Ritz Carlton, Laguna NiguelFive Diamonds All the Wayby Valerie SummersTwenty two years ago, I attended the debut of a spectacular new Southern California resort, perched atop a 150 foot bluff overlooking the Pacific Ocean. I found, on my recent visit, that the newly renovated Ritz Carlton, Laguna Niguel, has evolved from its original urbane, formal atmosphere to a more relaxed, but still first-class, SoCal style.  Having visited the Ritz Carlton, Laguna Niguel, on several occasions throughout the years, I was eager to explore the changes and additions to the recently re-opened property with my fiancée. The four-story structure is reminiscent of a classic Mediterranean villa with fountains and French doors opening onto private terraces. Entering the lobby of inlaid marble and silver leaf, we strolled along the long promenade extending nearly to the back wall of the hotel. There, where afternoon tea used to be served, the stylized paneled library, featuring a silver bar with contemporary seating, invited guests in for a cocktail. We put that on the back burner in favor of roaming around the resort.
 I recalled a very formal dark paneled dining room from the past, now transformed into the soft colors and light of Restaurant 162 with floor to ceiling windows overlooking the crashing waves of the Pacific Ocean. While dining (and the service, as in the past, was excellent) we enjoyed the music of a very fine trio.
Following a sumptuous meal, we decided to explore Eno, a very new and popular addition to the resort. We were happy that we had skipped dessert because what Eno featured were tastings of wine, cheese and chocolate. Melissa, our charming and knowledgeable hostess greeted us and sat us at one of the long tables situated between a display of chocolate and a floor to ceiling collection of wine. She helped us choose from among the 50 different wines offered by the glass and 15 different wine “flights” from which we chose three crystal goblets of Pinot Noir. It arrived on a hickory board along with a description of each libation followed by delectable cheese and dark chocolate presentations. Sated and relaxed, we headed for our ocean front room. After slipping into our plush robes, we sat out on our balcony, sipping a nightcap by moonlight while listening to the ocean’s roar. Our room was decorated in the soothing colors of the ocean and sand and we both appreciated the double sinks in the bathroom and the luxurious bed linens and comforter. We left our door leading to the balcony ajar so we could fall asleep to the sounds of the surf.  Next morning, after a light breakfast (they do offer an elaborate menu selection) we headed for the Spa, separated into the treatment area and the work-out room. My fiancée and I headed for a work out on the ellipticals which were positioned in front of a wall of windows overlooking the Pacific – very inspirational.
The tranquil spa offered a menu of health, beauty and wellness treatments including the resort’s signature couple’s massage. A variety of other massages were featured as were several skin care options including peels, scrubs and facials. It is an ideal place to be pampered.  Following our workout, we walked around the exquisitely landscaped gardens, courtyards and pools and then strolled along the two miles of private beach fronting the resort. Only an hour’s drive from Los Angeles, we felt a world away. Revived and relaxed, we headed for home with a stop at nearby Laguna Beach to explore some of its unique art galleries and shops while planning our next romantic getaway.
More information:Ritz Carlton, Laguna Niguel
One Ritz Carlton Drive
Dana Point, CA 92629
949/240-2000
800/241-3333
www.ritzcarlton.com : Valerie Summers
www.southerncaliforniaguide.org | 
