"Carlsbad, just north of San Diego, may be better known as a barefoot surf town than a luxury resort destination. Though this legacy retreat has been bringing in a golf crowd for its manicured greens that host the LGPA for decades. Those who knew it as the Four Seasons will recognize the residence club and fairways. But the $60 million that Hyatt pumped in to relaunch the fabled resort over the last couple of years means it now includes an updated 15,000 square foot spa with knock out Swedish massages and a sharp new Californian bistro, Ember and Rye, where the barbecued oysters go well with their Sonoma chardonnays. Of course there is plenty to keep the kids happy too, including a totally reimagined pool area with waterslides and a badminton area. Doubles from $599. —Michelle Gross" - Archana Ram, Beth Demmon
