Ordinarily, you would definitely want a water view when staying at an oceanside venue. The Catamaran Resort Hotel certainly offers those, with a view that sweeps you from La Jolla to Mexico. But the tropical landscape here has been created with such care and dedication that a view of the gardens is equally desirable. Between the palms and hibiscus and a thousand other types of exotic foliage, you’ll feel you’re in a lush Central American rainforest. A rainforest with room service, that is. To make the fantasy complete, snap a photo of any of the macaws, parrots and cockatoos on the grounds, all of which have names and are treated as guests of the resort. The hotel’s design reinforces the tropical theme, with traditional Hawaiian architecture, imported exotic woods, a waterfall and koi pond in the lobby and authentic ethnic art from New Guinea, Tahiti and Bali. The guest rooms are decorated with soothing beige walls, blue carpeting and lovely batik-style bedspreads. The hotel’s Atoll Restaurant offers creative cuisine, but it’s best known for its wildly popular Sunday champagne brunch, which features fresh sushi (plan ahead and make a reservation, or you might not get in).