How to Plan a Relaxing Flower-Themed Getaway in Carlsbad, California
Spa and Beauty Today Co-Founder Lizzy Sherman at The Flower Fields in Carlsbad.
LUXURY STAYS & GETAWAYS
One thing I look forward to every spring are the beautiful blooms that pop up adding a rainbow of color to the world around us. In San Diego county, the flowers are everywhere, from poppies and wildflowers dotting the coastal roadside on the drive from LA to San Diego, to hilly lilac fields in northern San Diego county, to 55-acres of Giant Tecolote Ranunculus at The Flower Fields in Carlsbad.
The Flower Fields in Carlsbad.
I recently visited Carlsbad for a flower-themed getaway, staying at the famous Omni La Costa Resort & Spa, which first opened in 1965 as a sanctuary for Hollywood celebrities and athletes. The resort continues to provide an incredible visitor experience, offering an award-winning spa, championship golf courses, tennis courts, swimming pools, restaurants, and luxurious guest accommodations.
Swimming pool at Omni La Costa Resort and Spa.
Omni La Costa Resort & Spa is getting into the spirit of spring with floral-themed events and activities called “Power of Flower.” These activities incorporate freshly picked blooms into the resort’s spa treatments, culinary delights, children’s activities, and more.
Here are three tips for how to add some relaxation and joy to your spring with a flowery getaway in Carlsbad.
Visit The Flower Fields
Rainbow ranunculus flowers at The Flower Fields in Carlsbad, California
The Flower Fields at Carlsbad Ranch will see over 70 million flowers in bloom this season. The 50 acres of vibrant Giant Tecolote Ranunculus flowers bloom for around six to eight weeks, beginning March 1, 2024 through Mother's Day. There’s also a sunflower field as well.
And on Mondays visitors can enjoy blueberry picking at the seasonal 2-acre U-Pick blueberry patch. (Picking is open every Monday from 9:30am-5:00pm, depending on weather conditions.)
Red ranunculus flowers.
Ranunculus are in the same family as poppies, and visiting The Flower Fields made me feel like I was off to see the wizard of Oz. The sight of millions of blooming ranunculus is incredibly magical to see in person. One thing that I found surprising about the ranunculus fields is that you see practically no insects or pollinators— no bees or butterflies. You will see them in the sunflower fields though.
Sunflowers at The Flower Fields.
Single ticket admission is $23 for adults, $21 for seniors 60+ and military, $14 for children 3–10, and free for children under three. Season passes are and group tours are also available. Tickets may sell out so it’s a good idea to purchase them in advance here.
2. Get a Power of Flower Spa Treatment at Spa at La Costa
Spa at La Costa
Since 1965, Spa at La Costa has been considered an “original destination for mind, body, and sport.” The award-winning spa recently underwent a sophisticated transformation. The spa’s updates include three luxurious new salt rooms for unwinding and decompressing, refurbished steam rooms with new aromatherapy features, and new state-of-the-art equipment in the showers, locker rooms, and select treatment rooms such as the Vichy showers.
Salt Room at Omni La Costa
The spa’s walls are lined with vintage art as a nod to Omni La Costa’s historic past, when the spa was once a refuge for the world’s most powerful figures including Richard Nixon and Jackie Kennedy.
This spring the Spa at La Costa is offering two “Power of Flower” services, perfect to help you unwind after a day of exploring Carlsbad.
I highly recommend the “Power of Flower” Balancing Massage. This service is designed to center the body’s energy with a stress-melting massage, using the power of fragrant and colorful flowers, essential oils, and chakra stones.
Sauna view at Omni La Costa
Another option is the “Power of Flower” Aromatherapy Pedicure. This beautiful aromatherapy pedicure includes a foot scrub and massage with flower essences of jasmine, rose, geranium, and ylang-ylang, which you can enjoy while sipping on a cup of rose tea.
Outdoor spa pool at Omni La Costa
Before or after your service, there are plenty of amenities to enjoy including a beautiful outdoor area with a spa pool, hot tub and shower surrounded by herbs and flowers.
3. Dine at Test Kitchen Series – with a Superbloom
The view from VUE
VUE is Omni La Costa’s signature restaurant that features a large outdoor dining patio with views of the resort’s championship golf courses and green rolling hills. This contemporary restaurant features creative dishes, and offers intimate group dinners through its “Test Kitchen Series.”
This series gives guests the opportunity to taste test new menu items. Many of the items are creatively garnished with edible flowers, a perfect addition to any flower-themed trip. Guests can book at a spot at one of the delicious upcoming dinners at tickettailor.com.
I joined the Test Kitchen Series for their collaboration with Daou Vineyards. It was a fun interactive night of wine pairing, delicious cuisine, and great conversation. For an idea of what these delicious dinners include, here’s a look at the menu from my meal:
Amuse
Amuse
Yuzu Melon Espuma | Serrano Ham | Thai Basil Blossom
1st Course
Sushi
Sushi |Temari-Zushi | Battera-Zushi
DAOU Rosé
2nd Course
Charred Octopus
Charred Octopus | Watercress | Pickled Baby Fennel | Preserve Lemon Chimichurri| Purple Potato | Smoked Saffron Vinaigrette
DAOU Reserve Chardonnay
3rd Course
Lobster Risotto with DAOU Reserve Seventeen Forty
Lobster Risotto | Chanterelle | Fava Bean | Parmesan Foam | Summer Truffle
DAOU Reserve Seventeen Forty
4th Course
Vegetable Ash Rubbed California Rack of Lam
Vegetable Ash Rubbed California Rack of Lamb|Grilled Chayote | Sunchoke Potato Puree | Parsnip Chip |Green Mole Espuma
DAOU Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon
5th Course
A-5 Wagyu
A-5 Wagyu | Katsu Steak | Maitake Demi | Tamago-Yaki
DAOU Patrimony Cabernet Sauvignon
PATRIMONY Cabernet Sauvignon
6th Course
Chocolate Hazelnut Cheesecake
Chocolate Hazelnut Cheesecake | Raspberry Jelly | White Chocolate Whip | Citrus Caramel | Hazelnut Powder
DAOU Pessimist
Accommodations at Omni La Costa
Omni La Costa Suite
The Spanish Mission-style property boasts over 600 guestrooms, suites, and villas. The resort’s recent renovations include an update to over 500 guest rooms, villas, suites, hospitality rooms, and presidential suites.
Omni La Costa suite view
Spaces are and light airy spaces with soft casual textures, and neutral tones. Refreshed rooms and suites include Resort Rooms, Golf View, and 1-Bedroom Suites. Bathrooms are stocked with NEST amenities.
King Bed at Omni La Costa
There are also eight sparkling pools including an adults-only pool and waterslides.
Tip: The resort’s elegant one bedroom suites have some of the resort’s best views. They feature luxurious king beds, marble bathroom features, oversized soaking tubs and separate shower, and dual vanities.
Sunflowers at The Flower Fields.
Carlsbad is a wonderful place to visit year round, but if you have your heart set on flowers, spring is the time to do it. If you can’t make it this year, I highly recommend planning a spring visit in the future.
[Photos by Lizzy Sherman]
A University of Michigan graduate, Lizzy Sherman is an award-winning writer/editor. Her work has appeared in publications including Beauty Launchpad, Nailpro, DAYSPA, CNET, Entertainment Tonight, and more. She has been a featured guest speaker at Cal State University Northridge, Digital LA, and The National Association of Audience Marketing Professionals. When she's not writing, Lizzy enjoys yoga and playing guitar. Follow her on Instagram and Twitter: @zillizy, @zillizy16