Hyatt Vacation Club at the Welk, Escondido, California

Nestled in a captivating landscape adorned with hills, valleys, and sizable boulders, this resort offers a picturesque retreat. Enthusiasts of golf will be delighted by the lush greenery of the adjacent golf course, creating a serene backdrop.

Our accommodations, secured through an II exchange, exceeded expectations. The generously sized 2-bedroom/2-bathroom unit boasted a living room and kitchen that stood out as some of the most spacious we've encountered in the realm of timeshares. The kitchen, adorned with a granite surface, was not without its quirks—the decision to drop a significant section of counter space by about 8 inches was a minor hiccup. However, this inadvertently provided an ideal spot for our computer work.

A spacious balcony offered a serene view of the pond and hills. While December limited our use due to shade, it hinted at the potential for blissful hours basking in the California air during warmer months.

Bedrooms were generously proportioned, providing ample space for unpacking, and the beds were remarkably comfortable. The bathrooms, notably expansive, featured a stand-alone tub that not only enhanced comfort but also showcased an elegant design.

Our second-floor accommodation left a lasting impression, and the thought of returning in the future crossed our minds. Reflecting on a visit 17 years ago, we noted the area's substantial growth, with two interstates now flanking the resort. While the region has flourished, leading to increased traffic, it hasn't diminished the overall appeal.

The choice of this location for hiking proved strategic, with numerous trails within a 10-20 minute drive. Despite the resort's expansive size and hilly terrain, we found the lack of an on-site hike a missed opportunity.

Del Dios County Preserve hike is only 20 minutes away.

Positioned near the adult pool and an impressive workout center, we discovered one of the more noteworthy fitness facilities among the timeshares we've explored. The sprawling and undulating layout of the resort offered ample opportunities for exercise simply by strolling through its scenic grounds.

The adult-only pool a nice touch for patrons not wishing to listen to the ever-increasing sounds of under-parented children was located directly behind the workout center, a nice relaxing area where constant running water from the wall fountains helped to muffle the distant highway noise.

Pretty hills cacoon the resort with their odd-shaped boulders.