Just a short flight, or drive, from Las Vegas is a seaside oasis waiting for you and your family to escape the heat in the heart of picturesque Laguna Beach.
A So-Cal native myself, I’m no stranger to Laguna, but a recent summer getaway brought coastal sanctuary to another level.
I’ve always known Laguna for its unique coves, sea caves, and sandy beaches, and for its arts culture, small-town feel, and surf shops; all of which make it stand out as compared to other California beach cities. So, I wasn’t surprised when I moved to Las Vegas years ago and realized how many valley residents vacation in Laguna every summer.
The artist colony is located halfway between Los Angeles and San Diego in southern Orange County, California. It is about a four-hour drive, depending on traffic, or an hour flight into Orange County’s John Wayne International Airport—followed by a 30-minute drive.
Once there, you’ll find a 30-acre majestic enclave and on top of its costal bluff sits the Montage Laguna Beach. The property boasts coastal views, two outdoor swimming pools, three restaurants, a 20,000 square foot spa, salon, fitness center, and so much more. This premier beachfront resort is THE destination when visiting Laguna. In fact, when I visited earlier this summer, I ran into three separate families and couples from Las Vegas.
As soon as you walk into the lobby, the Montage Laguna Beach welcomes you with a dramatic scenic view of the ocean through a window to paradise.
Once you check-in, you’ll enjoy a guest room, suite, or beach bungalow-style accommodation with luxury in-room amenities, marble bathrooms with deep soaking tubs and separate showers, dual vanities, Irishwoven towels and plush bathrobes, Nespresso machine, and 24-hour in-room dining.
On this particular trip, my oceanfront room had a view reminiscent of Hawaii with palm trees swaying in the ocean breeze, dolphins jumping in the distance, and waves splashing against lava-like black rock formations a distance from the shoreline.
If you are looking for a private family experience, you can book a one-story three-bedroom villa for up to eight guests, equipped with a Viking appliance gourmet kitchen, indoor gas fireplaces, outdoor gas grill, and a large private patio.
I found everything to be at my fingertips at the Montage. Guests can stay right on property for any meal by dining poolside at Mosaic Bar and Grill; enjoying an American cuisine breakfast, lunch, dinner, or weekend brunch at The Loft; picking from signature cocktails, an extensive wine list, or weekend afternoon tea at The Lobby Lounge; or reserving the fine dining Studio, atop a 50-foot bluff, which welcomes private dinners, weddings, and intimate gatherings for its modern coastal cuisine with California influences.
You may be surprised at how many family-friendly and children-only activities can be found while staying on property. Take for example the Montage Laguna Beach’s interactive children’s programming. The activity-based Paintbox program offers an indoor space for children 5 to 12 years of age to paint, do arts and crafts, and play games. It also features outdoor activities such as tide pool exploring, pool or beach time, and gardening in an interactive raised-bed garden designed to teach children about the plant life cycle. Paintbox also has activity themed days such as Weird Science Wednesday and Sandcastle Sunday. Parents can sign their children up for a half or full-day or a “children’s night out.” They also offer hourly care for 2 to 5-year-old guests, called Paintbox Petite.
The Montage Merits Program allows children to earn and collect 12 adventure badges from activities, such as catching a wave or riding the local Laguna Beach trolley. Once all 12 activities are completed, an oversized Pirate Pin is gifted to the “Pacific Explorer.”
Through Adventure IO, a proprietary mobile platform with exclusive experiences led by professional athletes and local experts, the Montage Laguna Beach will soon offer a Family Hiking + Photography 3-hour excursion with Lululemon Ambassador and Soul Cycle Fitness Instructor Remi Sullivan. Families can hike, see some of the most beautiful coastlines in Southern California, and get family photos along the way. For older children, the Surf and Skim with Blair Conklin, one of the world’s best skimboarders and surfers, will provide surf and skimboarding instruction.
While the kids are at Paintbox or learning to surf, you can release some stress and treat yourself to a service at the Salon or Nail Studio or enjoy an ocean-inspired body treatment or couple’s massage in the Spa. Dive into the adults-only lap pool, take a wellness class, or workout in the Movement Studio. Or get some retail therapy on the property or in town.
To explore one of Laguna’s beloved seasonal artistic offerings, take a Montage Cadillac house vehicle to visit the Sawdust Art Festival now through September 5. The festival, founded in 1967, features the art of more than 150 Laguna Beach artists and makers in an eclectic handcrafted outdoor village. Shop unique, funky, and creative artwork, hear live music on three stages, see daily art demonstrations, and enjoy a variety of food and beverages.
Also, through September 3, catch The Pageant of the Masters, a 90-minute theatrical performance that presents recreations of famous works of art brought to life onstage by using real people as models, a live narrator, and music by a full orchestra.
Art lovers, beachgoers, and families, are you ready to grab your bags, ditch your cell phones, and escape? Welcoming faces, an ocean breeze, and coastal luxury await.