Highlights: Four Seasons Resort Aviara, North San Diego

•Beautiful hillside resort in Aviara, a northern suburb of San Diego

•All guest rooms and suites include balconies to enjoy the scenic view

•Four restaurants and one lounge cater to discerning palates

•Large free-form swimming pool with adjacent children’s water playground and “quiet” adults-only pool

•Arnold Palmer-designed 18-hole golf course and golf academy

•Mobil Four-Star spa facility with extensive treatment menu

Amenities: Four Seasons Resort Aviara, North San Diego

• 329 rooms, 5 story. Pets accepted, some restrictions; fee. Check-in 4 pm, check-out Noon. High-speed Internet access, wireless Internet access. Five restaurants, four bars. Fitness room, spa. Outdoor pool, whirlpool. Golf, 18 holes. Tennis. Business center. Credit cards accepted.

General Impressions: Four Seasons Resort Aviara, North San Diego

Located 30 minutes north of San Diego, the Four Seasons Resort Aviara is close to the city, but visitors feel a million miles away once they step foot onto this restful property. Situated on 200 acres overlooking the Pacific Ocean, Batiquitos Lagoon, and a nature preserve home to a wide variety of endangered wildlife, this is a perfect place to relax.

The red-tiled roofs and curving arches of the resort’s Spanish Colonial-style buildings are home to a cluster of inviting guest quarters. Relaxed sophistication is the mantra at this resort, and it shows in the mood-lifting décor of the private and public spaces.

A top-notch golf course designed by the legendary Arnold Palmer is one of the best reasons to visit this resort, but with the spa, shimmering pools, and gourmet dining, there are many reasons why guests become regulars. The Four Seasons Resort Aviara never ceases to impress with its service. From arrival to departure, guests feel pampered and privileged while staying here.

A favorite choice for corporate groups and functions because of the attentive service, ample meeting space, and world-class amenities, the Four Seasons Resort Aviara also appeals to those seeking a romantic getaway, with wonderfully peaceful rooms enhanced by discreet service, while companion travelers or small groups will be delighted by the resort’s many activities, as will family travelers. The Aviara property caters to children, offering milk and cookies at turndown, child-sized bathrobes, children’s menus, and a host of baby-essentials such as cribs, diapers, toiletries, and baby-proofed rooms. The large outdoor pool with a children’s water playground is a favorite gathering place for families.

The Four Seasons Resort Aviara also delights gourmands with its four restaurants and one lounge. From casual poolside bites to gourmet Italian cuisine, expect inspired dishes with dazzling settings.

Vacationers could easily spend their entire time within the immaculate grounds of the resort, but Aviara’s location near San Diego is ideal for those travelers who want to split their time between enjoying the resort and exploring the city.

(+) Full-service resort in ideal Southern California location

Guest Services: Four Seasons Resort Aviara, North San Diego

The resort’s Kids for All Seasons program offers full day sessions that educate and entertain children ages 4 and older. Avie the frog, the program’s mascot, welcomes kids each morning for a fun day of arts and crafts, games, and stories. During the afternoon, children are taken on guided walks of the Batiquitos Lagoon while learning about the wildlife that make their home there. Kite flying, soccer games, and treasure hunts are also enjoyed. For children older than 12, the hotel offers a game room, and tennis, golf, and surfing lessons. Children younger than 4 are also well accommodated with baby-sitting services available through the hotel, while little ones who accompany their parents to the pool will be thrilled with the toddler wading pool and water playground.

Since this property belongs to the Four Seasons collection of hotels and resorts, I expected excellent service and was pleased to discover exactly what I anticipated. My arrival set the tone for an enjoyable experience. The bellman graciously greeted me by name after discreetly checking my luggage tag, and the front desk clerk made me feel as if my arrival was anticipated. Spa reservations were reconfirmed upon my check-in, and I was asked whether I needed dinner reservations or suggestions. My luggage arrived promptly, and everyone I encountered during this process was extremely professional and caring. My departure service was equally impressive.

Throughout my stay, I was met at every turn by a personable and courteous staff member who went out of his/her way to ensure my comfort. The concierge, though clearly busy when I approached her, was highly knowledgeable and delivered prompt assistance despite juggling various tasks. Even the laundry service, delivered exactly when promised and in a visually appealing manner, was exceptional.

(+) Highly competent service by a professional, yet personable staff

Guest Rooms: Four Seasons Resort Aviara, North San Diego

The Four Seasons Resort Aviara offers a wide range of comfortable guest quarters, including 274 rooms and 44 suites. Rooms are categorized by moderate, superior, deluxe, and panoramic view, while suites are categorized by executive, deluxe executive, one-bedroom, deluxe one-bedroom, luxury, and presidential.

All rooms are graciously furnished with a casual sophistication. While some of the rooms employ a soothing blue-and-white color scheme, others are enhanced by floral patterns or a rich, contemporary look. The rooms are also high-tech, including DVD players, VCRs, and Sony PlayStations. The accommodations are spacious--even the moderate rooms have a separate sitting area with sofa, writing desk, armchair, and ottoman. Each room has a spacious balcony, while many of the suites boast several furnished balconies.

My room was elegant and comfortably chic. Floral and shell prints dominated the décor, while the use of pale greens and blues created a soothing coastal ambience. The large bedroom was complemented by an equally roomy and inviting bathroom. The balcony, with its lovely resort and hillside views, was especially enjoyable. My room was also exceedingly quiet--a large event stationed not far from my room was never detected once my door was closed. The turndown and twice-daily housekeeping services were well-executed and left my room feeling fresh and inviting.

(+) Guest rooms feature a comfortable sophisticated atmosphere

Facilities & Activities: Four Seasons Resort Aviara, North San Diego

The Four Seasons Resort Aviara is a great vacation destination. This hillside resort caters to adults and children alike with its mix of active and restful pursuits. The 18-hole Arnold Palmer-designed course is often considered one of southern California’s best courses. The course, sculpted around the lagoon, is also visually stunning. The Spanish Colonial-style clubhouse has a full pro shop, and for those guests new to the game or needing to brush up on a few skills, the resort offers two- and three-day golf school sessions at the Aviara Golf Academy.

The Four Seasons Resort Aviara also is home to a Mobil Four-Star spa. This European-influenced facility offers indoor and outdoor treatment rooms, and at 15,000 square feet, this spa takes down time very seriously. Body treatments, such as aloe, seaweed, or avocado wraps, and peppermint, rosemary, or sugar scrubs, take their inspiration from nature. Hydrating and anti-aging facials are offered in addition to ancient Ayurvedic therapies which use essential oils and herbs to soothe and tone skin. Guests needing hair, makeup or nail services can book at the spa’s José Eber Salon.

Relaxing poolside is perhaps one of the best ways to enjoy a day at Aviara. The large freeform pool with adjacent children’s water playground is ideal for families enjoying the southern California sunshine. For those guests without children in tow, the “quiet,” adults-only pool is a peaceful escape. Four Seasons pampering service extends poolside as pool attendants attend to your every need.

Tennis players will find six lighted courts for play, as well as group and individual lessons. Fitness buffs will enjoy the light-filled gym stocked with brand-new equipment.

The Four Seasons Resort Aviara’s’ location only 30 minutes north of San Diego makes it a wonderful base for families or adults enjoying the city’s shopping, dining, and sightseeing. Families will want to stop at SeaWorld, Legoland, or the San Diego Zoo, while culture vultures will find enjoy San Diego’s museums, opera, symphony, and theatres. Outdoor enthusiasts and nature lovers will find the area’s whale watching, scuba diving, and deep-sea fishing especially rewarding.

(+) Golf and Mobil Four-Star spa; numerous opportunities outside the resort

Dining & Lounge: Four Seasons Resort Aviara, North San Diego

The Four Seasons Resort Aviara has four restaurants and one lounge available to its guests. The dazzling contemporary décor and inspired Italian cooking of Chef Vivace make it the shining star of the resort’s dining scene. Tables by the fireplace or under the stars are the most requested. I savored my meal for its delicious food, excellent service, and awe-inspiring Pacific Ocean views.

For a more casual alternative for dining with the kids, visit the California Bistro. This restaurant, which overlooks the fairways, serves breakfast and lunch buffets in addition to regular service, and a children’s menu is available.

Argyle has indoor and outdoor seating overlooking the Lagoon and is another casual spot for breakfast, lunch, and snacks. The Ocean Pool Bar & Grill is perfect for American and Asian specialties at lunch.

Whether I dined at the resort’s elegant dining room, enjoyed breakfast, or dined on room service, I discovered artfully-presented quality food across the board. The service was also consistently good, but I did experience less hands-on service at the breakfast buffet, which is typical for a resort setting.

(+) Excellent food in enjoyable settings
(-) Service at breakfast could have been a bit more attentive

Business Services: Four Seasons Resort Aviara, North San Diego

The Four Seasons Resort Aviara is a preferred choice of meeting planners because of its space for large functions, as well as the resort’s gorgeous setting. The hotel’s 24-hour business center is a boon to visitors traveling on business either alone or with groups, as the hotel offers its guests the use of cell phones, computers, and printers. The multilingual concierge is also always on hand to assist travelers with any need.

Since I needed to send a fax, I visited the business center and was immediately greeted by one of the two staff members manning the center. I found both to be cheerful, polite, and professional, and while they were enjoying a private conversation, I found it neither unprofessional nor distracting. The center was clearly well designed and capable of handling virtually anything a business traveler could need.

(+) Plentiful function spaces appeal to groups while staffed business center is well- designed and well-equipped