The Best Spa Hotels in Laguna Beach
Bordered by the Pacific Ocean to the west and San Joaquin Hills to the east, the charming coastal town of Laguna Beach, in California’s Orange County, is a haven for anyone seeking rejuvenation of the mind, body and soul. The community, which was founded as an artists’ colony, is home to a spread of blissful wellness centers that embody the laid-back vibe. Here’s our pick of the best resorts and spas in Laguna Beach.
Casa Laguna Hotel & Spa
Spa Hotel
Flamenco your way to this Spanish and Moroccan-inspired boutique spa hotel in Laguna Beach, which dates to the early 1900s. Colorful ceramics, patterned fabrics, terracotta tiles and whitewashed walls create a warm and inviting environment. This theme continues to the newly-renovated spa, which includes indoor and outdoor treatment rooms. Book a therapeutic wellness bath and enjoy fine ocean views from the privacy of a deep open-air tub. Injecting a bit of fun, you can choose your own massage lotion, from the quirky British spa line Cowshed. If you’re feeling wiped out, the Knackered Cow blend might call your name, while the Horny Cow concoction promises to make you feel “irresistible and invincible”.
Laguna Cliffs Marriott Resort and Spa
Resort, Chain Hotel
Set aside a day to explore this 14,000sqft (1,300sqm) spa at this resort in Laguna Beach, which serves scenic views of the historical city of Dana Point and the Pacific Ocean beyond. There’s a smorgasbord of amenities to keep you busy, with dry saunas, whirlpools and private outdoor tubs to skip between. Push the pause button with a massage or put your feet up in the classically styled lounge. If you’re traveling as part of a group, book the Spa Social package, which includes a 60-minute treatment, a glass of bubbly and a surprise gift for all.
The Ranch at Laguna Beach
Boutique Hotel, Independent Hotel
Set back from the sea and nestled in a verdant valley, this luxury resort is a blissful hideaway waiting to be explored and has one of the best spas in Laguna Beach. There’s everything from farm-to-table dining to a serene nine-hole golf course to tempt you, and the Sycamore Spa is another reason to book. Opt for a customized facial or massage and detox in the private infrared sauna. For yogis, private sessions can be arranged, with a cold-pressed juice to greet you after.
The Ritz-Carlton, Laguna Niguel
Hotel
Soak up sublime sunsets and coastal views from the comfortable confines of this luxury hotel. The grand property is perched on a bluff overlooking the Pacific Ocean, with winding paths leading to Salt Creek Beach, which attracts surfers from around the world. After riding the waves, hit the spa at this Laguna Beach property for some rest and recuperation. There are 12 luxurious treatment rooms with sophisticated gold and cream-hued interiors. But the ocean is never far away, with sea salt, smoothed beach stones, and seaweed among the natural ingredients used during treatments. For true spa aficionados, facials feature products from renowned skincare lines ESPA and SkinCeuticals.
Monarch Beach Resort
Resort
Bag yourself private beach club access with a stay at this laidback coastal resort in Laguna Beach. The grand Tuscan-style property sits on a 175-acre (71ha) site, with landscaped gardens, pristine lawns, and an 18-hole golf course overlooking the golden sands below. Grab a free shuttle and head to the beach for a spot of morning yoga before grabbing a sun lounger and refueling with Californian fare. Along with yoga, the spa and fitness center has dozens of classes, from open-air spinning to pool aerobics. Give your muscles a rest with a massage, or try out the eucalyptus steam room and sauna. The spa tranquility lounge is another top spot to unwind, with plush beds and soft lighting. If you’re with your partner, book a couples’ treatment, with double rooms featuring whirlpools and fireplaces to ignite a little romance.
Montage Laguna Beach
Resort, Luxury
Feel like new at this high-end hotel spa, with tip to toe treatments to choose from. There are facials to help remedy the signs of aging, clogged pores, and dehydration, while the massage menu is equally as varied. One of the more unusual treatments is the Tranquil Dream, which invites guests to experience the feeling of weightlessness in a jetted botanical bath before a massage allows a deeper sense of “pure relaxation and peace”. The ocean-facing spa is elegantly appointed following on from the rest of the hotel, with marble surfaces, natural stone detailing and crisp cream furnishings. Be sure to check out the spa’s photogenic outdoor area, with a sundeck, lap pool and plunge pool with prime coastal views.
Blue Lantern Inn, A Four Sisters Inn
Boutique Hotel, Chain Hotel, Inn
You could be mistaken for being on the other side of the country at this characterful boutique hotel, which exudes a typical New England style. This is appropriate attire for a building overlooking Dana Point Harbor, named after Massachusetts native and seaman Richard Henry Dana Jr. This property promises a restful night’s stay, with a tranquil positioning and cozy rooms with jetted tubs, plush beds and fireplaces. Further your state of relaxation with a massage at The Sanctuary spa on the third floor. In-room reflexology treatments are also available.
Surf And Sand Resort
Resort
Sashay straight from bed to the shore at this Mediterranean-styled beach resort in Laguna Beach. This place is all about kicking back and feasting on the views with private terraces off the bedrooms, generous pool decks and ocean-facing restaurants. If you can tear yourself away from the dreamy vistas, the on-site spa is worth a visit. Get into vacation mode with a soothing massage or get your nails photo-ready with a luxurious mani-pedi.
The Pearl Laguna Beach
Boutique Hotel, Independent Hotel, Spa Hotel
Disconnect at this soulful wellness center, founded by two world-renowned yogis. The intimate retreat rests among the trees in Laguna Canyon, serving up 12 bedrooms, a communal living space, gym, outdoor hot tub and an enchanting herb garden. There are one-week and multi-week programs promoting health and weight loss. Stays combine an organic vegetarian diet with three core activities: yoga, hiking and meditation. Massages and facials are also factored into the daily schedule along with ‘fireside chats’ so you can debrief with your fellow yogis at the end of each day.
Looking for more Laguna Beach accommodation options? Head to our guide to the area’s best hotels – bookable on Culture Trip.