Catamaran Resort and Spa, San Diego

One of my favorite things to do in the winter is go somewhere sunny.  I can’t help it, my body craves warmth and sunshine all year-round and it’s a side effect from growing up in California.  When our college roommate’s December wedding ‘Save the Date’ card arrived in the mail, and we learned it was being held in San Diego, we booked our flights within minutes.  We can’t scoff at our central California weather, but winter in Socal can’t be beat, we’re talking up to 10-15 degrees warmer than home.  Our bags were packed and the weekend getaway and beautiful wedding of friends was complemented by a memorable stay at the Catamaran Resort and Spa in Pacific Beach.

The Catamaran Resort is in an ideal location for family travelers.  On the shores of Mission Bay, the resort is only 8 miles from the airport and within 30 miles of family attractions like Legoland and the San Diego Zoo, better yet, you can drive to Sea World in 5 minutes! For our purposes this particular weekend, it was only 10 minutes to the church where the wedding was held and 10 more minutes from there to the reception.  Once we arrived I fell in love with the Polynesian decor immediately, I’m an island girl at heart!  The waterfall in the lobby was no tiny fountain, it was a grand site filled with koi and surrounded by beautiful ferns and colorful flowers.Walking around the property you truly feel like you’re in Hawaii.  Palm trees abound and although I gave this photo just a hint of highlights and a few filters for emphasis, this was my ultimate favorite spot in the whole resort.  I wanted to prop a chaise lounge right here to read, meditate, drink a glass of wine, or just plain stare.  You’d be right to think that this will become a framed photo in my home.Our Bay Front Suite was nothing short of spectacular located on the ground floor overlooking Mission Bay’s waterfront.  Here our king bed and 438 square feet of space was full of all the essential amenities that included a large bathroom and separate vanity.  I must note that the Tarocco line of bath products with the scent of Sicilian red (blood) orange were one of my favorites from my travels, I almost asked housekeeping for a few to take home. 

The living room had plenty of natural light opening up to the patio and lawn space between the resort and the beach.Outside our patio was the view of the boat dock and promenade where a constant stream of bikers, runners, and casual walkers paraded from dawn to dusk.   Across the path, the sand is begging for your toes and the resort offers complimentary beach chairs and umbrellas for your morning juice or evening cocktail and reading material. 

So many activities are available to guests without leaving the property.  Action Sport Rentals offer year-round lessons in surfing, sailing, stand-up paddle boarding, and kayaking.  Bicycles and segways are available to rent and sunset luau, movies on the bay, beach and paddleboard yoga are offered seasonally.Kids will love the arcade, pool, and hot tub and parents can enjoy the indoor fitness room if they choose or enjoy a spa treatment.  A few of the wedding guests stayed at this hotel and we met up with them after the rehearsal dinner for drinks at Moray’s, open until 1am on the weekends. The island themed tiki torches and fire pit tables make me think of tribal council on Survivor, but with more wine and beer!  It’s a great spot to relax and the fire pit keeps you warm on those cool nights.  Flatbreads, burgers, cheese plates, and sumptuous desserts are on the menu, though my husband will argue that the Peach Bourbon Mule was like dessert so much he had two!  Breakfast beach side is delicious at Oceana Coastal Kitchen.  With a large dining room and seating by the bay, the gorgeous morning begged us to sit alfresco.

Executive Chef Steven Riemer’s playful interpretation of classic dishes highlights the purity and flavors of California local produce and a commitment to sustainable ingredients. A cold bar with sushi options, small bites and main dishes include the freshest seafood available from the coast of Baja and the Pacific.

Different specials are offered Monday-Thursday and a Sunday brunch is offered weekly.

The Catamaran Resort and Spa has it all and then some.  I would book again in a heartbeat whether for a romantic getaway like this trip or for a family vacation, I imagine the resort to be bustling during the summer months.  Please note:  self-parking is $23.00 per night and valet parking is $28.00 per night, but there is no resort fee.  That means wi-fi, the pool, whirlpool, fitness center, exotic birds, and some seasonal activities are included in the price of the room.  For more information and to make reservations visit, https://www.catamaranresort.com/home.

Our stay was hosted, but some meals and gratuities were ours as well as our 100% honest opinion.