This five-star beachfront hotel toes the line between being a hub of activity and a luxurious, only-in-Southern-California hideaway. For restoration, head to the sprawling spa for a customized wellness-oriented treatment or a meditation class. Mind cleared, make your way to the on-site outfitter Compass Sports—where staff will coordinate local mountain biking, paddleboarding, hiking, and surfing expeditions—or to the palm tree–lined, mosaic-tiled pool. Big ocean views and a light, airy design define the 250 rooms; for guests seeking extra solitude and space, there are bungalow suites, which are essentially private beach houses. At the hotel’s three eateries, it’s all seasonal all the time, from the fresh morning juices to evening cocktails. That ethos peaks at the fine-dining restaurant Studio, where executive chef Craig Strong creates elegantly plated French-meets-California dishes using locally sourced fish and meat, along with vegetables picked from the hotel’s 1,000-square-foot garden. Pro tip: In a setting this transporting, you almost want to break into song. Good news—the hotel will rent out mini guitars to guests for the duration of their stay.
Montage Laguna Beach, Laguna Beach, CA
Amanda Friedman, AFAR Media
Montage Laguna Beach, Laguna Beach, CA
Amanda Friedman, AFAR Media
Montage Laguna Beach, Laguna Beach, CA
Amanda Friedman, AFAR Media
Montage Laguna Beach, Laguna Beach, CA
Amanda Friedman, AFAR Media
Montage Laguna Beach, Laguna Beach, CA
Amanda Friedman, AFAR Media
Montage Laguna Beach, Laguna Beach, CA
Amanda Friedman, AFAR Media
Montage Laguna Beach, Laguna Beach, CA
Amanda Friedman, AFAR Media
Montage Laguna Beach, Laguna Beach, CA
Amanda Friedman, AFAR Media
Montage Laguna Beach, Laguna Beach, CA
Amanda Friedman, AFAR Media
Montage Laguna Beach, Laguna Beach, CA
Amanda Friedman, AFAR Media
Montage Laguna Beach, Laguna Beach, CA
Amanda Friedman, AFAR Media
Montage Laguna Beach, Laguna Beach, CA
Amanda Friedman, AFAR Media
Montage Laguna Beach, Laguna Beach, CA
Amanda Friedman, AFAR Media
Montage Laguna Beach, Laguna Beach, CA
Amanda Friedman, AFAR Media
Montage Laguna Beach, Laguna Beach, CA
Amanda Friedman, AFAR Media
More Recommendations
The Montage
The Montage is a truly world-class resort located right on the water. The hotel has three restaurants, all with great food and spectacular views of the Pacific Ocean and Treasure Island Park, which is open to the public. Rooms start at about $700 a night, but if that’s as steep for you as it is for me, just do what I do - head over to the Montage’s Lobby Lounge for happy hour instead. Order a nice glass of California red, listen to some live piano music, and enjoy the sunset.
