Photos Courtesy of The Ritz-Carlton, Laguna Niguel
The stretch of cliffside beaches and serene surf conditions along the Pacific Coast Highway in Southern California's Dana Point and Laguna Beach areas weren't always a destination for the affluent traveler, but once The Ritz-Carlton, Laguna Niguel opened in 1984, 150 feet above the sand, the area began to flourish. Soon several opulent resort properties opened: The Monarch, The St. Regis, Pelican Hill and other resorts welcome thousands of guests each year to experience the sublime and casual Southern California lifestyle. Thirty years and a recent $40 million renovation later, the iconic Ritz-Carlton remains perhaps the most alluring property of the region.
According to etiquette pundits, pearls are the preferred present to mark a 30th anniversary and the hotel is pulling out all the stops to celebrate this benchmark with a number of pearl-inspired delights throughout the year. The Art of The Craft, three exclusive demonstrations by pearl jeweler Mikimoto, reserved just for Club Level guests, will unveil the importance of pearls as a luxurious gift from nature. The upcoming presentation in May will detail how Kokichi Mikimoto, created the world's first cultured pearl and began developing this industry in 1893.
A sweet addition to the milestone events is a stunning "pearl" chocolate arrangement awaiting guests who book the Celebrate You package which also includes round trip transportation and lunch at the region's top shopping destination, South Coast Plaza. What's more, once a month a randomly selected lucky couple will find a His-and-Her Mikimoto cultured pearl jewelry set in their suite (along with the chocolate, of course).
The hotel's spa continues the celebration with the Iridescent Pearl Facial. The all-natural ingredients used in the treatment bring skin back to its supple and shiny glory, and the pearl extracts are not only luxurious, but potent. Fruit acids along with enzymes work to remove impurities from the skin while the extracts act as a gentle exfoliant. After the therapy, take the time to enjoy the rest of the amenities like the saunas, water features and public spaces all designed to create the utmost tranquil experience.
The Ritz-Carlton, Laguna Niguel is now home to one of Chef Richard Sandoval's 33 (and counting) enticing restaurants. RAYA, heralded as the 2011 Restaurant of the Year by Riviera Orange County, blends coastal Latin flavors with subtle Pan-Asian flourishes. Chef de Cuisine Steve Wan leads the kitchen daily and has been with the hotel for ten years. Start your meal with a can't-miss appetizer, the ceviche duo of sea bass and ahi tuna decorated with crisp plantain and yuca chips, then switch up your palate to the other side of the world by ordering the yakisoba entrée, a deliciously fried pork belly noodle dish with chile de arbol and giant oyster mushrooms.
Guests and locals alike are pleased to learn that the property is bringing back its popular Yappy Hour for the fourth season this summer, proving pooches can be posh as well. Starting May 15, the once-a-month Yappy Hours will feature hand-made dog biscuits and bacon, beef or chicken flavored water for hounds while humans doggedly nosh on burgers and brews. In November, the Diamond Ball, a black-tie event for both pups and their people companions, will raise funds for the Wounded Veterans Initiative of Canine Companions, a division of the non-profit that provides highly-trained assistance dogs to veterans with disabilities. Last year, the ball and the Yappy Hours raised $90,000 for the charity; $100,000 is the goal for 2014. Power to the puppies, indeed.
In short, 30 years hasn’t aged this iconic brand’s Laguna Niguel property. Throw on the pearls, clink the Champagne and celebrate with the Ritz-Carlton, Laguna Niguel. As Jackie Kennedy once said, "Pearls are always appropriate."
