A newly revamped Waldorf Astoria Monarch Beach opens its doors in Orange County
Words by SAMANTHA BROOKS
You don’t have to travel to a far-flung destination to have a spectacular vacation. Your Instagram feed may be filling up with friends visiting exotic locales from Tokyo to Sydney, but we’re still grateful for the getaways that don’t require a passport—or fitting all our toiletries into 3-ounce containers.
Fresh off a $30 million refresh to its 400 guest rooms and suites, the sparkling new Waldorf Astoria Monarch Beach Resort & Club contains more than enough dining options, activities, and experiences to make us feel like we’ve truly gotten away, even though it’s only a few hours from home.
Formerly the St. Regis Monarch Beach, Waldorf Astoria has fully re-imagined the beachfront property on 175 acres in Dana Point to feel like a world-class luxury resort. A new look from Chicago’s Whitespace Interiors lends a coastal update to the Spanish Colonial architecture, complete with subdued color palette, natural woods, and handpicked art. A total of 77 ground-level guest rooms and suites now offer private firepits, perfect for roasting s’mores or enjoying the scenery with a glass of wine as the sun goes down, while the Presidential and Premium Suites offer as much as 3,100 square feet of private space with scenic ocean views.
Available exclusively to members and resort guests, the property’s beach club rests right on the sand, offering equipment for everything from surfing to paddle boarding—plus an ideal location to relax and dine between hitting the waves. Three swimming pools provide additional options for swimming and sunning, and golfers will enjoy the on-site oceanfront golf course from Robert Trent Jones Jr., which is modeled on a traditional Scottish links style.
When it comes time for dinner, seven outlets offer something for everyone, but don’t miss an evening at Bourbon Steak, Chef Michael Mina’s take on a traditional American steakhouse. Menu items like the “OC” salad with Maine lobster, avocado, and local citrus and the Snake River Farms American Wagyu tomahawk will impress even the most experienced chophouse connoisseur, while lighter fare like the kabocha squash bisque and broiled New Zealand tai snapper help balance out the traditional menu.
With a stunning setting on dramatic bluffs that hover 150 feet above the sea, the property is surely photogenic enough to make your Instagram feed the envy of your friends—especially when they’re scrolling while waiting in line at customs. 1 Monarch Beach Resort, Dana Point; waldorfastoriamonarchbeach.com.
April 4, 2023.
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