interests. Pampering begins as soon as you drive up to the front doors, the valettakes your car, and you walk into the lobby with its expansive views of the grounds and the ocean beyond.

You can keep it fairly simple, and just enjoy afternoon tea, or perhaps cocktails and appetizers in the Lobby Lounge. Even better, sit outside on the terrace adjoining the lounge to appreciate the views of the ocean and lagoon and enjoy the sun and coastal breezes. This is a fun thing to do if you have out-of-town guests and want to treat them to a pleasant afternoon or evening. The Lobby Lounge is open Friday and Saturday from 2 - 12:30 AM, and Sunday through Thursday from 2 - 11:30 PM; Afternoon Tea is available Wednesday through Sunday from 2 - 4 PM.

If high-end dining is your preference, Vivace, their signature Italian restaurant, is THE place to go. It is elegant and beautifully decorated, yet not stuffy, and while it has the feel of a high-end hotel dining spot, the food is inspired and creative, beautifully presented, and sure to remind you of trips you may have taken to various parts of Italy. I like sitting near their fireplace in the cooler months, if you can snare those tables. The service is attentive, and the staff seems very knowledgeable about the dishes that are being offered - their preparations, flavorings and seasonings, and so on. The wine list is quite good.

If you really want to do it up right, then take a few hours, or more, to enjoy their spa services before heading on to dinner. Depending on your preferences, you can enjoy a wide range of massages, facials, skin and body treatments, and more. The prices are what you would expect to pay at an expensive hotel spa and you will be treated royally, whether you are there for a 30 minute massage or a full day of pampering. Make sure you allow time to enjoy the whirl pools, saunas, steam rooms, and showers and the various bathing and skin products they provide. My favorite is a 1-hour massage, then time in the whirlpool and steam room, ad quick shower, then drinks and dinner at Vivace. If tyou have time, poke around in the elegant shops nearby the lobby

The ultimate, however, might be staying overnight, either in one of the deluxe rooms, or perhaps splurging on a suite with views.

Yes, such luxury will set you back a few dollars, but isn't it worth it some times?