I’m often drawn to travel that combines athletic activity with a relaxing getaway – seeking out opportunities for tennis, skiing, biking and hiking on land; sailing, snorkeling, and kayaking on water. 

Earlier this year, I had my first golf lesson, at PGA West in La Quinta, where Director of Instruction Bryan Lebedevitch introduced me to the fundamentals of proper grip and swing technique. He inspired me by giving me the confidence to learn and enthusiasm to improve. 

Since I travel often to destinations with resorts that prominently feature golfing amenities, I have long appreciated the beauty and tranquility of these golf locations. I now understand the allure of a golf-centric vacation that extends beyond the fairways – a fusion of leisure, recreation, and social connection. 

Last month, I played my first actual on-course round offered by the Westin Carlsbad Resort & Spa, just 25-minutes north of San Diego. Carlsbad – a quaint beach town with a perfectly mild climate year-round – is known as “The Village by the Sea” and offers the charm of a European town with the conveniences of a large city. 

The Westin’s Golf Getaway Package bundles golf, lodging, and food – for a weekend of active leisure.

My First Time

I was nervous to play but prepared to give it my best shot. We rented clubs right on site and decided to grab a quick bite for some on-course energy. Warming up at The Crossing’s large practice putting green, I soon realized that while my years of mini golf as a kid helped me later in life, what I really needed was practice swinging on the driving range and chipping green.

The course was challenging but serene – the right mix of sport and leisure. Most of my shots were straight and my putting was on point. I gained a bit more confidence on the course and also had a great time. My golfer husband said he was impressed with my natural ability, enthusiasm, and putting skill! 

Nine holes felt like enough time on the course and I was thankful to be paired with fun guys who made me laugh – which took the stress off of being a first-time player. There was great satisfaction in connecting with the ball and making it fly through the air. The last hole might have been the most difficult as we had to hit it over a lake with a wedding happening in the distance. In the end, I only lost one ball…yay!

The Play

Perched along the scenic North County coastline, The Crossings at Carlsbad is a course inspired by its natural SoCal surroundings and spectacular ocean views. Voted by GOLF Magazine as one of the “Top 10 New Courses You Can Play,” it’s is a challenging yet approachable 18-hole par-72, designed by landscape architect Greg Nash. Built along Carlsbad’s nature preserve, the unique hole placement compliments the surrounding hills, valleys, and plateaus. They say the front nine is straightforward while the back nine makes you think on every tee shot.

The Stay

Nestled high in the hills, with vast ocean views, The Westin Carlsbad Resort & Spa boasts a private pathway to neighboring Legoland and is located minutes from Carlsbad Village, the seasonal Flower Fields, and 7 miles of beaches. The resort offers canyon golf course views and ocean-view balconies. 

The hotel itself is clean, modern, and boasts a long list of amenities. After an afternoon swinging away, it was nice to lounge poolside and let the jacuzzi work out the kinks, before retreating to our room to savor the views and enjoy the large bathtub.

Watching movies in bed seemed like the best idea, and even better in the Westin Heavenly® Bed, the brand’s well-known luxury mattress that affords everyone a pleasurable night’s sleep, paired with bedside lavender spritz, of course. I might have dreamed of smashing golf balls over mountains and lakes.

The Food

Before or after playing, make time to visit the stately California-style clubhouse for drinks and dining – in Canyons Restaurant or The Player’s Lounge. Happy Hour is from 3 – 6 during the week. Fridays feature live music and Buckets and Brews are celebrated from 5 – 8 PM on Thursdays.

You won’t need to leave the hotel to find delicious California-inspired bites. 20|Twenty Restaurant, located off the lobby, features local ingredients with stellar menu options like Lobster Pot Pie generously loaded with lobster in puff pastry, an Iceberg Wedge amped with pork belly and crunchy fried onions, and Meatloaf with mushroom gravy, Boursin whipped potatoes, garlic green beans, and cheddar cream cornbread. We cheers’d to my first round of golf success with a Cucumber Mule and smoking Cali-Fashioned made with tequila, Mezcal, and orange bitters.

The Package

Whether you want to refine your swing, enjoy a casual afternoon with your closest friends, or are a beginner like me, keep it simple with this complete Golf Getaway Package.

• Stay at The Westin Carlsbad Resort & Spa, featuring the signature Westin Heavenly Bed and private balconies with coastal views
  
• Play a round of golf at The Crossings at Carlsbad, just a five-minute walk from your room
  
• Enjoy daily breakfast for two + food/beverage credit at 20|Twenty, the resort’s signature restaurant