A coastal paradise set on a dramatic cliff overlooking the Pacific Ocean complete with fresh dining options, a tranquil spa and beach views that can’t be beat.
While visiting our family in San Diego, we planned a little “staycation” on the California coast. After dropping off our two boys with the grandparents, we set off for a few kid-free nights on our much-needed mini vacation. Only an hour away from San Diego, our getaway awaited at The Ritz-Carlton, Laguna Niguel.
The stunning location of this hotel took our breath away. Not only it is by a beautiful beach, but it’s set right on a dramatic cliff with views that cascade down to the crashing ocean waves below. It looks like something out of a fairytale. We miss being close to the beach and staying in Laguna Beach only steps away from the water made my California girl heart so happy.
The Ritz-Carlton, Laguna Niguel has direct access to the ocean and showcases California’s natural beauty in a dramatic fashion. It definitely has the class and sophistication you’d expect from a Ritz-Carlton hotel. But, it also has a casual, beach feel to it that made us feel right at home. I felt completely comfortable walking through the hotel in my beach sandals, even if I brought a bit of the beach back with me.
All the rooms have recently been renovated and ours felt like a luxury suite – an upgraded “staycation” for sure! I would highly recommend getting a fireside room, which includes your own private patio and fire pit. The room was just right for Chris and I and felt spacious with a gorgeous bathroom. It was a romantic and cozy setting – so much so, we even dropped our restaurant reservations and ordered room service so we could eat right on the patio next to the fire. Another advantage of the fireside rooms is that you can get unlimited s’mores kits delivered right to your door. What an incredible view to toast marshmallows by while lounging in soft bathrobes. I kind of hope other hotels will follow suit, so we can make vacation s’mores a tradition!
“All the rooms have recently been renovated and ours felt like a luxury suite – an upgraded “staycation” for sure! I would highly recommend getting a fireside room, which includes your own private patio and fire pit. ”
While we couldn’t toast marshmallows for every meal (even if it was tempting!), there were so many other options to choose from. The Ritz Carlton, Laguna Niguel has fresh California dining that makes every meal feel special. The restaurants offer gorgeous views of the ocean and local, fresh food cooked to perfection.
We knew our stay wouldn’t be complete with a visit to RAYA. We first came here several years ago and had to return. Let me say, it was just as delicious as before. The Latin American flavors combined with the beach view – especially at sunset – makes the meal feel like its own mini vacation. I highly recommend trying the Piloncillo shrimp with the Wagyu Filet Mignon..both were exceptional dishes.
“The Ritz Carlton, Laguna Niguel has fresh California dining that makes every meal feel special. The restaurants offer gorgeous views of the ocean and local, fresh food cooked to perfection.”
Then there’s 180blu, an outdoor lounge and restaurant set 150 feet above the beach offering panoramic ocean views. When we came here, we not only noticed the views, but also how many locals were here. That’s how you know a place is truly inviting, when those who live nearby consider it a favorite spot. While it was crowded, it was in a good way that created an atmosphere of feeling like you were part of an exclusive club enjoying this captivating place together. The menu is nearly identical to RAYA and incredibly tasty. We visited at sunset one night, listened to the live music and then had dinner brought up to our room so we could sit by our fireplace. It was a perfect evening.
We started every morning with breakfast from The Market Place. It’s a grab-and-go style restaurant that has fresh, organic, natural ingredients. We ordered the burritos and they were so good we had them every day! We balanced it out with a yogurt parfait to keep things mostly healthy, but hey it is a vacation after all. This is a great way to grab some delicious food, but not waste too much time so you can get right to the beach.
That was where we spent the most time – at the incredible Salt Creek Beach. While there’s plenty to do in the surrounding area, we had no desire to leave. Salt water, an ocean breeze and California sunshine were right in front of us and we couldn’t turn that down. You can easily take a golf cart down to the beach where the hotel has umbrellas and chairs set up to use. That’s all we needed to enjoy the paradise right in front of us.
The Spa at the The Ritz-Carlton, Laguna Niguel takes inspiration from the ocean setting with treatments featuring sea salt, beach stone or seaweed to restore the body. While some treatments weren’t available because of Covid restrictions, we never would have known. Chris and I both opted for a one-hour massage and our therapists were incredible. They listened to what we requested and then almost anticipated what we needed to help our aching bodies relax.
The Ritz-Carlton Laguna Niguel far exceeded our expectations and left us feeling relaxed and rejuvenated. If you’re visiting Southern California or even if you’re from the area, this place makes any stay feel like a luxurious getaway.
