Orange County’s Best Kept Secret: Waldorf Astoria Monarch Beach Resort & Cafe
Escape to Waldorf Astoria Monarch Beach Resort & Club, a luxurious 5-star oceanfront resort in Dana Point, California. Nestled on a picturesque seaside bluff, this exclusive gem offers unbeatable panoramic views of the Pacific Ocean, private beach access, and world-class amenities tailored to surpass your every expectation. Make sure to bookmark this guide for your next unforgettable getaway!
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STAY
We had a wonderful experience staying in the accessible Deluxe Resort View with 1 King Bed for two nights. This coastal-inspired retreat offers a blend of relaxed luxury and spacious comfort, featuring 535 bright square feet of space and a private balcony with breathtaking resort views. The guestroom includes a cozy sitting area, while the expansive marble bathroom boasts a double-sink vanity, a walk-in shower, and a separate bathtub.
This room stands out as one of the best accessible accommodations we’ve ever encountered, and we hope all hotels will follow this example! The thoughtful accessibility features, such as a doorbell with flashing lights in both the hallway and the bedroom, are crucial for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing community. In emergencies, like a fire, we rely on these visual alerts for safety, as we cannot hear traditional alarms. The flashing lights ensure we never miss a doorbell ring and stay informed and safe. We wholeheartedly commend this hotel for prioritizing accessibility and urge others to do the same!
We were pleasantly surprised to find a delightful gift waiting in our room! It featured a delicious assortment of fruits and chocolates, a fun s’mores kit, a cozy blue blanket, and a bottle of DAOU wine. To top it off, there was both water and sparkling water to keep me refreshed!
DINE
The resort offers an array of dining options, including Bourbon Steakhouse, AVEO Table + Bar, and Monarch Bay Beach Club. The picture below was taken at AVEO Table + Bar, where we had the best seat with stunning views!
We had the pleasure of reconnecting with Executive Chef Gordon Maybury! Our first encounter with him was at the Seagate Hotel & Spa in Delray Beach, Florida, so it was a delightful surprise to see him again at this hotel. We also had the pleasure of meeting Lyle Johnson, the Maître d’hôtel at Bourbon Steak. His attentive service ensured we enjoyed a truly exceptional dining experience. Notably, Chef Michael Mina of Bourbon Steak has prepared meals for three U.S. Presidents: Bill Clinton, George W. Bush, and Barack Obama.
Don’t miss the exclusive Monarch Bay Beach Club for an unforgettable coastal dining experience with fresh, locally sourced ingredients! To get there, simply take the tram located at the front of the hotel on the left side – just a 10-minute ride. This unique beachfront restaurant offers fresh, locally sourced seafood and California cuisine, all with breathtaking ocean views. We highly recommend the chicken wings—they’re incredibly soft and delicious! And don’t skip the Key Lime Pie – it’s absolutely divine! The service is excellent, and we appreciated the clean hand wipes provided so we didn’t have to leave our table. Overall, it was a peaceful and unique dining experience!
EXPERIENCE
Take advantage of the private beach club, unwind at the full-service spa with a jacuzzi, and tee off at the 18-hole golf course designed by Robert Trent Jones Jr. Relax in one of the three pools, including an adults-only option, or stay active at the state-of-the-art fitness center. You can even check out the live beach cam at the private beach club to get a glimpse of the current weather!
The adults-only pool also offers private cabanas equipped with a TV, refrigerator, couch, umbrella, and two beach chairs. You can even order food and drinks from a dedicated waiter. The non-alcoholic Piña Colada was exceptional—excellent service all around!
Engage in a variety of exciting activities, from rejuvenating beachside yoga and scenic guided hikes to thrilling water sports and tennis. Familiies will appreciate the dedicated kids’ club, ensuring younger guests entertained.
Enjoy effortless access to a pristine, uncrowded beach where you can sunbathe, swim, and enjoy beach activities without the hassle of parking.
The Waldorf Astoria Spa offers a range of revitalizing treatments and therapies, complemented by a relaxing lounge with hot teas, a full-service salon, steam room, sauna, indoor whirlpool tub, outdoor lap pool, to enhance your wellness experience. We felt incredibly relaxed after our massages from therapists Lynn and Geta—they did an outstanding job!
- My husband enjoyed the Signature CBD Massage, which includes an optional CBD enhancement for immediate relief of aches and pains using either hemp-derived CBD oil or CBD pain relief cream.
- I chose The Serenity Massage, designed to alleviate both emotional and physical stress. This calming treatment features a blend of Jasmine, Tuberose, and Lime Blossom, complemented by a light effleurage technique that soothes and centers, creating a serene and tranquil experience.
Golf enthusiasts will find the resort’s course exceptional, with its challenging layout and stunning views making it a favorite among both amateur and professional golfers.
With its picturesque setting and luxurious facilities, The Waldorf Astoria Monarch Beach Resort & Club is the perfect destination for weddings, corporate events, and other special occasions.
Whether you’re seeking a romantic escape, a fun-filled family vacation, or a serene retreat to unwind and rejuvenate, The Waldorf Astoria Monarch Beach Resort & Club delivers unparalleled luxury and exceptional service to ensure your stay is truly unforgettable!
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