Frequently Asked Questions
What is Avila by The Sea?
Avila by the Sea is an intimate seaside resort on the shores of San Luis Bay and Avila Beach. It represents a re-imagining of Avila Beach Resort. In many ways, Avila by the Sea will deepen our original roots as a “classic seaside resort” dating back more than 50 years. We plan to build 135 lodging bungalows that will return the resort to its origins as a “stay and play” experience. Golf will remain a centerpiece in the form of an improved yet scaled-down course that will be better suited for modern recreational play. Our restaurant will receive a beautiful makeover, and a new spa will add to the relaxing atmosphere. With this, Avila Beach Resort will become known by its new name: Avila by the Sea.
How will Avila by The Sea look?
Our aim is to make the Avila Beach community proud. The new bungalows and other structures at Avila by the Sea will be environmentally progressive and aesthetically integrated into the landscape. We are working with San Luis Obispo-based RRM Design Group as well as the acclaimed Lake | Flato architectural firm. Sustainability is one of Lake | Flato’s guiding principles, and in their words, “Sustainable design is carefully considered design that allows architecture to respond to its particular place, is respectful in the use of natural resources, and promotes healthy living.”
Avila by the Sea is not a “big new development.” It is an enhancement and extension of existing Avila Beach Resort facilities. All infrastructure will occupy land that has already long been developed with existing buildings, landscaping and turf. We believe that Avila by the Sea will beautify and add value to the greater Avila Beach community.
What is the historical precedent for Avila by The Sea?
Avila Beach Resort / Avila by the Sea belongs to the original plan for the San Luis Bay Club, which was conceived in 1967 as a locally owned destination and living community featuring golf, tennis, lodging and a mobile home subdivision consisting of 1,100 units—which later evolved into the modern-day San Luis Bay Estates residential community.
Avila Beach’s roots as a tourism destination date back more than 100 years. In the 1970s, the California Coastal Act established a statewide priority for “visitor-serving” uses in the coastal zone, including those in Avila Beach. Click here for a historical perspective on Avila Beach’s heritage as a place to stay and play.
How will Avila by the Sea affect local traffic?
All lodging guests will be provided with on-site parking at Avila by The Sea—just as all event and golf guests are provided with on-site parking today. We believe that resort-related traffic on local roads will be mitigated by the availability of on-site lodging. Rather than coming to play at the resort, then hitting the road back to hotels in Shell Beach, Pismo Beach or San Luis Obispo, they will simply stay and play.
How will Avila by the Sea affect local events?
We do not anticipate an uptick in either the frequency or size of the existing special events experience. For example, we plan to feature a new outdoor pavilion that will seat up to 1,500 people. However, this planned pavilion will simply be built on our existing event space. It does not represent a larger event footprint or capacity, but rather an upgrade to the existing event accommodations.
Avila Beach Resort is a long-established venue for public assembly and entertainment events serving both locals and coastal visitors. Such events have taken place here for more than 30 years, including iconic events such as the John Madden Classic, KCBX Central Coast Wine Classic, SLO Symphony’s Pops by The Sea, and SLO Wine Country’s Harvest on The Coast. Each of our events features a nonprofit component. Over the years, our events have generated more than $3 million for local nonprofits and charitable organizations.
What is the relationship between Avila Beach Resort / Avila by the Sea and San Luis Bay Estates?
We have been proud neighbors of San Luis Bay Estates for the past 50 years, and Avila by the Sea will continue this tradition. We currently own commercial properties in the Village. We are fee-paying members of the San Luis Bay Estates Homeowners Association. We are committed to maintaining the emergency exit thruways identified by SLO County / CAL FIRE for the entire community of Avila and Port San Luis. We will continue to use our long-established easement thruways and special parking access on our own property for tenants and tenant employees as well as San Luis Bay Estates residents who are patronizing these tenants. If you are a concerned resident of San Luis Bay Estates, please click here to learn more.
