A sprawling ocean front luxury resort offering world class dining, elegantly furnished rooms, and the laid-back luxury that southern California is famous for
Welcome to Southern California where the scenery is gorgeous and oceanfront luxury is only a drive along the coast away. Perched atop a hillside overlooking the water is the incredible Waldorf Astoria Monarch Beach. This Orange County retreat with its own private beach club sweeps you into the SoCal vibe with soft coastal color palettes, cozy and spacious rooms with terraces to catch an ocean breeze, delicious culinary experiences and legendary service to ensure a stay that is as memorable and effortless as the landscape that surrounds it.
We were visiting family in San Diego and decided to leave our two boys with the grandparents to take off on a kid-free getaway. We hadn’t had time to ourselves in ages and wanted an extra special spot to reconnect as a couple. Immediately the Waldorf Astoria Monarch Beach came to mind. We had been to this property years ago before Waldorf Astoria took over and were curious what it had to offer now. With the brand’s iconic commitment to service and luxury, we knew we couldn’t go wrong.
Pulling in, the ornate fountains at the hotel’s entrance set the scene for the luxury that awaits inside and out. Set on 175 oceanfront acres, the Waldorf Astoria Monarch Beach is a sophisticated and spacious property that boasts a private beach and world-class golf course.
When you first walk in, a massive lobby greets you that goes through the entire building leading out onto a beautiful open-air deck. It’s the centerpiece of the hotel and the breathtaking views from the terrace overlook the pool, golf course and ocean. The entire hotel has a very beachy feel to the design, but still keeps that chic and elegant feel. We’ve stayed at Waldorf Astoria properties before and loved them, so from our first steps inside, we knew we would be in good hands.
“I love that the hotel itself is towards the back of the coast, it isn’t as busy here at Dana Point, so it truly feels like an escape. Because the hotel is set back a bit from the ocean, you get stunning views and easy access to the golf course. ”
Even though the location is a bit further from the beach, it was still so easy to get in that beach time we’d been craving. The Monarch Bay Beach Club gives you access to an exclusive beach for resort guests. To get there, you can take a cute little tram that the hotel offers for the 7-minute ride down to the beach. The tram leaves every 15 minutes, so it’s easy to catch and once you’re at the beach there are umbrellas, chairs and towels already set up for you. It’s possible to request surfboards or even beach toys for little ones so everything is ready to go the moment you step onto the sand.
The drive here is an experience all its own before you even arrive at the property. We drove up the coast to Dana Point where the hotel is located and let me tell you, this drive is stunning. It follows the ocean for most of the way and it’s a really peaceful and relaxed start to a weekend away.
“We drove up the coast to Dana Point where the hotel is located and let me tell you, this drive is stunning. It follows the ocean for most of the way and it’s a really peaceful and relaxed start to a weekend away. ”
Our Room
We stayed in a fireside terrace room which was EXACTLY what we wanted … not only for the amazing s’mores kits the hotel supplies (yum!) but also the views are pretty nice too. Our room was beautiful, well appointed and spacious. The fireside rooms are the largest rooms here and are all on the first floor with walk-out patios featuring outdoor fire pits.
We had only been in the room for 5 minutes when we got our first taste of that legendary Waldorf Astoria service. The housekeeper arrived to bring us Mezcal margaritas to welcome us to our stay – this is attentive and amazing service!
I loved this room because after a day at the beach and the pool, there’s really no better feeling than coming back to the room, taking a shower, wrapping yourself in a cozy robe to take a nap and then waking up to make s’mores by the fire as a pre-dinner snack!
Dining at Waldorf Astoria
Staying at one of the most beautiful beachside resorts on the West Coast for a staycation meant we had NO desire to leave the property – especially since it’s so big and the dining options are really, really great.
They have everything from an unforgettable steakhouse to Mediterranean-inspired cuisine, pool-side restaurants and elegant bars. It’s easy to have memorable dining experiences with food that is cooked to perfection and views that can’t be beat.
Our first night, we had margaritas and tacos at the Monarch Bay Beach Club, which as the name suggests, is right on the beach. This was our first night without kids in so long, we were celebrating and savoring it! We drank margaritas, maybe even had a shot or two and feasted on tacos (the tacos are HUGE here!). We were right on the beach, so we sat outside in the ocean breeze. We wrapped up in blankets under the heat lamps to stay warm and it was incredibly cozy. We lost track of time enjoying an evening to ourselves and having fun in a casual yet chic atmosphere.
The next morning, we were invited to have breakfast at AVEO Table + Bar and I’m so glad we rolled out of bed in time to make it to breakfast :) I highly recommend trying one of the fresh smoothies paired with fried chicken and churro waffles and the carnitas hash. So maybe this is more like a brunch spot! They use locally-sourced ingredients and it’s so good and filling. The perfect way to start your day before heading to the beach or pool.
For lunch, we tried out the restaurant Club 19 which has a stunning patio with views of the golf course and ocean. You really get a sense of just how big the property is here! At Club 19, you can expect typical California fare like nachos, flatbreads, tacos, salads, you get the idea. The food is refreshing and the scenery is great too. What we thought would be a quick lunch turned into a 3-hour adventure that we so enjoyed. Be warned though, if you order a negroni, the pours are big! But it’s okay because the bartender gladly packed it for me to go, so I could finish it later in my room :)
While here, we couldn’t miss out on the culinary showstopper – Bourbon Steak Orange County. This is quickly becoming one of our favorite restaurants in all of Southern California and for a pair of people who mostly eat vegetarian, that is saying A LOT! When we do eat red meat, we make sure it’s worth it and Bourbon Steak just hits the mark.
Acclaimed Executive Chef Michael Mina does an incredible job of putting a modern spin on classic American dishes and everything we tried, we loved. From the thoughtful (and tasty!) trio of fries that comes out as you peruse the menu to the star of the show – the wagyu – it’s a dining experience we didn’t want to end. Make sure you order a ton of sides like the truffle mac and cheese, grilled asparagus and charred brussel sprouts and of course, don’t miss getting the sampler of wagyu. Plus the panoramic views of the Pacific Ocean – especially at sunset – set the mood for an amazing dinner.
Waldorf Astoria Spa
If the tranquil setting of this resort isn’t enough, the spa here will whisk you away to complete and utter relaxation. The 30,000 square foot space has everything you could possibly need in a spa from a private adults-only pool, steam room, sauna, indoor and outdoor jacuzzis and cozy lounges.
We both had a couples massage here and I could feel any stress and tension just melt away. The staff here can help personalize treatments for you from facials with gentle rose quartz wands to massages with Jasmine, Tuberose and Lime Blossom oils. Every treatment has thought and care behind it to ensure you leave feeling recharged.
Our stay at the Waldorf Astoria Monarch Beach was exceptional. We felt like we were a young giddy couple again! It was the perfect weekend away to relax, recharge and enjoy the stunning location and exemplary service you can expect from the Waldorf Astoria brand. We won’t hesitate to come back the next time the California coast is calling our names!
