Words by Pallavi Mehra
Imagine waking up to the sound of waves crashing against a serene, white-sand beach, crystal-clear cobalt blue waters and a striking sunrise making the most magical scene. The Ritz-Carlton, Laguna Niguel offers all these luxuries and so much more. The oceanfront property is the perfect venue for a beach getaway steeped in opulence and the sight of the Pacific Ocean’s sparkling waters will put you in immediate holiday mode.
Hotel
Established in 1984, the Ritz-Carlton, Laguna Niguel, is perched on a picturesque bluff offering unobstructed vistas of the Pacific Ocean and direct access to a pristine beach. This iconic resort delivers Ritz-Carlton’s thoughtful service while offering guests a genuine experience with a playful approach to luxury.
With over 26,224-square-feet of indoor event space, including multiple ballrooms and meeting rooms, the hotel is well suited to host weddings, corporate sessions, and other events. Nearly 54,000-square-feet of outdoor space, featuring oceanfront lawns, well-manicured courtyards, and terraces, also makes for an ideal al fresco event or wedding ceremony. Furthermore, the property’s in-house expert team works with guests to curate customised weddings or events.
Room
The resort offers more than just an awe-inspiring setting. Paying homage to its beachfront location, the hotel’s 396 guestrooms and 29 suites were refreshed in winter 2021. The guest rooms feature a modern, ocean-inspired design aesthetic, elegant furnishings and a calming, neutral colour palette that complements the natural landscape. The rooms are well-appointed with airy layouts and private balconies overlooking the Pacific Ocean or the resort garden and pool.
They also house state-of-the-art technology, including a new, sleek dark oak entertainment centre with 55”- 65” Smart TVs.
Additionally, the hotel’s guest rooms feature chic bespoke furnishings, beach-inspired, arresting artworks, and expansive, marble-clad bathrooms, while a number of guest rooms and suites include private outdoor fireplaces as well. Furthermore, the property’s suites comprise a freestanding soaking tub for the ultimate spa-like experience, while several suites include aesthetically pleasing yet functional desks and coffee tables.
Food and drink
When it comes to culinary experiences, guests are spoilt for choice at The Ritz-Carlton, Laguna Niguel. The hotel is home to RAYA, which serves Pan-Latin coastal cuisine, Taikun, an omakase experience, enoSTEAK, an intimate steakhouse, 180blũ, an al fresco oceanfront lounge and KAHANI, an upscale Indian restaurant.
KAHANI is the hotel’s latest fine-dining Indian eatery led by chef Sanjay Rawat, following the success of his culinary programme dedicated to Indian weddings. KAHANI, which translates to story in Hindi, showcases the New Delhi native’s culinary journey, from his grandmother’s kitchen in India to an intimate dining room nestled in a Southern California beach town resort.
At KAHANI, Rawat crafts traditional and familiar Indian plates through a whimsical and innovative composition that pulls from the abundance of Southern California’s local produce. Highlights from the inventive food menu include the corn and cardamom bisque, ajwain scallop, blackened tuna, Chennai sea bass, saag lobster risotto, rogan josh short rib, the curry sampler, cardamom cheesecake and gajar halwa cake.
“When I immigrated from India eight years ago, I never imagined I would be given the opportunity to helm a restaurant at an iconic resort like The Ritz-Carlton, Laguna Niguel. I am grateful for the team’s support for my creative vision and investment in my talent.” said Sanjay Rawat. “I want KAHANI, my story, to inspire other chefs to dream outside of their parameters and have trust that their journey will come full circle like mine.”
Spa and wellness
Besides its diverse culinary offerings, The Ritz-Carlton, Laguna Niguel boasts a serene spa with 12 welcoming treatment rooms. The well-furnished treatment rooms exhibit soft hues of aqua and beige, while tranquil water features add to the overall experience. Guests can partake in rejuvenating spa treatments, including massages and skin therapies that embrace the resort’s natural surroundings.
For an added wellness experience, The Ritz-Carlton, Laguna Niguel also houses a fully-equipped fitness centre with floor-to-ceiling windows overlooking the Pacific Ocean. In addition, the fitness centre offers daily morning yoga and pilates classes, which are complimentary and only available for in-house guests.
To do
The Ritz-Carlton, Laguna Niguel’s Eco-Adventure Centre provides guests the opportunity to explore Southern California’s unique ecosystems via a variety of excursions dedicated to showcasing the area’s natural wonders. The property’s expert team curates experiences for guests, including whale watching sessions, on-site garden tours followed by a cooking class, local tide pool exploration workshops, seaside hikes and surfing lessons.
Getting there
The Ritz-Carlton, Laguna Niguel is approximately an hour drive from Los Angeles, and an hour north of downtown San Diego.
Factbox
Rooms at The Ritz-Carlton, Laguna Niguel can be booked from £620 per night onwards.
Address: One Ritz Carlton Drive, Dana Point, California, 92629, United States of America
Phone: +1 800-241-3333
Website: ritzcarlton.com
Hotel photography courtesy of The Ritz-Carlton, Laguna Niguel.
