California is home to some of the most beautiful resorts in the world, but most pale in comparison to the stunning Montage Laguna Beach.
Nothing says luxury like this gorgeous California Craftsman hotel, from the finest amenities in your hotel suite to the jaw-dropping views of the sparkling Pacific coast.
I've stayed at Montage Laguna Beach before, and to be honest — I couldn't wait to come back. After all, it's not often you find a world-class resort that also happens to have a 5-star restaurant and 5-star spa. And once you check in and gaze out the floor-to-ceiling windows at the sparkling Pacific ocean, you know you're in for a treat!
With its period light fixtures, early California art and turn-of-the-century details, Montage feels elegant and comfortable at the same time. The Lobby Lounge, with its centerpiece fireplace and cozy sofas, is an airy, open space that invites relaxation.
Montage's mosaic-tiled infinity pool ranks among the best hotel pools in California — and it's easy to see why. I could easily spend the whole day right here, soaking up that warm California sun with a nice cold drink by my side.
The beach below is just as spectacular, with one of the best tide pools in Southern California. In fact, the resort offers children's tours of the Treasure Island tide pools with their on-staff marine expert Stacy Adelman, who runs the children's Paintbox program.
Each of the resort's 250 guest rooms has a minimum of 500 square feet, and standard suites are 1,000. What's best? Every single one of them has an ocean view!
Montage has spared no expense making you feel at home, from the estate quality furnishings in the sitting room to the plush down-covered King Bed, where you'll sleep like a baby. Even the bathrooms are magnificent — decked out in marble with oversized tubs, soft Irish-woven towels and lavish amenities imported from France.
During your stay, be sure to stop by The Loft, the resort's all-day dining restaurant, for a delightful meal on the the terrace. The restaurant's fresh, seasonal menus use only the best artisinal ingredients, from wood-fired rotisserie chicken to incredible cheese plates made by fromagier Janice Howell. The Chef's Tasting Menu is magnificent, pairing each course with a complimentary wine or beer.
Perched on a 50-foot coastal bluff, Studio is Montage's signature restaurant — and well worth a visit even if you aren't staying at the resort. Led by executive chef Craig Strong, this Mobil 5-star restaurant serves up California-influenced French cuisine with one of the most spectacular views in the world.
For special occasions, don't miss the private Chef's Table, where you can watch Strong create his culinary masterpieces in the grand European-style kitchen.
Whenever I'm at a resort, I always make time for a spa treatment. But it isn't often that you get to visit one with Mobil 5-star status.
Spa Montage is a serene 20,000-square-foot sanctuary with a wide-range of fitness facilities and outdoor programs. The signature Thalassic Beach Walk, based on the art of spa, involves heating and cooling the body during an early morning stroll along the coast.
The 21 spa rooms accommodate facials, hydrotheraphy and massage treatments, and each session is customized for optimum mind and body balance and vitality. I'm here for a customized 90-minute massage with therapist Mary Church.
I mentioned the beauty of Montage Resort — and its easy to spend a whole day strolling through its 30 acres of white sand beaches, tidepools and colorful gardens.
But what really makes Montage shine is the guest experience — the staff is just incredible, cheerfully tending to your every need. It's not surprising that the resort has a loyal fan base from around the world, because it's the kind of place you'll want to return to time and time again.
Montage Resort is located at
30801 South Coast Hwy., Laguna Beach, CA 92651. Visit online at
www.montagelagunabeach.com
