The Ritz-Carlton, Laguna Niguel

Salt Creek Beach is just below the resort, with a scenic path leading down the bluff. It’s easy to spend time outside here, relaxing on one of the terraces and watching the waves. The ocean views are especially beautiful at sunset, whether you’re walking the grounds, sitting on the patio, or having a meal. The property is elegant and well cared for, and the staff are attentive and professional from the moment you arrive. With the peaceful setting and lovely views, The Ritz-Carlton, Laguna Niguel makes a great spot for a weekend away or a special occasion.

The adventure center was a real bright spot. We took a kayak tour, enjoyed the naturalist talk at happy hour, and did morning yoga on the lawn with the ocean in view. Some of the valet and naturalist staff were young locals who grew up nearby and knew the area well. We also had several good meals at Raya and a wonderful dinner at Kahani. The pool menu felt uninspired, though, and service around the lovely pool was very slow. We stayed five nights in October for an oceanfront getaway. The clifftop location and views were amazing, but there were surprisingly few places to sit and enjoy them unless you were dining at the restaurant or outdoor bar, or had paid for an oceanfront room. There was no seating on the lawn along the cliff, and the lower level facing the ocean was taken up by meeting rooms, even when no conference was happening. It was a good getaway, but that beautiful location could be put to much better use.

The club was a lovely part of our stay. The team there and the other guests were great, and Jenny, one of the managers, felt like an old friend by the time we left. We came to Ritz Carlton Laguna Niguel- Dana Point for my wife's birthday. The staff were friendly and professional throughout, and went beyond what we expected. Our balcony looked out over the Pacific, and we enjoyed walking down to the ocean each day. We had great meals, including dinner at Raya on her birthday, and took some beautiful sunset photos. It was a memorable visit.

Amanda, one of the managers in the Club Lounge, made special food for our boys, and Lee from security took my husband around the property and surprised the kids with cute apparel. They were among the staff who made our stay feel special. We visited RC Laguna Niguel in January for our two boys' birthdays. I let the front desk know ahead of time, and the boys were celebrated throughout the trip. There were tasty treats waiting in our room, with my husband's allergies taken into account, birthday wishes at every meal, and a thoughtful note. We also loved the meal at Raya, the ocean views, comfortable beds, easy beach access, and relaxed staycation feel. We'll definitely come back.