T+L’s Hotel Review of The Ritz-Carlton, Laguna Niguel

Although The Ritz-Carlton, Laguna Niguel has been looking out over Dana Point’s scenic coastal bluffs since 1984, my husband and I felt as if we were at the grand opening of a new hotel when we arrived recently. White roses, orchids, and gladioli adorned the lobby, while seabird-like installations were suspended overhead in a gilded atrium, inspired by the seagulls and pelicans we would later see at the beach.

A recently completed multimillion-dollar glow-up brought new life to every part of this oceanfront resort. Our room was one of 10 two-bedroom suites added during the renovation, and it was set just across the hall from the new Ritz-Carlton Club. We did slip in for a cocktail or two, a few bedtime cookies, morning coffee, an afternoon snack, and a glass of wine on the balcony. Between the all-day treats at the Club, the ocean view from our suite’s balconies, and the comfortable furnishings, we could have stayed at the hotel forever.

There were several restaurants we couldn’t miss. Our omakase dinner at Taikun was a highlight with exceptional sushi and a sake tasting. The restaurant’s friendly atmosphere—or perhaps it was the sake—led to a brief karaoke session with two other couples at the end of our evening. The next night, in the lush setting of Kahani, we enjoyed a marvelous dinner of curry, biryani, and lamb.

We also made time for a shuttle to the beach, a nightcap in the ocean breeze, and a glorious spa experience for me, while my husband watched a golf tournament. While we didn’t get to swim in either of the two pools, we strolled by to see other guests relaxing on lounge chairs in the shade of umbrellas and palm trees—and put it on the agenda for our next visit. Because, as we learned from several guests we met during our stay, this is a resort that beckons you to return.

Here is my review of The Ritz-Carlton Laguna Niguel.

The Rooms

All 373 guest rooms and suites have been completely reimagined by design firm Wimberly Interiors. The accommodations offer resort, coastline, or ocean views; king or double queen beds; balconies or ground-level patios; and optional Club level. (Club access can be added to any guestroom for a fee.) Post-renovation in-room amenities include Dyson hair dryers, white noise machines, plush robes, coffee and tea makers, and mini-fridges.

One-bedroom suites offer living, dining, and work areas, a powder room, and bathrooms with double vanities, soaking tubs, and separate showers. Ten new suites, perfect for families, feature one bedroom with a king-size bed, and another one with two queen beds, along with a dining room, a living room, two full bathrooms, and a powder room. Design details include vintage photographs, hand-painted wall coverings, and spacious closets and dressing areas.

At 2,077 square feet, the Strands Fireside Suite is the resort’s largest, and treats guests to ocean views, four private patios, fire pits, and direct access to the beach.

Food and Drink

We arrived in time for lunch at Raya and enjoyed tasty guacamole, bright pink beet hummus, and excellent barbecue skirt steak, cooked exactly as requested. Raya also serves breakfast, dinner, and Sunday brunch.

At the intimate eight-seat Taikun, we had the sushi dinner of our lives. Watching the chef’s precise knife work, orchestrated movements, and delicate placement of garnishes (including caviar) to each of the 16 courses enhanced the fantastic experience.

A nightcap at the cliffside 180 Blu cocktail lounge seemed to be in order, and we sipped our well-made Old-Fashioned cocktails on the outdoor balcony. The scene was lively at the Ritz Lobby Bar, and it was definitely tempting to join the fun.

Dinner at Kahani the next evening was set in an elegant, dimly-lit room with stunning wall hangings reminiscent of silk and gold sari fabrics. The selections on chef Sanjay Raway’s modern Indian cuisine menu were all appealing, and I ordered the Old Delhi chicken the samewhile my husband opted for Lumina lamb, which he loved.

Activities and Experiences

The Pacific Ocean provides much of the fun at The Ritz-Carlton, Laguna Niguel. Two pools, a whirlpool, cabanas, and casual poolside dining at the Dana Pool Café or take-away snacks from The Market Place can also fill a sunny afternoon. The fitness center offers daily yoga and Pilates sessions, and guests can work up a sweat while enjoying beautiful ocean views. A variety of treatments, separate lounges for men and women, and a range of skincare products are available at the spa.

Golfers can play at the adjacent Monarch Beach Golf Links or several other excellent nearby courses. Private tennis and pickleball lessons are available, and guests can arrange naturalist-guided hikes through the Ocean Institute.

Dana Point is known for its whale watching, and boat excursions offer a chance to spot dolphins, sea lions, and birds, as well as to enjoy the gorgeous coastal scenery.

Special holiday events, candlelit concerts, chefs’ dinners, cooking classes, and afternoon tea are scheduled throughout the year.

The Spa

The spa treatments and facilities are inspired by the ocean and the region’s native botanicals.

Guided by the lovely Judy Giglia, director of the spa, I experienced the new Pacific Purification Ritual. We shuttled to the beach, where a blanket, pillows, towels, and other items were laid out for us. I relaxed with my eyes covered, listening to the waves, Judy’s soothing voice, and the tones of the sound bath. Next came smudging with white sage from the Luiseño, the Indigenous inhabitants of the land we stood on. A plunge in the ocean completed the ritual at the beach, as I dove under a wave, feeling physically and mentally refreshed.

After a warm shower, I selected crystal beads for a memento bracelet. The Blue Diamond Facial completed my spa visit, and it was an absolute pleasure.

Family-friendly Offerings

Ritz Kids activities focus on nature, exploration, and culture with activities for various ages, including arts and crafts, squid dissection, and educational experiences. At the Eco-Adventure Center, families can arrange naturalist-led outings to explore Dana Point’s surroundings.

There’s a ping pong table and a basketball court. Age-appropriate games, coloring books, and beach toys are offered for children. In summer, there’s a weekly poolside movie.

During the end-of-year holiday season, there’s Christmas tree lighting, breakfast with Santa, gingerbread house workshops, and Tommy the Real Elf experiences. The Club offers a cozy area stocked with an array of children’s books.

Accessibility and Sustainability

Accessible rooms are available in most categories, with balconies or ground-level firepit patios. The one-bedroom Resort View Suite and two-bedroom Salt Creek Suite offer roll-in showers and hearing accessible features. Additional in-room features include adjustable-height hand-held shower wands, TVs with closed captioning, electronic room keys, and flashing door knockers. The main entrance, restaurants, and meeting spaces are wheelchair-accessible.

The resort monitors its carbon and water footprint. Guest room toiletries are in large containers, and refuse is recycled whenever possible. The resort offers electric car charging stations.

Location

The Ritz-Carlton, Laguna Niguel’s location in southern Orange County places it within an hour of Disneyland, Knott’s Berry Farm amusement park, and Legoland. The San Diego Zoo is 68 miles south. Nearby Dana Point Harbor features shops, restaurants, harbor cruises, and whale watching excursions. At the city’s Ocean Institute, visitors can explore marine exhibits and interact with a shark and ray touch tank.

Aliso and Wood Canyons Wilderness Park features hiking, biking, equestrian trails, picnic areas, and a scenic overlook. At Laguna Niguel Regional Park, visitors can enjoy fishing, picnicking, hiking, biking, tennis, pickleball, and volleyball courts.

In addition to the resort’s Salt Creek Beach, Doheny State Beachand Strand Beach are nearby. Visitors can take surfing lessons or visit the Surfing Heritage & Culture Center in San Clemente, about seven miles away.

Book Now

The Ritz-Carlton, Laguna Niguel is part of the Marriott Bonvoy loyalty program. Members can earn and redeem points for each stay, and receive benefits such as free Wi-Fi, mobile check-in, and discounted rates.

Nightly rates at The Ritz-Carlton, Laguna Niguel start from $764.

Every T+L hotel review is written by an editor or reporter who has stayed at the property, and each hotel selected aligns with our core values.