IN CONVERSATION WITH CHAD EDING, GENERAL MANAGER, PARK HYATT AVIARA
Contributor — Four Hundred by Design
Chad Eding has been the General Manager at Park Hyatt Aviara since August, 2023, joining the resort after serving as the General Manager at the Hyatt Regency Mission Bay Spa and Marina. Originally from Michigan, Chad has spent the past 10 years in San Diego and is proud to call beautiful North County home. Outside of work, he values family time and loves watching his son play sports, along with enjoying the great food that the region has to offer.
HOW WOULD YOU DESCRIBE YOUR PARK HYATT AVIARA’S SPIRIT IN JUST THREE WORDS?
Refined. Coastal. Elevated.
WHAT STANDS OUT THE MOMENT GUESTS ARRIVE?
What strikes guest first is the almost cinematic sense of arrival. You step into a lobby that feels intentionally calm and beatifically composed, but the real moment happens the second your eyes catch the line of sight straight through the expansive lobby lounge doors. They frame the outdoors like a living postcard – sunlight pouring in, palms swaying and the Pacific glimmering in the distance.
WHAT WOULD AN IDEAL DAY LOOK LIKE AT PARK HYATT AVIARA?
For me, an ideal day starts simply with an early walk along the Batiquitos Lagoon to take in that crisp coastal air, followed by breakfast on the Ponto Lago terrace. From there, dropping into a couple of Miraval wellness classes sets the tone, before settling in for some poolside relaxation at the Adult Pool, taking in the unbeatable views of the lagoon and Pacific Ocean all afternoon. Wrapping it all up, dinner at Ponto Lago with the Chef’s Table experience is an incredibly special way to end the day.
WHAT ROLE DOES WELLNESS PLAY IN YOUR OVERALL GUEST EXPERIENCE?
It all starts with the beautiful setting, it’s hard not to feel different from the moment you arrive. From there, we offer a range of experiences designed to meet people exactly where they are, whether they’re looking to move, recover, or simply slow the pace and unwind. But for us, wellness isn’t just an activity on a schedule; it’s a feeling we hope follows you throughout your stay. Our goal is that you leave our property feeling genuinely restored, not just relaxed in the moment.
WHAT CAN GUESTS LOOK FORWARD TO AT THE SPA?
They can look forward to a spa experience that feels both familiar and completely unexpected. Miraval offers all the essentials of a world-class spa but it’s the unique, transformative elements that set it apart. Treatments like Naga Thai bring a sense of artistry, where therapists work from suspended silks using graceful, flowing movements to stretch and support the body in ways traditional massage can’t reach. Our unique Aerial Yoga and Floating Meditation classes then invite guests to experience wellness from an entirely new vantage point, gently supported by the silks themselves. The spa honors everything guests expect from luxury wellness while introducing them to modalities they’ve likely never encountered – restorative, immersive, and distinctly Miraval in spirit.
FOR ANYONE LOOKING TO ADD A BIT OF PLAY TO THEIR DAY, WHAT’S A CAN’T MISS EXPERIENCE?
I’m admittedly biased, but I truly believe a round at Aviara Golf Club is the best you’ll find in Southern California. The conditions are consistently pure, the layout is challenging in all the right ways, and there’s a certain energy to the course that just makes the game more fun. Whether you’re a serious player or simply love being outside on a spectacular piece of land, it’s the kind of round you finish already wanting to play again.
And if you’re in the mood for something a little more social, the Aviara Racquet Club is just as special. With state‑of‑the‑art tennis and pickleball courts, it’s the perfect place to enjoy some friendly competition and soak up the sunshine. Between the two, there’s no shortage of ways to play here.
WHERE IS THE MOST INSTAGRAM-ABLE SHOT ON PROPERTY?
It has to be the breathtaking sightline through the lobby lounge doors, with the way they frame the outdoors feeling perfectly picturesque. A close second is the Adult Pool at sunset. The lagoon stretches out below, the Pacific Ocean beyond it, and the whole space takes on this warm glow that makes every photo look effortless.
HOW DOES DINING AT YOUR RESORT REFLECT YOUR LOCATION?
Dining here reflects our location in a very intentional way, but the one that connects closest to our location on property is Ponto Lago. The name itself tells the story – Ponto draws inspirations from Ponto Beach and Lago speaks to the lagoon that winds through the landscape. It signals a restaurant rooted in its surroundings with Baja-inspired flavors, fresh Pacific seafood and a style of dining that feels both elevated and unmistakably tied to this stretch of Southern California.
Ember & Rye also reflects our location in an entirely different but equally meaningful way. Set along the edge the 18th hole of the golf course with sweeping views of the Batiquitos Lagoon, the restaurant feels intimately connected to the landscape surrounding it. Chef Richard Blais has crafted a menu that’s both playful and deeply rooted in the region, with a standout selection of steaks and fresh seafood built on fine local ingredients.
WHAT MAKES GUESTS RETURN TO AVIARA OVER AND OVER?
Certainly because the setting is undeniably special, but it’s really the feeling that our team creates that truly brings people back. There’s a genuine warmth here that stays with you long after you leave. Whether it’s remembering a favorite drink, greeting someone by name, or simply making the day feel a little easier, our team has a way of turning a stay into something personal. That blend of place and people is what makes each stay at Aviara feel like a return to somewhere familiar.
WHAT’S ONE INSIDER TIP FOR FAMILIES AND ONE FOR COUPLES PLANNING THEIR STAY?
For families, I always recommend taking an early stroll along the Batiquitos Lagoon when it’s cool and quiet. Kids love spotting birds and wildlife, and it’s such a simple, calming way to start the day together.
For couples, the Oceanview Pool Deck just before sunset is a wonderful under-the-radar moment. And if you’re feeling a little adventurous, ask a team member to point you toward the hidden hot tub; it’s a fun discovery that makes the evening feel even more special.
WHAT WOULD YOU LIKE THE FOUR HUNDRED MEMBER TO KNOW ABOUT PARK HYATT AVIARA?
That Park Hyatt Aviara is one of those rare places where the setting is truly unmatched, but it’s the feeling that the property creates that leaves the deepest impression. It’s a resort that constantly overdelivers, not just in amenities but in the sense of ease, care, and genuine connection that defines every stay. You arrive expecting luxury, and leave remembering how it made you feel.