The Ritz-Carlton, Laguna Niguel
The first Ritz-Carlton resort, 150 feet above Salt Creek Beach, with its guest rooms remade for the fortieth anniversary.
Dana Point & Monarch Beach · Orange County Coast
A sense of the place
Why it's in the collection
Because the first Ritz-Carlton resort ever built is still on its bluff above Salt Creek, holding four-star standing for the hotel and its spa, with every guest room redone in 2025 – and we list it at exactly that tier.
- Opened in 1984 as the first Ritz-Carlton resort, on a 150-foot bluff above Salt Creek Beach at Monarch Beach.
- A 40th-anniversary redesign, with the renovation of the guest rooms completed in September 2025.
- Raya, Richard Sandoval's coastal Latin restaurant; Kahani, modern Indian under chef Sanjay Raway; Taikun, a 16-course omakase; and 180 Blu.
- The hotel and The Ritz-Carlton Spa, Laguna Niguel both hold four-star standing – a step below the coast's two five-stars, and listed here as exactly that.
Suites and rates
Every rate is confirmed with you by the concierge before anything is booked — cancellation terms in plain language, no surprises.
Reviews
From our editors
Verified guest reviews are coming — we only publish ratings from licensed sources and verified stays.
The neighborhood
Dana Point & Monarch Beach
The quiet south end – a harbor of whale-watching boats, the surf at Salt Creek Beach, and two resorts sharing the headland above it.
- Salt Creek Beach, at the foot of the bluff.
- Dana Point Harbor, for whale-watching boats in season.
- Monarch Beach Golf Links, next door.
“The first Ritz-Carlton resort, 150 feet above Salt Creek Beach, with its guest rooms remade for the fortieth anniversary.”
Plan your stay
Tell us your dates and our concierge confirms rates and availability — no payment, no commitment.
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