The city of San Diego is known for many things but for us, it is mainly a great unknown. Apart from a sterling recommendation for its zoo (reputedly one of the finest in the world), we know precious little about this port city and its famous US Navy connections. At the prompting of our friends from Expedia, we thought we’d kick off what will hopefully be a regular series (more or less, this is the Internet after all) exploring cities we’d like to visit. Here’s what we found in our research (that’s what the Internet is here for folks) on the second largest city in California so far.

For one thing, it apparently has fine food (here’s hoping Michelin/Zagat et al get here), nightlife, surfing spots and numerous golf courses that attract visitors each year. Like we said, San Diego is on our ever-growing list of travel destinations and, should it be on yours too, then we and Expedia have some advice. Like every dream location we set our sights on, we do our best to keep our eyes peeled for only the best accommodation options. It is our pleasure to present our top five luxury accommodation options in San Diego.

Park Hyatt Aviara Resort, Spa & Golf Club

Avid golfers will fall head over heels in love with this location, thanks to its 18-hole golf course that was designed by Arnold Palmer. Joining the golf course are other recreational facilities such as a to-notch spa with 20 treatment rooms, an indoor co-ed solarium lounge, aromatic steam rooms, saunas, whirlpools and a romantic couple’s suite. Boasting 327 guestrooms, of which 43 are suites, the rooms provide guests with scenic views of foothills, swimming pools, the golf course and Batiquitos Lagoon. Our top choice for suites is the Park Luxury Suite that features two large balconies, providing guests with a space to look out over the Pacific, and 1,640 square feet of room to relax in. In the master is a marble bathroom fitted with double sinks, a glass enclosed shower, a deep soaking tub (always a must) and a private water closet.

For more information, visit Park Hyatt Aviara Resort, Spa & Golf Club.

Omni La Costa Resort & Spa

This happens to be a place that provides not only luxury accommodations and attractions close by, but also a space that specializes in holistic healing with The Chopra Center. However, what caught our attention was the Presidential Suite that boasts three bedrooms and three baths. At 3,500 square feet, the living room looks out over the golf course with floor to ceiling windows. Creating a cozy ambience is a fire place in the sitting area. In a sweet blue hue, the suite is an inviting space perfect to unwind in while on holiday. Two of the three bedrooms in the Presidential Suite also feature their very own sitting areas and private marble baths.

For more information, visit Omni La Costa Resort & Spa.

L’Auberge Del Mar

Overlooking the Pacific Ocean is the L’Auberge Del Mar. This family-friendly resort offers guests a luxurious spa and is situated close to scenic hiking trails such as the Torrey Pines State Reserve. As with most resorts and hotels in San Diego, this hotel also provides a space to enjoy golfing at an exclusive course. Additionally, guests at the L’Auberge Del Mar will also be able to enjoy horse races at the Del mar Racetrack in the summer. At 1,500 square feet, the Presidential Suite is the obvious choice here. The best digs in this house feature two bedrooms and two bathrooms. With an interior design by Barclay Butera, the suite is a calm and soothing area thanks to the cream colored walls and dark wood fixtures. Other highlights of the suite include a fireplace and a Jacuzzi tub.

For more information, visit L’Auberge Del Mar.

Fairmont Grand Del Mar

Located on the coast of Northern San Diego is the Fairmont Grand Del Mar, just a short distance away from coastal communities such as La Jolla, Del Mar and Rancho Santa Fe. The hotel is a part of the prestigious Fairmont Group of hotels, and offers guests not the usual one Presidential Suite but two! Yes, there are two Presidential Suites here and we’re not entirely sure why but that improves our chances of actually booking one. The Mizner and Manchester Suites include working fireplaces in the living rooms as well as marble bathroom finishes complete with their own deep European-style soaking tubs, dual sinks and separate showers. While the Mizner Suite offers a view of the resort grounds, the Manchester Suite (above) boasts a view of the golf course.

For more information, visit Fairmont Grand Del Mar.

Rancho Valencia Resort & Spa

While this resort does not have a Presidential Suite, it does have its very own Private Guesthouse called the Hacienda that is just as luxurious. At 5,000 square feet, there is no denying that this is a spacious holiday housing option when in San Diego. Boasting three King bed suites, a garden patio, wood-burning fireplace and a deluxe private bath, the guesthouse is also equipped with a private heated pool and whirlpool spa. With an abode-style private home concept, this accommodation option is the definition of a home-away-from-home.

For more information, visit Rancho Valencia Resort & Spa.

Presented by Expedia.com.