The magical land in the heart of Orange County between San Diego and Los Angeles — just miles from the John Wayne Airport — may be called Dana Point, but the better name may be Dana Exclamation Point. Because…wow. And welcoming visitors to the area near and far is the seaside haven The Ritz-Carlton, Laguna Niguel. 

The Ritz-Carlton, Laguna Niguel musts:

• Visit The Ritz-Carlton, Laguna Niguel Club Level for amenities (and artwork!)
• Book a reservation at RAYA for pan-Latin cuisine and fresh sustainable seafood
• Try a surf experience at the resort with a personal coach

From historic inspiration to luxurious destination

The awe-inspiring region of Dana Point is named for Richard Henry Dana Jr., an 1800s-era attorney who championed civil rights and maritime law. His memoir, “Two Years Before the Mast,” would become one of the definitive guides on California of that time. In it, he detailed the region’s unique landscape, vistas and waterways, painting pictures with words that showcased the region as the most romantic on the coast.

All these years later, Dana Point continues to shine, thanks in great part, to The Ritz-Carlton, Laguna Niguel. Nestled onto a cliff overlooking the Pacific Ocean, The Ritz-Carlton, Laguna Niguel is more than a dreamy, Forbes Travel Guide Four-Star Award winner; it’s a blissful homebase that goes out of its way to create unforgettable memories for all those who enter.

The beguiling resort is situated atop a 150-foot cliff overlooking the Pacific Ocean. The rooms and suites are designed to take advantage of the outdoors with modern, elegant nods to the surrounding beach and water. Each room and suite boasts a balcony or patio overlooking the ocean, ample gardens, or a lavish pool as well as natural light, enveloping guests in the warm sun while also welcoming the glow of the moon from the water in the evenings. 

Amenities from sea to shining sea (and spa to pool)

Of note are the rooms on The Ritz-Carlton Club Level, offering a VIP concierge service, an up-close look at curated Salvador Dali artwork, and a private lounge with delectable sweet and savory treats from morning until night.

The spa is similarly impressive, utilizing the natural remedies provided by the ocean in treatments ranging from marine collagen facials to restorative seaweed treatments. There are also regular special events — puppy yoga — in addition to daily wellness activations including pilates and meditation.

From poolside bites to Dana Point’s bucket-list dining

The dining options are on an entirely different level of epicurean excellence. Of course, there are utterly delectable casual offerings in The Marketplace — a fast-casual spot with epic pastries, sandwiches and salads, and The Dana Pool Cafe, the poolside enclave. Beyond these more standard options are a slew of dining destinations that should be on any foodie’s bucket list. First, there is KAHANI, which is led by lauded Chef Sanjay Rawat, a true master of modern Indian cuisine. 

The Ritz-Carlton, Laguna Niguel is also home to RAYA, celebrity chef Richard Sandoval’s baby offering pan-Latin cuisine with an ultra-fresh, sustainable seafood selection ranging from ceviche and lobster to crab and Hamachi. RAYA is also one of the best outposts for brunch in the region, boasting a buzzy vibe and creative menu that riffs on classic offerings such as fried rice with bacon and blue corn pancakes with oodles of ripe blueberries. 

Immersive adventures await: Surf, explore and more

A true extension of Dana Point and ambassador of the greatest experiences available in the region, The Ritz-Carlton, Laguna Niguel offers an array of experiences to guests meant to fully envelop them in the ultimate Southern California escapes.

Guests can book a surf experience at the resort with a personal coach. The 90-minute lesson features round-trip transportation, as well as all equipment needed to learn or improve at the beloved watersport. If a bit too wavy, The Ritz-Carlton, Laguna Niguel also offers electric bike rentals right on site — either with a guide or on one’s own — as well as the opportunity to learn stand-up paddleboarding (SUP) and kayaking in calm water with a CPR/First Aid-certified instructor, also including all equipment.

There are eco-tours available through the resort that explore birds, bees, butterflies and area gardens as well as whale watching. For those who may not know, Dana Point happens to be the whale-watching capital of the world! For those who want to get really wild, there are even squid dissection classes in an interactive lab with local scientists several times a week! As one might expect, the region is also home to some of the best golf in California, namely Monarch Beach Resort Golf Links nearby. Tee times and transportation are easily arranged by the resort as well.

For more information, visit ritzcarlton.com.