There’s no doubt you’re planning at least one San Diego jaunt in the coming months. May we suggest you kick up your summertime-in-SoCal plans a notch?

It’s May. That means the kiddos are embarking on summer break, the usual workload eases up (hello, summer Friday hours) and the overall daily grind is a little less, well, grind-y. To celebrate the summer in the utmost family-friendly fabulousness, it’s time to soak up the mild temperatures, saltwater air and laidback SoCal character at Carlsbad’s Four Seasons Residence Club Aviara.

Aviara offers all the comforts of home, while still having the top-notch service and amenities that Four Seasons is known for—all set against the beautiful backdrop of Carlsbad. A major step up from traditional guest rooms, Aviara houses 246 luxury villas—including one- and two-bedroom resort residences. Offering the epitome of “home away from home,” each has a full kitchen, a dining room, outdoor space and a washer and dryer (in addition to luxurious sleeping and bathing areas, of course) so traveling families, especially, have all they need right at their fingertips. Guests will even spy extra-thoughtful amenities, like adorable child-size bathrobes. Walking into a residence is like taking a breath of fresh air; the space is drenched in light, soothing warm colors, plush furnishings and beachy accents.

Possibly the best thing about Aviara is that there is no need to actually leave the resort in order to have an endless list of things to see and do—starting with the incredible pools. There are two on-site pools where families can wade the day away and keep cool thanks to surprise deliveries of smoothie samples and fresh fruit. Plus, each main pool is complemented by a super-shallow kiddie pool so the wee ones have a place to splish and splash care-free. During the summer evenings, families are invited to cozy up with blankets and snacks on the loungers for poolside flicks.

Dining at Aviara is reason enough to put a visit on your to-do list. The signature restaurant, Seasons, is as good-looking as the dishes it serves, with its nautical-meets-industrial design, big cozy booths and trendy bulb lighting. Start the day with a fresh smoothie and a Carlsbad bagel, with Scottish smoked salmon, tarragon aioli and avocado, and, for dinner, saddle up at the Kitchen Counter. The Kitchen Counter can accommodate up to six guests for a unique, up-close-and-personal tasting experience. The talented and personable chefs create a one-of-a-kind, five-course menu—and diners are close enough to watch the magic happen and ask questions along the way.

The Chef’s Table at Seasons hosts even more exclusive food- and beverage-focused experiences for its guests. Located near the kitchen, gather friends and family for a casual—and super-fun—Craft and Crust class. Don a provided apron, roll up your sleeves and get your hands dirty (well, flour-y) by creating some of Seasons’ most popular pizzas firsthand. After the ‘za has been baked, participants get to kick back and dig in to the fruits of their labor, each flavor paired with local brews.

As utter relaxation is the ultimate goal of any vacation, Aviara’s Driftwood Spa dishes up some serious r-n-r in a playful, ocean-inspired environment. Though the space is small-but-mighty, with three unique treatment rooms, each massage, facial, wrap and scrub is big on impact. A favorite is the salt stone massage. Instead of using traditional hot stones, this massage utilizes warm, hand-carved salt stones from the Himalayan Mountains. In addition to leaving the body in a state of total tranquility, the stone balances the central nervous system and nourishes depleted cells. If you care to work up a sweat, Driftwood Spa also houses a fitness center with a yoga and Pilates studio.

From the pampering to the pools, it is easy to never set foot outside of Aviara. But it is definitely worth making an off-property escape to the beautiful Batiquitos Lagoon (the staff is happy to take guests on the short drive to get there). This coastal wetland is run by the California Department of Fish and Wildlife and about 185 species of bird have been spotted there. Take a leisurely nature stroll to savor the wildlife and all that glorious green, or Batiquitos Lagoon makes a beautiful backdrop for a morning jog.

For a truly indulgent way to start the day, Aviara’s over-the-top Coffee & Tea by the Sea Experience makes a morning away an absolute must. The staff arranges a ride to the shore with the resort shuttle and sets up blankets, chairs, umbrellas, beach toys, reading material, the works—alongside your morning cup of coffee or tea and snacks, of course. Then, it is up to you to enjoy your a.m. of beach lounging and luxuriating. Now, doesn’t that sound a little more luxurious than your usual SoCal summer?

“Woodie” You Think?

Be sure to check out Four Seasons Residence Club Aviara’s beach-town tours and explore the historic local stops. Travel the coastline with San Diego’s Bruce Wood in a 1950’s and 1960’s vintage wood-panel classic “Woodie.” There are three excursion packages available: the Encinitas Beach Cruise & Outing, the Historic Highway 101 Tour and a tour of Del Mar Drive.

To Learn More

Four Seasons Residence Club Aviara fourseasons.com/northsandiego.