Explore the charms of three enchanting sister resorts in the heart of Carlsbad

Grand Pacific Palisades in Carlsbad CA

When you contemplate a dreamy vacation to Carlsbad, The Cassara provides an excellent choice with its elegant accommodations, luxurious amenities, and prime coastal location. But we also have a handful of sister properties located in the city that are equally appealing and that offer a diverse array of lodging options, unique experiences, and access to a wealth of recreational activities. 

Here, we take an inside look at the unique charm and majestic beauty of the Grand Pacific Palisades, MarBrisa Carlsbad, and Carlsbad Seapointe:

Grand Pacific Palisades 

Where Comfort Meets Adventure

Nestled between the panoramic vistas of the ocean and the lush green hills, the Grand Pacific Palisades stands as a beacon of tranquility and recreation. The resort boasts luxurious living quarters that include spacious and well-appointed 1-bedroom, 2-bedroom,  and 3-bedroom condo suites.

When it comes to relaxation, guests can choose between the serene waters of the quiet pool and coastal view cabanas for a peaceful retreat, or the more lively family pool equipped with a splash pad for a bounty of fun-filled moments.

An added lure at Grand Pacific Palisades is the resort’s pedestrian entrance to Legoland, which allows families to seamlessly step into a world of excitement.

As for dining, guests don’t need to wander far. Grand Pacific Palisades shares the same campus as The Cassara Carlsbad, so scrumptious meals at The Cassara Kitchen & Bar are just a short stroll away. Or, head to the adjacent Karl Strauss Brewery Company restaurant for relaxed fare paired with excellent craft beers.

Carlsbad Seapointe 

Embrace Tranquil Beachside Living

At the Carlsbad Seapointe, guests can immerse themselves in a soothing beachside atmosphere with unparalleled access to the Pacific Ocean.

Boasting 1- and 2-bedroom condos within walking distance of the beach, you can make the most out of your experience with complimentary equipment for use in the water and on the sand.

In addition to the beach, the resort features an adult pool for serene escapes, and a family pool that includes a splash pad.

While Carlsbad Seapointe does not offer dining on-site, a shuttle service ensures guests can indulge in culinary experiences at The Cassara Kitchen & Bar or at 20Twenty at The Westin Carlsbad Resort & Spa, and 7 Mile Kitchen at Sheraton Carlsbad Resort & Spa, which are also affiliated properties.

Seapointe Carlsbad, like Grand Pacific Palisades and MarBrisa, offers a fitness center, hot tub, barbecues, an activities center, and fire pits.

MarBrisa Carlsbad 

A Paradise of Luxury and Recreation

Embraced by the vibrant beauty of the Pacific Coast, MarBrisa Carlsbad offers a range of accommodations, from cozy studios to up to 3-bedroom condos.

The resort is well-equipped with a host of recreational facilities as guests have access to three inviting pools catering to individuals and families alike. Adding to the aquatic delights, the resort features a splash pad, cabanas, and a water slide for endless hours of fun.

Sharing the same campus as The Westin and Sheraton Carlsbad Resorts, MarBrisa guests are just a leisurely stroll away from the soothing ambience of the Ocean Pearl Spa at The Westin, and the resort is situated across the street from The Crossings at Carlsbad golf course, which provides golfers with a challenging par-72, 6,835-yard layout that includes stunning ocean views.

Dining at MarBrisa includes the inviting Cove Bar & Grill on site, as well as the nearby 20Twenty Restaurant and 7 Mile Kitchen.

Fun & games

Activities Director Ryan Gaut helps create one-of-a-kind moments for resort guests

As Activities Director, Ryan Gaut is the ingenious mind behind the endless fun and adventure at The Cassara Carlsbad. With 9 years of experience in the role and 13 years at the company under his belt, Gaut has helped create an abundance of one-of-a-kind experiences that leave guests eager to come back for more. Here, he shares his favorite resort activity, events being planned for the future, and his philosophy when it comes to fun and games:

Can you share one of your favorite activities that you’ve organized over the years? My most favorite activity would have to be our s’mores event during summer. We have a fire pit that overlooks the Pacific Ocean, and with the amazing sunsets and the smell of s’mores, we have an absolute amazing time!

How do you come up with exciting ideas to keep guests entertained and engaged during their stay at the resort? We have about 23 properties at Grand Pacific Resorts, and the larger resorts get together to exchange ideas and to see what works. The really cool part is that we have properties in the mountains, the deserts, on the coast and on islands, so we get a plethora of new and exciting ideas. We also reach out to other properties to see what fun and exciting events they have on their agendas and test them out as well.

Can you tell us about any new activities or events that you have planned at The Cassara? One of the exciting activities that we are trying to get up and running is our Wine and Paint night for adults. Guests would get to paint a canvas with a professional painter on-site and the Cassara Kitchen & Bar would serve wine. Another fun one is our Lawn Movie. We do that every Wednesday night with a giant blow-up screen coupled with popcorn and seasonings, Capri Suns, bottled water and blankets. After summer ends, we plan to bring to fruition a “Throwback Movie Night” for adults and seniors. It would include beer, wine, chips, assorted snacks and popcorn, along with classic movies such as “Caddyshack,” “Casablanca,” and “A League of Their Own.”

Can you provide any insight into your philosophy when it comes to creating a fun and inclusive atmosphere for resort guests? My philosophy for the activities department is just to ensure everyone is having a great time! Before working here, I never knew that hotels and resorts provided on-site activities. I absolutely fell in love with our property and knew exactly what I wanted to do after leaving our Front Desk. I thought I would have been the Activities Director for only 2-3 years, but here I am 9 years later enjoying the heck out of it.

Do you have any personal hobbies or interests outside of work? I am really big on sports, such as soccer, basketball, and softball. I love to hike around San Diego County at least one day a week and, lastly, I love to travel.