Familiar as the site of the WTA Acura Classic each summer, La Costa Resort & Spa has a long tradition of caring about tennis and of pampering the guests of its spa. But this is a far different La Costa than the one I first visited back in the 1980s. Over the last several years, more than $140 million has been spent to transform the resort. That includes shift to Spanish Colonial architecture—all white stucco, wrought iron, red tile, and open plazas—and multiple enhancements, from a handsome Feng Shui-aligned spa and adjacent Chopra Center for Ayurvedic treatments to redecorated rooms and a handful of new restaurants, including some with outdoor seating. It is so different, in fact, that I was momentarily confused about the location of the lobby but thoroughly taken with the improvements. It's vastly more open and inviting.

In the transition, the tennis club did away with its two grass courts. Still the facility remains relatively large, with four red clay and 13 hard courts, one of the latter a sunken stadium. Mike Casey has just taken over as tennis director, bringing his videotaped "Extreme Tennis Makeover" with him from his former post at La Quinta Resort & Club. "We're trying to create more programs for hotel guests and members," he told me. He has already expanded the daily clinics and introduced weekly cardio tennis sessions and has plans for more leagues and what he calls a "boutique" junior academy. As I learn more about the specifics on the programs he'll put in place, I'll post it here.

Not surprisingly, as someone know for his celebrity connections, he's looking to lure more marquee players to the resort, particularly over holidays when he plans versions of his "Mike Casey Celebrity Workshops," which have featured former tour players like Mary Jo Fernandez or fitness guru Denise Austin doing free clinics and demos for anyone who happens to be staying there. "I would like to bring back the glory days when tour players and Hollywood stopped by," he says.

Tennis Features

Pro Shop: 760-438-9111

Tennis Programs. The tennis staff offers the usual clinics, private lessons, game matching available for adults as well as cardio tennis.
Courts & Fees. The resort has 13 hard courts—one of them a stadium—and 4 red clay courts (7 with lights) arrayed below an attractive clubhouse containing an expansive, apparel-stocked pro shop. Court fees: $15/person/day.

Your Call

Here's what others have had to say about La Costa Resort & Spa.

• "I just had the opportunity to spend the weekend at the LaCosta Resort and Spa. The highlights of the weekend were Mike Casey and the resort's tennis facilities. I took a one hour lesson with Mike and worked specifically on my cross-court backhand. Mike was insightful, innovative, and encouraging. He was quick to diagnose my technical flaws and provide me with easy, logical solutions. It was one of the best lessons I have ever taken. It didn't have the time for videotaped analysis but plan to try it this summer. Mike convinced me that he can make dramatic improvements in my game in a short time. I highly recommend him.
  The tennis facilities are outstanding. The red clay court don't seem to get much use but are well maintained and a nice alternative on the knees. The sunken stadium court is impressive.
  My only problem with the resort was the pool area which was overrun with children. The pool area has several water park attractions which apparently make it a popular destination for young families. Not the most relaxing scene."—D.W., Adv. Int., April 2008

• "weakness: lack of quality men players. Food service upstairs would be a great way to attract players and stay for lunch and then more tennis
  strength: new staff is a great improvement. tennis shop is looking good."—J.M., Adv. Int., April 2008

• "I visited the tennis facility at La Costa while staying at my son's home in Oceanside. Having seen the place from watching the tournament on tv, I was eager to give them a try. I appreciate them accomodating me though I was not a hotel guest. They were not busy the week after Thanksgiving.
  I came two days in a row and each day I participated in a group clinic and received a private lesson. John, a pro, was excellent. He gave me expert advice on several strokes and was very humorous and informative. Shawn, a pro, was very average. Perhaps I got him at the end of a long day on the courts (3 pm private lesson).
  Interesting FAQ- the Acura Classic is no longer coming to La Costa- the promoter gave up the gig. The tournament is going to Asia in 2008. Also, for guests, the non-valet hotel guest and tennis parking area is a long way away from the villas.
  Mike, the top pro, was working on the court next door and he sounded excellent but I'm not sure how much his hourly rate was. For the pros I worked with, the fee was $100 an hour. This rate is for non-La Costa Club members,which means guests at the hotel and others like me. Personally, I would not make it a point to stay here just for the tennis."—L.J., Int., December 2007

See Also

There is no shortage of tennis resorts with spas—use my Search page to find others—but for comparison's sake, also look at:

• The Boulders Resort & Golden Door Spa, Arizona
• La Quinta Resort & Club, California
• Bacara Resort & Spa, California

Travel Essentials

La Costa offers both rooms and suites. Rates do not include taxes, parking, or a $20/day resort fee.

La Costa Resort & Spa
2100 Costa del Mar Road
Carlsbad, CA 92009
760-438-9111
Toll-free: 800-854-5000
Web Link: La Costa Resort & Spa

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General Tourist Information. There are three sources of information: in the immediate area, visit the Carlsbad Convention & Visitors Bureau web site (or contact them at 400 Carlsbad Village Dr., Carlsbad, CA 92008, phone 800-227-5722); for this part of the county, visit the San Diego North Convention & Visitors Bureau web site or contact them at 360 N. Escondido Blvd., Escondido, CA 92025-2600. Phone: 800-848-3336; and for the county as a whole, visit the San Diego County Convention & Visitors Bureau web site or contact them at 2215 India St., San Diego, CA 92101. Phone: 619-236-1212.

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