A SoCal Weekend of Seaside Pampering

I think we can all agree, it’s been a time. My temptation to break free from our bubble was immense—I needed pampering, relaxation and a change of scenery. Enter the Waldorf Astoria Monarch Beach Resort, a glorious grand dame perched on a cliff above one of the most exclusive stretches of beach in Southern California. Monarch Beach, the hotel’s namesake, is all perfect crashing waves, rocky crests and pretty postcard vistas from every direction. On a recent trip with my family, this intimate stretch of sand was all set against a symphony of misty mid-winter sun beams and swaying palms. Sigh.

STRAIGHT TO DANA POINT

Located in Dana Point, the seaside town’s claim to fame as the Dolphin and Whale Watching Capital of the World is legit! You’ll find some fun little cafes and restaurants in town if you feel like venturing off property—we loved Vibe Organic Kitchen for great cold-pressed juice and healthy bowls. But honestly, if you’ve come for pampering, pampering you shall get—and sometimes that just means room service and breakfast in bed, am I right?

My husband, our two little boys and I arrived early on a Friday and were pleased to be offered an early check-in. I’m always happy to avoid check-in purgatory, it’s one of my fave Kiwi Collection Perks! Once we settled into our comfortable coastal-inspired double room with a pleasing private terrace, we robed up and rolled to the heated outdoor family pool so our littles could swim off some steam from the car ride. The late day winter sun took the edge off and the stress of the last few months magically melted away. Eventually we opted for a change of scenery and scored a gorgeous fireside sectional with arguably the best view on the property and watched the sun sink into the magenta sky. Then we all made our way back to the room to shower and dress for cocktails and nibbles in the lobby bar.

While our little lads got jacked up on lemonade, Adam and I sampled some classic cocktails that seemed to have the opposite effect on us: major Zen-state achieved! Spoiled for choice at the resort, we could have enjoyed one of five distinctive dining destinations on site for a sit down dinner, but alas we all agreed that room service and a movie in bed sounded like the very best idea.

LAGUNA BEACH DAY AND BACK AGAIN

The next morning, by some miracle, I was able to sneak out of the room to attend yoga—one of over 40 fitness classes and wellness workshops offered weekly at the onsite Waldorf Astoria Spa. It was a chilly morning so we met in the studio, but in spring and summer they take the yoga classes to the beach where guests can downward dog and savasana in the sand.

After an on-the go breakfast from Part + Parcel we made a reservation at the tennis club. I worked my husband up into a sweaty mess with my prowess and to our delight it seems the Boys’ tennis lessons are starting to pay off. We did some rallying together and then broke for lunch in town. There is plenty to do and enjoy in nearby Laguna Beach—gallery hopping, great dining, hiking or just aimlessly roaming around the little town as we did before heading back to the resort for our dinner reservation at the Monarch Bay Beach Club.

Getting to the beach from the hotel is all part of the adventure. Guests are treated to a retro ride in a chauffeur-driven Woodie Tram shuttle. If you time it well, you can enjoy the extraordinary sunset while zooming up and around the fairways and over the greens of the traditional Scottish style links. Dinner is classic club fair but with a coastal bend. Be sure to save room and time for a private oceanside bonfire and S’more kit.

EASY LIKE SUNDAY MORNING

After one too many beach beverages for the Mister, breakfast in bed was a no brainer. Room service to the rescue with fresh squeezed citrus, stacks of pancakes and more bacon than is decent for a family of four. I left my men to enjoy Sunday cartoons and later a swim while I wandered off to the Waldorf Astoria Spa for a Sunday ritual of my own.

Pampering was what I came for at this seaside spa, and thanks to their prescriptive and personalized experience, it delivered in spades. I arrived early to recharge in the sauna and repose in the lounge. The 90 minutes that followed was beyond bliss, thanks to talented lead facialist Colleen Sanchez who suggested a non-invasive skin resurfacing treatment to address some pesky fine lines and congested pores. My Signature Hydra Facial infused my skin with all the antioxidants and some much-needed hydration via the 111 skincare line I have been desperate to try. The facial lymphatic drainage and LED light therapy was the cherry on top of this treatment that left my skin looking and feeling 10 out of 10.

Post-treatment I waffled on continuing with my solo parenting sabbatical, that quiet spa pool looked incredibly inviting, but I opted instead to return to my family for a cabana lunch by one of the other gorgeous turquoise pools on the property. They were excited to see me and full of compliments on how relaxed and dewy I looked—I believe the word “shiny” may have been bandied about. But I couldn’t argue with them, the shiny new me felt renewed, recharged and full of life again!

 

View this post on Instagram

 

A post shared by A⃣M⃣A⃣N⃣D⃣A⃣ B⃣L⃣A⃣K⃣L⃣E⃣Y⃣ (@amandablakley)

About the Author: Amanda Blakley is a travel writer and constant tourist, sharing fashionable family-friendly adventures from California and beyond.