Our team at Carmen’s Luxury Travel has made the most out of 2020 with staycations both in California and Florida. As always, we only like to share the best of the best in terms of luxury travel, and Preferred Hotels offers just that. Representing over 750 hotels across 85 countries, Preferred Hotels and Resorts is the world’s largest independent hotel brand! Some of their top hotel destinations include Spain, the Caribbean, Dubai, Singapore, cities across the United States and beyond.
Join I Prefer Hotel Rewards Program for Free:
Because of their diverse portfolio, I highly recommend joining their rewards program. It is free to join I Prefer Hotel Rewards, and if you click here to sign up by December 15, 2020, you will be awarded 2,500 bonus points instantly upon enrollment! I have been an I Prefer Rewards member for years now and I absolutely love all the perks such as welcome drinks, early check-in and late check-out, room upgrades, free internet, and so much more. Being able to earn points that are redeemable for free hotel stays is also a huge plus for someone who travels as much as I do.
As far as those staycations I mentioned, we had the pleasure of staying at two gorgeous resorts recently both on the west and east coasts of the United States. This post will highlight the luxurious Montage Laguna Beach in beautiful Southern California (and more to come!) ….
Montage Laguna Beach:
The Montage Laguna Beach is a five-star oceanside hotel in the ritzy Orange Country area, located only about an hour’s drive from Los Angeles. This resort truly is a slice of paradise, perched on a coastal bluff above the Pacific Ocean, overlooking pristine beaches and crystal blue waters. Even as someone who’s been to California many times, I had never seen such gorgeous and rugged coastline before. Montage Laguna Beach is perfectly located, and I urge anyone to stay here for a peaceful and relaxing vacation… you just have to see it for yourself!
From the moment you walk into the Lobby Lounge, you are greeted with stunning views of the resort’s impressive Mosaic Pool which overlooks the ocean. The interiors are bright and warm, a perfect blend of comfort and elegance. There are fresh flowers throughout, along with bowls of free masks for people to utilize, and hand sanitizer at check-in, as well as in front of every elevator door. They take the safety of their guests very seriously here.
All hotel rooms at the Montage Laguna Beach come with a patio/balcony with resort or ocean views. My Ocean Coastal Room with two queen beds was so light and vibrant with modern designs, plenty of space, and a wonderful balcony to enjoy my sparkling sea views. These rooms are newly renovated and it shows!
We were greeted with a lovely welcome tray with delicious bites, chilled champagne, and a bottle of their signature red wine. I spent both mornings enjoying in-room dining for breakfast out on my balcony. The view was just too good to not take advantage of at the start of each day. In the evenings, I loved unwinding with a relaxing bath. My marble bathroom with a deep soaking tub was heavenly, and they even included bath salts to use. I also appreciated the double sinks, plenty of counter space, and a separate shower.
Other than room service, there are excellent food options in terms of dining at the Montage Laguna Beach. The Mosaic Bar and Grille offers outdoor patio service and poolside service for lunch every day, and dinner on Friday’s and Saturday’s. The Lobby Lounge is a great place to enjoy a drink by the fire, and during normal times, they have live evening entertainment on the weekends. If you prefer a private dining experience, you can plan one at the Studio. This charming building is nestled atop a 50-foot bluff with breathtaking views of the ocean. It’s the perfect backdrop for any occasion and they are currently welcoming guests for private holiday celebrations and intimate gatherings only.
We enjoyed a delicious dinner one evening at The Loft, a favorite of Montage Laguna Beach guests and locals too. Here you can enjoy all-day dining while sitting on the 4th floor, overlooking panoramic views of the resort and ocean. Only outdoor dining was available when we visited but that’s the best place to be anyway and the patios are heated! I highly recommend their giant Seared Maine Scallops, Veal Bolognese and the Chef’s Seasonal Risotto.
While we didn’t have time to take advantage of the spa, we certainly will next time because it’s absolutely beautiful. The Spa at Montage Laguna Beach is a lovely seaside retreat along the coastline with 20,000 square feet of relaxing space to recharge. They have their own lap pool with stunning views of the ocean, Eucalyptus steam rooms, dry redwood saunas, ocean air whirlpools, fireplace lounges, a fitness center and more.
Speaking of pools, you can also find relaxation outside at the Mosaic Pool and Cabanas. This pool is the resort’s stunning centerpiece. Adjacent to the Mosaic Pool, there is also a whirlpool, along with a children’s pool and play area. If you want to spend all day here, I’d recommend booking a cabana which will give you more privacy, shade, your own server, and delicious treats like a fruit bowl and champagne!
Don’t leave the Montage Laguna Beach without exploring the gorgeous surroundings. Just steps away, you’ll discover the lush Marine Park with interesting flora and fauna such as turf algae, surf grass, turban snails, abalone and more. Plus, there are amazing viewpoints with plenty of seating areas and picnic benches. There is also a hidden gem of a beach called Treasure Island with tide pools – this is a Marine Protected Area.
I’m dreaming of the day when I can return to the Montage Laguna Beach. Their five-star service, luxurious interiors and unbeatable surroundings will make any visitor very happy. Also, don’t forget to sign up for Preferred Hotel & Resort’s rewards program by December 15, 2020 to receive 2,500 bonus points! It is free, takes only a couple minutes, and will be one of the best travel decisions you’ll ever make.
Disclosure: I was a guest of Preferred Hotels & Resorts, but all opinions here are my own.
