What We’re Loving Right Now: ResortPass for Spa Days, Family Fun, and Easy Getaways (No Overnight Stay Required)
Living in Southern California means we’re surrounded by beautiful resorts, palm trees, and that vacation energy—even when we're not actually on vacation. But let’s be honest: not every season of life allows for a full-blown getaway. Sometimes the budget doesn’t stretch, the calendar doesn’t allow, or the childcare just isn’t happening.
That’s where ResortPass comes in—aka our easy button when the kids are melting down because “everyone else is going to Disneyland.” It’s our go-to for pulling off a mini escape that feels indulgent, fun, and totally doable—no suitcase required.
And let’s not forget the classic summer refrain: “I’m boooored.” ResortPass has become our response to that too. Instead of scrambling to fill the day with yet another overpriced outing or draining playdate, we can book a beautiful resort with day passes to luxury resorts, let the kids splash their hearts out, and sneak in our own version of vacation: someone brings you a snack and a drink, and you don’t even have to do the dishes afterward.
It’s not just about escaping—it’s about finding that magical middle ground where the kids have a blast and we come home feeling a little more whole. So today we’re breaking down exactly how we use ResortPass (for both spa days and family days), what to look for when booking, and which properties we’ve personally tried and loved.
ResortPass = the ultimate hack for a mini vacation without packing a bag.
The Two Ways We Use ResortPass
Spa vibes without an overnight stay. A break from the “I’m bored!” chorus. ResortPass has quickly become one of our favorite parenting (and personal sanity) hacks.
Depending on the day (and our mood), we usually book ResortPass for one of two reasons: either to unwind with a peaceful spa moment or to give our kids a full-throttle pool day. Here’s how we decide which vibe we’re going for.
Spa Day (Solo or with Friends)
When we book a spa pass, it’s because we’re craving quiet, a little pampering, maybe a robe moment, and ideally—someone handing us a glass of bubbly. This is our version of a one-day retreat, whether we go solo to decompress or bring a friend to catch up uninterrupted.
Here’s what we usually look for:
Access to the spa relaxation lounge
Steam room or sauna
Poolside food and drink service
Showers, lockers, robes, slippers
Bonus perks: champagne, snacks, valet, fitness access (if we’re in the mood)
Favorites We’ve Loved:
Coronado Marriott Spa Pass ($82) – Full access to the main pool and the spa, including steam room, relaxation lounge with tea and spa water, lockers, showers, robes, slippers—and poolside food and drink service. An easy yes.
Loews Coronado Bay Spa Pass ($103) – Luxe with a sauna, fitness center, light snacks, fitness classes, a welcome gift, glass of champagne, and complimentary valet parking. Perfect for the full experience.
Alila Marea – While technically a pool pass, this adults-only (18+) resort is our go-to when we want a chill, sophisticated vibe. The stunning oceanfront views feel like an instant escape. The amenities include a hot tub and cold plunge pool, perfect for resetting. Plus, just downstairs is one of our favorite local coffee spots, Lofty Coffee, ideal for a mid-day pick-me-up. Don’t miss the rooftop bar at sunset — it offers breathtaking views and often live music, making it a perfect way to cap off a day of relaxation.
Omni La Costa – They offer both spa and family-style options (more on that below). This one's local and luxe. The property looks like it could be perched on a cliff in Greece—white buildings, lush landscaping, and stunning architecture. The spa itself is serene and uses products from OSEA, one of our favorite clean skincare lines. If you're able to splurge on a treatment, it's 100% worth it. Even if you don't, the spa pass still includes access to the spa pool and hot tub, Roman waterfall showers (where no one asks how much longer you'll be!), and a Himalayan salt room. They even offer a complimentary peach bellini if you arrive before 4 p.m. Our favorite is the Twilight Spa Pass, which starts at 2 p.m. and costs just $100—a great way to take advantage of long summer evenings.
Family Day
Other days, we’re just trying to get the kids out of the house and into a pool—preferably one with a waterslide and snack service. ResortPass has totally changed how we do spontaneous family fun days without committing to a full vacation or lugging half the house to the beach.
What we’re looking for on family days:
Waterslides or splash zones
Large resort pools with shallow areas
Cabana access (extra helpful for shade, snacks, and tired toddlers)
Easy food options
Enough chaos that no one notices your kid’s Marco Polo-ing
Lifeguard on duty—because an extra set of eyes is always appreciated
Go-To Family Day Picks:
Omni La Costa Cabana – Our MVP pick for mom-and-kid days. Usually, it’s me and another mom splitting a cabana that allows up to six guests. We’ll let the kids go wild from 10–2 while we sip something cold under the umbrella. Low effort, high reward.
Park Hyatt Aviara Cabana – Another luxe pick. The cabanas are stocked with bottled water and fruit bowl, plus mini fridge, sofa seating, a 43" TV, and charging outlets. Bonus: the waterslides are fast. Kids will be wiped out in the best way. Allows for a longer day too.
Town & Country Resort, Mission Valley – A newer option with serious buzz thanks to their upgraded property and new waterslide. Loud, fun, and a bit chaotic—perfect when you want something that feels like a theme park without the steep price tag. On our back-to-school celebration list.
Spa day, kid chaos, or girls’ day out — ResortPass has us covered.
How to Choose the Right ResortPass for You
We’ve also learned a few tips that make the experience smoother (and sometimes cheaper). First, try booking during the week or off-season—prices are often lower, and it’s way less crowded. If your schedule is flexible, weekday resort passes can feel like you have the place almost to yourself.
Another trick? Turn on notifications from ResortPass. Occasionally they’ll offer last-minute deals or highlight new resorts in your area you might not have considered. We’ve scored spontaneous spa days that way just because we checked the app at the right time.
Location also matters. Two favorites—Loews and Marriott—are located on Coronado Island, just far enough from where we live to feel like a true getaway. Coronado is literally an island, and since we don’t often have a reason to head out that way, crossing the bridge instantly puts us in vacation mode.
In contrast, Park Hyatt Aviara and Omni La Costa are practically in our backyard. We can be parked and walking into our staycation in under 20 minutes. It’s the best of both worlds—close enough that forgetting something at home isn’t a big deal, but far enough removed from daily grind to feel special.
And for girls’ day? ResortPass has become our go-to. Perfect for birthdays when no one wants to host or when we all just need a break. Lounge by the pool, maybe squeeze in a spa treatment, and end the day with happy hour at the resort restaurant. We’ve even brought laptops and knocked out a little work poolside—it’s a vibe we fully endorse.
There are a few questions we always ask before booking:
Do we want quiet time or kid chaos?
Steam room or splash zone?
Solo recharge, bestie catch-up, or family day out?
ResortPass offers filters to narrow down what you want—fitness centers, spa amenities, kid-friendly features, cabanas, and more. Always read the fine print to avoid surprises like adult-only hours or food minimums.
Here’s another favorite way we’ve used ResortPass: to balance out longer Airbnb stays.
We prefer Airbnbs for longer trips—easier with kids, snacks, and laundry. But let’s be real: Airbnbs don’t usually come with poolside servers or spas. ResortPass fixes that. We don’t have to repack or leave our rental, but get full hotel vibes—lounging by the pool, relaxing in the steam room, ordering lunch we didn’t cook. Best of both worlds.
Whether you’re a parent looking to enjoy summer or just craving vacation vibes without commitment, ResortPass is a flexible, fun way to build mini escapes into your life.
Final Thoughts: Is ResortPass Worth It?
Absolutely. ResortPass is one of our favorite life upgrades—whether recharging solo, spending time with friends, or keeping kids entertained without burnout.
It gives access to luxury without overnight stay commitment, makes summer feel special, and taps into vacation energy without travel stress. Whether slipping into a robe and sipping tea in a lounge or watching kids on waterslides while enjoying iced coffee in a cabana—it just works.
Not for everyone, maybe. But for those craving affordable luxury, flexible fun, and a little more ease in daily chaos, ResortPass might be the hack you didn’t know you needed.
We’re loving it right now. Maybe you will too.
Affiliate Disclosure: This post may include affiliate links, which means we may earn a small commission if you book through them—at no extra cost to you. We only recommend experiences we’ve personally tried and loved.
FAQ
Q: What is ResortPass?
A: ResortPass lets you book day access to luxury hotel amenities—pools, spas, gyms, cabanas—without an overnight stay.
Q: Is ResortPass worth it for families?
A: Definitely! We’ve turned weekdays into mini family vacations. Look for kid-friendly resorts with waterslides, big pools, and food options.
Q: Can I use ResortPass if I’m staying at an Airbnb or with friends nearby?
A: Yes! Airbnb at night, luxury resort by day. No suitcases, no check-ins, just full hotel vibes.
Q: What should I bring for a ResortPass day?
A: Swimsuit, sunscreen, a book, maybe a change of clothes. Most places provide towels; double-check your booking.
Q: Do I need to book in advance?
A: Yes, especially on weekends or school breaks. Some resorts limit day guests, and best cabanas go fast.
Affiliate note: We may earn a small commission if you purchase through links in this post, at no extra cost to you.