February 3, 2018
Hotel Feature: Monarch Beach Resort, California
By Annie Chambers
Dana Point (Orange County), California
Recently detached from the St. Regis brand, this luxury hotel still holds its own. Primarily known for hosting corporate events, Monarch Beach Resort is expanding its customer base with weddings and smaller groups of leisure clients.
While it cannot compete for sunset views with neighboring Ritz Carlton, the beach club and Mirival Spa stand out as unique amenities. Orange County has many luxury options for travelers, but only Monarch Beach and Pelican Hill have golf courses and while Pelican Hill has a front and back course, Monarch Beach offers a location that is a short walk (or golf cart ride) from the beach.
The resort underwent a $40M renovation and debuted its new luxury accommodations in June 2016.
Location:
Situated in south Orange Country, you’re right in between San Diego and Los Angeles and a 30-minute drive from SNA (Orange County airport). You’re within short driving distance to some amazing dining spots in Laguna and Dana Point. You could get out on the water one day if you like fishing, or whale watching. Laguna offers art galleries and great boutique shops.
From the moment you enter into the lobby, the calming blues, greens and beach decor make you feel at home. This is a large resort, don’t get me wrong. After two stays here in different rooms, I’ve come to appreciate the hospitable staff and unique views offered.
Personal faves:
The Beach Club is perfection. Miraval spa's and unique wellness classes and treatments. Super spacious suites with deep soak tubs and views.
Room types:
Guestrooms, Deluxe Suites, Studio Suites, Premium Suites
Restaurants:
Designed as the living room of the resort, the new 33°North is sectioned off into three distinct sections that cater to different social scenes: a bar, a living room salon, and an ocean view, outdoor patio.
Fusing healthy eating and seaside elegance, AVEO Table + Bar offers an al fresco experience for breakfast, lunch and dinner.
Club 19
Overlooking Monarch Beach Golf Link’s first tee, enjoy a quiet morning brunch watching play on the fairways or share stories of the day’s 18 holes over drinks at the sunny Club 19 Restaurant and Clubhouse.
With breathtaking beach views from an intimate patio seating, the Monarch Bay Club provides guests and members exclusive access to an unforgettable private dining experience.
A poolside cantina and kitchen experience serving authentic and approachable fresh Mexican cuisine, is open for lunch and early dinner.
Michael Mina’s acclaimed restaurant concept, offering tavern fare in an elegant and sophisticated setting.
(Descriptions via Monarch Beach website)
