images courtesy of Waldorf Astoria Monarch Beach Resort & Club
PureWow editors select every item that appears on this page, and the company may earn compensation through affiliate links within the story. You can learn more about that process here.
at Waldorf Astoria Monarch Beach resort & Club
California Chill Meets Luxury
Perched high on a bluff in the picturesque seaside town of Dana Point lies Waldorf Astoria Monarch Beach Resort & Club, a luxury resort that boasts its own private beach, seven on-site eateries, a lavish spa and plenty of family-friendly activities. With its breezy beach aesthetic and sprawling grounds, you’ll basically feel like you’ve stepped onto a Nora Ephron film set as you check-in. And once you’ve soaked up those coastal chic vibes, it’s time to explore the many amenities on offer. Read up on our review of Waldorf Astoria Monarch Beach Resort & Club to make the most of your stay.
The
The
Who should you bring?
The Monarch is a fabulous resort for couples (check out the luxe spa), business travelers (plenty of meeting rooms) and families (good luck getting the kids to leave the family pool). Yes, it’s an upscale hotel but friendly staff and lots of outdoor activities also make it a great option for travelers with children. This would also be a gorgeous spot for weddings, thanks to the convenient location, stunning views and lush surroundings.
What’s the food like?
With seven different dining concepts, there’s a restaurant for every taste and traveler at Monarch (even your keto-diet cousin and your super picky toddler). The on-site restaurants range from the highly sophisticated Bourbon Steak to the casual AVEO Table + Bar. Bourbon Steak was a highlight, offering juicy steaks, elegant seafood and creative cocktails in a luxe setting. Another favorite was the Monarch Beach Club, located by the beach with an indoor-outdoor setup that lets you dig into your shrimp cocktail (the biggest shrimp we’ve ever seen!) while listening to the sounds of crashing waves. For couples, head to the chic 33 North on Fridays to sip on handcrafted cocktails, listen to live music and watch the sun set over the Pacific.
Did you get a good night’s sleep?
The rooms here are spacious and quiet, with gorgeous views of the ocean or the grounds. The décor is warm yet sophisticated (think: coastal chic) and the beds are super comfy (soft, but not too soft, you know?). All rooms feature a private terrace, some of which also come with an outdoor fireplace. At the end of the day, wash away all that sun and sand in your own soaking tub (most rooms have one) with a selection of luxe Aesop toiletries.
What amenities are available?
whirlpools, in addition to a range of treatment options available). Gym buffs will enjoy the 24/7 fitness enter, as well as the many wellness activities on offer such as hiking along the bluff, cycling classes outside, meditation, beach yoga and more. Speaking of the beach, the Monarch Bay Beach Club is exclusively available to members and guests and has everything you need to surf the waves, paddle board, SUP and more. Or hey, if you’d just like to kick back on a beach chair with a glass of wine, then that’s cool too.
As you would expect from a Waldorf Astoria property, there are lots of amenities on offer to keep guests occupied. There are three pools available: The Monarch Pool that faces the Pacific, a family pool that features graduated entry and a sprayground, plus the adults-only spa lap pool available for spa guests. After a day of hitting the golf course (named among Golf Digest’s “Best Places to Play”) or the tennis club, ease those sore muscles in one of the resort’s two hot tubs or at the spa (steam rooms, saunas and
How was the service?
The service was fast, friendly and attentive—exactly what you would expect from a luxury resort. Any request for more waters, towels, etc. was met promptly and pleasantly. Extra cool detail: You can communicate with the front desk via text message (so much easier than having to call down or visit the front desk IRL, no?).
What was your favorite part?
The dinner at the Beach Club was a real stand-out—beautiful surroundings, delicious food (the braised short rib was *chefs kiss*) and fresh sea air, what’s not to love?
Know before you go:
Fly in to John Wayne Airport in Orange County (SNA) if you can—there are less flights available but it’s much closer to the resort than LAX airport and significantly calmer too.
book it
Accommodation options:
Guest rooms, suites, penthouse suites
Price:
From $995 per night
Location:
Dana Point, CA
Property:
Waldorf Astoria Monarch Beach
Resort & Club
Basics
Details