The Catamaran Resort Hotel & Spa is located on the north end of Mission Bay and offers a truly unique staying experience that seemingly plops San Diego visitors in the middle of Polynesia (yes, you read that right). With towering palms, koi fish palms, tropical birds and babbling waterfalls throughout the property, Catamaran feels like a Hawaiian escape—about six hours outside of Phoenix. Keen-eyed kiddos will even point out that the canoe used by Moana is even hanging in the lobby—OK, maybe not the exact one but it will delight youngsters nonetheless.
The rooms are coastal inspired with serene beachy tones and views of Mission Bay and the San Diego skyline. The bathrooms are particularly elegant; you might even been lucky enough to get a room with an in-mirror TV to watch the day’s news while relaxing in the soaking tub. For the ultimate beach escape, request a room adjacent to Mission Bay. Within a few steps, the kiddos will be delightfully digging in the sand while Mom and Dad can enjoy a cold drink and a good book from their patio or one of Catamaran’s beach loungers that are set up each morning. The water is calm and the area is quiet, with great people watching, so parents can enjoy a little serenity even while the little ones are enjoying their beachside fun.
The dining at Catamaran is top-notch, with Oceana Coastal Kitchen offering California coastal cuisine with local ingredients for breakfast, lunch and dinner. Grab a seat indoors near the jellyfish tank that will delight the youngest diners or on the large patio with bay views, a light breeze and, sometimes, even live music. For dinner, a starter of the Puget Sound clams and mussels, with chorizo, fennel, saffron cream and ciabatta crouton, is packed with flavor and freshness while the chile shrimp flatbread, with broccolini and bright, springy lemon ricotta, is a great way to get the kiddos to eat their green veggies. The true menu standout is the hamachi crudo with white miso, micro cilantro and jalapeño. The refreshing dish relies on just a few ingredients to make a delicious impact.
Mom and Dad Moment: For 140 minutes of utter bliss, book an Ancient Oceans Ritual at The Catamaran Spa. The decadent five-step spa experience starts with an exfoliation and a Swiss shower, followed by a warm body wrap that allows for the epitome of relaxation. A bubbly soak in the hydrotherapy tub with remineralizing seawater (the spa therapist is happy to bring you some cooling ice tea while you relax in the warm water) is next before the ritual ends with a decadent massage. The Catamaran Spa is the area’s only waterfront spa, so be sure to spend some time in the open-air whirlpool looking out onto Mission Bay.
