Laguna Beach is one of the best, more luxurious yet family-friendly places to vacation along the coast of Southern California. There are several recommended places to stay near Laguna, but The Ritz-Carlton Laguna Niguel resort is the classiest of the high-end options. Like all Ritz-Carlton resorts, the accommodations are 5-star, and the landscape design impeccable. Add in the perfect beach locale, the top-notch signature restaurant, and the new Ambassadors of the Environment program for kids and families, and a stay at the Ritz-Carlton Laguna Niguel has all the makings of a best California beach vacation.
Ritz-Carlton Laguna Niguel Resort Overview
This Ritz has been a AAA 5-Diamond resort for 24 years straight, making it the longest-tenured AAA 5-Diamond resort in all of California. The level of service here – always with good cheer – is of the highest quality. Located near Dana Point and Laguna Beach, the Ritz-Carlton Laguna Niguel offers panoramic ocean views from its position on a 150-foot bluff. Gently sloping paths lead down to two miles of beach, and employees in golf carts are happy to take tired guests back up that hill to the resort grounds. The Ritz-Carlton Laguna Niguel is the only surfside resort resort in Laguna as a whole.
A recent renovation spruced up the interior of the resort, with no expense spared for a clean, contemporary oceanside look and modern technology, Ocean view rooms have private balconies or patios, and knock-out views of the Pacific. The pool and garden view rooms are similar in size, albeit with no balconies. The Ritz-Carlton Suites and Ocean View Suites are outstanding; all with views of the Pacific Ocean, suites include preferential seating in restaurant 162', a dedicated personal assistant, and full use of the Ritz-Carlton Spa facilities. The Executive Suite has ocean, coastline or garden views, with separate living and bedroom areas and a pull-out sofa bed in the living room.
Ambassadors of the Environment
This is the third Ritz-Carlton to phase out its Ritz Kids program in exchange for the wonderful Ambassadors of the Environment program (the first two being the Ritz Carlton Kapalua in Maui, and the Ritz-Carlton Grand Cayman). Very little compares to the wonders an Ambassadors of the Environment activity can do to enhance a luxury family vacation. Jean-Michel Cousteau started the Ambassadors program and has a hand in each one (they are expanding slowly). Each one is designed specifically to its locale and natural habitat; the cultural and environmental education centers are celebratory and never preachy or guilt-inducing, though. Children can be dropped off for some activities, so parents can golf, spa, or just relax. However, it's the activities that engage all family members that are really thrilling.
Luxury Travel experienced "The Biggest Show on Earth" Whale Adventure, in which a chartered catamaran took guests out and around Dana Point. Bottlenose dolphins frolicked alongside the catamaran, while Captain Dave kept in contact with an associate who told him where a blue whale was. The blue whale surfaced several times a mere 12 feet away; amazing. Captain Dave's Dolphin & Whale Safari is a local treasure, and Ambassadors of the Environment are smart to enter into a working relationship with Dave Anderson, the marine naturalist who runs the company.
Another activity in which Luxury Travel witnessed in action is "Lights, Camera, Take Action." Children are dropped off for this one, and three hours later parents return to the Ambassadors program to view a public service announcement completely written, acted, directed and filmed by their kids. Families receive a DVD of their children's public service announcement; now, Luxury Travel is the proud owner of a DVD expounding on the importance, in a child's mind, of protecting endangered animals. Yes, children participating in this program are very proud of their efforts.
Other activities at the Ritz-Carlton Laguna Niguel's Ambassadors of the Environment program include "Life Between the Tides" (exploring local tide pools), "Pictures in the Sky" (astronomy; this is a nighttime program), "Wet and Wild Waves" (boogie boarding lessons), and several others. Lyn Evans, the Director of this Ambassadors of the Environment, is especially excited about the "Ambassadors in the Kitchen" activity. Children investigate the property's organic garden, harvest what's in season, and then help cook meals with those ingredients. Guests of the hotel are welcome to try these dishes too!
Ritz-Carlton Laguna Niguel Restaurants and Spa
The Spa here is so well-designed that guests feel relaxed just by stepping through the door. Water features are everywhere, and the decor is mindful of the nearby ocean; the chandeliers are reminiscent of water drops, quiet waterfalls are soothing, and the hallway to the exit provides a full-on view of the Pacific Ocean and horizon. Soothing treatments include water therapy, touch therapy, and the (most popular) Rtiz-Carlton Signature massage.
There are several places to eat at the Ritz-Carlton Laguna Niguel; the Dana Pool Cafe is casual poolside fare, Eno is a pampering wine tasting room with cheese and chocolates that complement each glass, 180Blu is an outdoor dining area will 180-degree views of the coast and ocean, and The Market Place features pastries and sandwiches for light meals. The standout, however, is RAYA. The famous Chef Richard Sandoval created this signature restaurant with an emphasis on sustainable seafood, local produce, and some of the most creative, interesting Pan-Latin meals around. A vacation at this Ritz-Carlton resort isn't complete without a dinner at RAYA.
The Riz-Carlton Laguna Niguel resort is one of the best luxury resorts in Southern California, without a doubt. The Spa is impeccable, RAYA a joy to dine at, and the renovations flawless. Best of all, for upscale family vacations, is the new Ambassadors of the Environment program here. The Ambassadors of the Environment truly takes hotel kids' clubs or day camps to the next level. Luxury Travel can't recommend it enough for guests of the Ritz-Carlton resort.
Jennifer W. Miner - Jennifer has years of travel writing experience, spoken at several national conferences, and more. See Jendeavor.com for more details.
