Escape the holiday madness: Plan a couple’s staycation or just get away

The holidays can send stress levels into the stratosphere, even in the most Zen San Diegans. When family, shopping, and canned cranberry get to be too much, there’s only one solution for couple survival: take a seasonal staycation or weekend getaway and regroup. Here are some of the best and most relaxing ways to bring down the blood pressure and stay in love.

STAYCATIONS

Lakehouse Hotel & Resort, San Marcos

No time to leave the county? Escape city life by heading to the peaceful hotel located on Lake San Marcos. Complete with a championship golf course, top-end restaurant and full service marina with electric and non-motorized boat rentals it’s easy to relax here. Originally built in the ’60s, the intimate locale (only 75 rooms) underwent a massive renovation in 2013, but keeps its retro feel.

Try out one of these seasonal options:

Romance on the Lake: Go full-on decadence with this indulgent package, including a welcome bottle of red wine, chocolate cake, breakfast in bed, and two robes to take home. Rates start at $359 per night.

It’s Cold Outside: Foodies and craft drinkers will enjoy this package with a welcome hard cider and $100 Decoy Dining Credit to help keep you warm this winter. Rates start at $219 per night.

Golf Weekend: Golf buddies, ahem lovers can play to their heart’s content with

unlimited golf for two guests at St. Mark Golf Club on the day of arrival and departure, with cart fees, use of driving range and practice areas included. Rates start at $205 per night.

1025 La Bonita Dr., San Marcos, 760.621.0012, lakehousehotelandresort.com

Westgate Hotel, San Diego

Beautifully appointed, this classic downtown hotel has a variety of tempting options for the holidays.

Couple’s Retreat Package: Escape holiday tensions with a package that includes an overnight stay in a Premier Room or Suite, an hour-long couple’s massage at AquaVie Spa, and breakfast for two. Holiday-inspired treatments at the spa are covered with the Candy Cane Foot Rejuvenation and the Peppermint Pedicure. The 30-minute Candy Cane includes a peppermint sugar scrub followed by minty shea butter with a customized foot massage. The Peppermint Pedicure lasts 60 minutes and begins with a nutrient soak, followed by a full pedicure, peppermint sugar scrub and peppermint oil to balance and soften skin — and it comes with a holiday cocktail.

Romantic San Diego Getaway Package: Need a little booze to ease the stress? The name says it all with luxury Premier Room or Suite accommodations, signature macaroons and champagne to celebrate and relax, and a $100 credit for the Westgate Room or AquaVie Spa.

1055 Second Ave., downtown, 619.238.1818, westgatehotel.com

WEEKEND GETAWAYS

Shorebreak Hotel, Huntington Beach

Whether you are the outdoorsy, athletic type or a couch potato Game of Thrones fan, this hotel has it covered. Fresh off a 2017 renovation, the ultra-stylish boutique hotel is perfectly situated near the famous Huntington Pier, one of the longest on the west coast at 1,850 feet. Keep your beach body in check with their newly renovated fitness center and 40-foot wide climbing wall. GOT fans stay tuned for the upcoming Winter is Coming promotion featuring the Let it Jon Snow cocktail.

500 Pacific Coast Hwy., Huntington Beach, 714.861.4470, shorebreakhotel.com

Canary, Santa Barbara

Head up to the road with a fellow couple for a rooftop view of one of Southern California’s most popular cities. The Canary is conveniently located within walking distance to downtown boutiques and restaurants. Reserve the Winter Chef’s Dinner package, available through February, which features a three-course luxury dinner for four with the in-house restaurant Finch & Fork’s executive chef, James Saio (don’t miss trying the Canary Estate Syrah during dinner).Then hit the local wineries in town, including Jaffurs (the viognier and syrah are exceptional), Kunin (try the popular Pape Star Rhone blend), and Margerum (seriously, try everything).

31 W. Carrillo St., Santa Barbara, 805.884.0300, canarysantabarbara.com