THE MEDITERRANEAN-flavored La Costa Resort and Spa has completed the first phase of a $140 million makeover that makes the most of its sunny setting, just north of San Diego in Carlsbad. It now features extensive spa facilities as well as a new 40,000-square-foot conference center that includes an 18,000-square-foot ballroom, 15 meeting rooms, verandas for receptions, and a self-serve business center. Poolside patios are available for outdoor events and teambuilding activities.

The new Spa at La Costa formed the centerpiece of the renovation, which also completely remodeled 474 guest rooms sprawled over a lush, 400-acre site. During the next phase, the resort will ring its two legendary golf courses with villas.

The spa offers 28,000 square feet indoors and a 15,000-square-foot intimate courtyard for sunbathing and relaxing. It houses 42 treatment rooms, including two suites for couples; separate water therapy areas for men and women; a full-service salon offering customized makeovers; a spa café; and quiet inside lounges.

Spa guests are asked their reason for visiting — to indulge, invigorate, or inspire — and treatments are tailored to that choice. So a day of invigoration might include agua de vida (a signature series of showers, whirlpools, body scrubs, steam, and sauna treatments), a California vegetable clay wrap, a Thai massage, a custom facial, and lunch at the spa café.

The spa is just one of the recreational and health-promoting alternatives at La Costa. The Chopra Center offers group and individual instruction and activities for those seeking mind/body healing and transformation. Four heated swimming pools, bicycle rentals, a tennis center, and an 8,000-square-foot fitness club complement the golf courses.