The elegant La Costa Resort & Spa in Carlsbad is the kind of place where you expect to be pampered. When it’s good, it’s very, very good ... and when it’s not, you might think you deserve more for your $400-plus a night. (Karen Tapia-Andersen / LAT)
A model home in La Costa Greens, a planned community perched above the golf course. Although the development is still under construction, some homes are already occupied. (Karen Tapia-Andersen / LAT)
La Costa is also a country club, although the locals say the members aren’t the stuffy type — just wealthy. With competition from the regulars, hotel guests need to take the initiative to get what they want from the resort’s amenities. Once that’s over, they can relax and enjoy the luxury all around. (Karen Tapia-Andersen / LAT)
