Nestled beside Laguna Beach and Laguna Niguel, and 60 miles from Los Angeles, is the quaint city of Dana Point. Coined “the soul of Southern California,” this coastal town is full of charm and offers an array of summer fun from relaxing on its sandy beaches to participating in water sports and whale watching. The area also boasts a plethora of luxury hotels along its cliffside location, many properties offering that picturesque Pacific Ocean view. Dana Point also caters to families, individuals and couples, making it a great choice for a weekend getaway. Here are three of the city’s best resorts:
The St. Regis Monarch Beach Resort
The St. Regis Monarch Beach Resort, a Forbes five-star hotel, spans 176 acres and boasts spacious guestrooms and suites, three large swimming pools, a Robert Trent Jones, Jr.-designed golf course and an award-winning spa. Paying homage to the Spanish region it was named after, Spa Gaucin maintains a Forbes five-star rating and continues to explore the newest therapies for relaxation and restoration. Stonehill Tavern, the hotel’s signature restaurant, features modern American cuisine by Michael Mina, considered today to be one of the best chefs in the industry. Recently, the resort underwent a renovation to revamp their 400 guestrooms. The new rooms are brighter and offer a light and airy ambiance with earth tones and French doors opening to ocean views.
The Ritz-Carlton, Laguna Niguel
Perched 150-feet above the ocean bluff, this top-500 ranked resort by Travel + Leisure truly celebrates its magnificent surroundings. The Ritz-Carlton, Laguna Niguel's lobby is located on the third level, ensuring sweeping ocean views upon arrival. Outdoors, the patio lounge 180 Blu is one of the hotel’s best assets, allowing guests to sip on cocktails while enjoying beautiful SoCal sunsets. Or guests can venture over to enoSTEAK to dine on high-quality steaks from prime and grass-fed, pasture-raised farms. Along with its guestrooms and suites, the hotel’s Ritz-Carlton Club level offers even more exclusive amenities and treats. Club members have access to a private lounge; daily meals, midday snacks and complimentary beverages; and helpful concierges ready to ensure you have a perfect trip. The pet-friendly property includes a spa, a nearby golf course and 15 eco-excursions along with a number of outdoor activities available.
Laguna Cliffs Marriott Resort & Spa
Ideal for group travel, Laguna Cliffs Marriott Resort & Spa offers stylishly-spacious suites that have recently been renovated to evoke that laid-back, SoCal beach vibe. Energize each morning with “I Heart Yoga in the Park” located on the property’s 75 acres of lawn along Doheny State Beach. When taking a break from boating activities, chill out in the full-service spa or take in the sunset over dinner on the ocean-facing patio café, OverVue. The restaurant’s donut-hole topped salted caramel sundae is a memorable must have. Fun local artist installations and a children’s pool complete with a sprinkler park, make this property a haven for families.
