Waldorf Astoria Monarch Beach Resort & Club
Here are the most romantic spots in Orange County.
Relax, unwind and indulge your senses at this dreamy oceanfront resort. Located on a coastal bluff overlooking the Pacific Ocean lies Montage Laguna Beach, a destination known for its modern design, luxurious amenities and elegant restaurants. Take a deep dive into the iconic mosaic pool, enjoy a dining experience at The Loft and Mosaic Bar & Grille or transform your wellness journey with a couples treatment at Spa Montage. You can also treat your loved one this Valentine’s Day weekend to a tasting experience at Studio, or afternoon tea and piano melodies in Lobby Lounge—and close it out with a four-course meal at The Loft while gazing at the panoramic Pacific Ocean views.
Waldorf Astoria Monarch Beach Resort & Club welcomes you to a new type of laid-back luxury on the Southern California coast. Positioned on 175 acres atop a 150-foot seaside bluff lies the experience of a lifetime in the form of a private beach club with luxurious surf, sand and service. Escape into an unparalleled paradise with your loved one by staying in one of the many guest room and suite options. After checking in, explore the resort grounds on foot by walking the trails, or grab a complimentary beach cruiser for a leisurely ride around the area. Looking for a chance to immerse your taste buds in the true flavors of SoCal cuisine? Whether you’re pursuing a dining experience that is laid-back and casual or elegant and sophisticated, executive chef Jean-Pierre Dubray runs each restaurant with experience and passion. Finally, unwind at the all-new Waldorf Astoria Spa with a curated selection of treatments to ensure moments of pure bliss and optimal wellness.
A romantic getaway awaits on the sandy shores of Laguna and is best served with chocolate-covered strawberries and a glass of champagne. Situated atop a bluff overlooking the Pacific Ocean is the coastal paradise of The Ritz Carlton, Laguna Niguel. This space offers views of Salt Creek Beach, a pinnacle destination for surfers around the world to ride the iconic California waves. Spend the day relaxing in the sun, rejuvenate with a couples massage at the spa and later enjoy dinner for two at enoSTEAK. Discover new adventures through the Eco-Adventure Center, which offers guests a multitude of excursions including whale watching, surf lessons and cooking classes. You and your Valentine can also immerse yourselves in the Laguna Beach community through the resort’s artwork, featuring pieces by local artists such as Paul Bond, Casey Parlette and Sandra Jones Campbell.
Trade the nuances of everyday life for a romantic escape you won’t soon forget. Set on 504 acres of coastal landscape lies the beautifully timeless Resort at Pelican Hill. Located just south of Newport Beach, Pelican Hill sets itself apart through its residential-style bungalows and villas, both of which bring the essence of Italian style to the sunny SoCal shore. Known for its 36-hole Ocean North and Ocean South Courses, the resort’s golf terrain weaves players through stunning vistas and showcases panoramic views of the Pacific Ocean. Escape to the shoreline at Crystal Cove, where you’ll be set up to relax and can explore the three-mile stretch just like a local. From coastal excursions to a wellness escape and five-star dining experiences, Pelican Hill guarantees that “if it can be done, it will be done.” And with a Tuscan-inspired getaway like this, you won’t even need a passport.
At Surf & Sand Resort, located in the heart of Laguna Beach, you;ll be swept away by the award-winning spa, coastal dining options and views of the ocean right from your own balcony. With 167 beachfront guest rooms, the resort guarantees the ideal spot to gaze at the SoCal sunset. At the Aquaterra Spa, guests can have an intimate experience with eight treatment rooms, an ocean view couples room and a Nail Nook that includes two pedicure stations as well as a manicure table. The spa offers guests a chance to customize an experience tailored to each special celebration. Finally, the resort offers Splashes Restaurant for a spectacular coastal dining experience courtesy of executive chef Ron Fougeray.
Top-rated Newport Beach hotel Balboa Bay Resort measures its backyard in nautical miles. At this five-star premiere waterfront retreat, you can take in the breathtaking views of the sunset over Balboa Bay’s harbor, visit the recreation concierge for land and water sport rentals or visit The Spa at Balboa Bay Resort to experience a relaxing treatment (or two!). Stay a while in one of the three guest room options, where you will be greeted with modern furnishings, luxurious Frette linens and custom-designed pillows. Wake up to sunny SoCal with breakfast in bed from A+O Restaurant|Bar, then head to a full day of R&R by the pool featuring private cabanas, day beds and more. Alternatively, head to the beach to sail your own Duffy boat or delight in a curated beach picnic at Crystal Cove.
Have an elite dining experience under the stars with Knife Pleat's renowned weekly tasting menu. The Michelin-starred restaurant's owners, Tony Esnault and Yassmin Sarmadi, are the power couple behind the magic at Knife Pleat. Making their way up the ladder of the Los Angeles culinary scene, the two gained significant praise for restaurants Church & State and Spring, which led the duo to be invited by South Coast Plaza to collaborate on Knife Pleat. The dinner menu offers an array of exclusive dishes, starting with a “To Share” section, followed by various caviar options, appetizers and main course selections, and finishing off with dessert. With an optional wine pairing, the tasting menu promises guests an experience they’ll be talking about for days.
Stroll down and settle in for sunset happy hour at the Fisherman’s Restaurant & Bar located on the San Clemente Pier. On Monday to Friday from 4-7PM, guests are invited to sit oceanside and enjoy a different meal and drink special each day of the week. Specials feature everything from BBQ to fish tacos, and include beverages such as the classic Mai Tai and Long Island Iced Tea. The bar also serves wine and beer options in addition to the “Fisherman’s Margarita.” With a full oyster bar menu as well as a separate restaurant menu, The Fisherman’s Restaurant is keeping the vibes high and the tide low.
In the mood to cruise on the beautiful waters of Newport Beach? Look no further than Duffy Electric Boat Rentals. Sit back and relax for an afternoon or evening with loved ones on one of the six boat options, which accommodate up to ten people per boat. Known as “The Original Luxury Electric Boat,” Duffy boat models are designed to meet the highest quality control standards for maneuvering in a saltwater environment. Duffy boat rentals is open seven days a week from 10AM- 8PM and charges for two hours to four hours. At Duffy, “it’s not about going fast or going far, it’s about spending time with friends and family.”
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