Just Around the Corner: A Local's Staycation at Laguna Cliffs Marriott Resort & Spa
On a whim, I decided to trade the familiar Laguna Beach backdrop for a short jaunt down to Dana Point, landing at the doorstep of the Laguna Cliffs Marriott Resort & Spa. What unfolded was not just a staycation but an enchanting local’s adventure, filled with small luxuries (macaroons on my balcony) and delightful discoveries (the staircase that basically leads from Lantern Bay Park directly to a martini at Glasspar).
A Warm Welcome
Entering Laguna Cliffs, the lobby exuded a quiet elegance, a stark contrast to Laguna’s just-off-of-summer beachfront bustle. The resort, with its iconic red roof, gives classic Hotel del Coronado vibes from the outside and is perched on a cliff above the city — a place where the pace is slower and the focus immediately shifts to relaxation mode. Its 378 rooms have recently went under a renovation and are both spacious and cozy.
A Room with a View
My room was a charming cocoon of comfort… even stocked with a welcome bottle of champagne and the aforementioned macaroons! The balcony, my favorite feature, offered a front-row seat to the mesmerizing Pacific sunsets and Catalina Island (which was double the fun since I’m reading Laguna’s best selling novelist Kaira Rouda’s book, “Beneath the Surface,” about a family vacation to the Island, gone wrong).
It’s Spa Time
The spa experience was the highlight of my stay. I treated myself to their Age Defying Facial, a rejuvenation ritual that left my skin feeling like it had its own mini-vacation. I enjoyed talking to the facialist who gave me all her tips and tricks without trying to “sell” me on anything. Afterwards, still on my relaxation high, I hung out in the lounge reading, eating snacks, and feelin’ like I had definitely just defied age / figured out a life hack for every future Tuesday afternoon moving forward.
Poolside Bliss and Jacuzzi Magic
Lounging by the pool, I soaked in the laid-back vibes of the resort, a perfect complement to the warm Dana Point sun… which, during my stay, was also peppered with the occasional bout of warm California rain! The jacuzzi was a haven in itself, ideal for unwinding under the starlit sky each evening... which I most definitely did.
Lantern Bay and the Harbor
Wandering the hotel’s grounds is an adventure in itself. Every corner reveals something new – be it a beautifully landscaped garden or a quiet, shaded spot (picture perfect for photos, FYI).
A stone's throw from the hotel is the famous Lantern Bay Park, a Dana Point and yoga-lovers treasure. With its rolling lawns, ocean views, and bocce ball court, it's a perfect spot for an impromptu picnic or leisurely game of fetch with the pup.
The proximity to Dana Point Harbor added another layer to my stay. The bustling harbor, world famous for its marine life, also has a variety of quaint shops and eateries which made it so there was always something to do.
Dining Delights
And we can’t forget Laguna Cliff’s own on-site restaurant. The brunch menu, featuring locally sourced ingredients paired with SoCal faves (their Huevos Rancheros should not be missed) was a delightful exploration of flavors, each dish a testament to culinary craftsmanship. The bar area was also a fun place to unwind each night and mingle with fellow guests who were traveling through either on vacation or for work.
A Staycation Worth Repeating
Wrapping up my stay at Laguna Cliffs Marriott (reflecting on my double balcony with my macaroons), I realized that you don't always need to travel far to find new experiences. This Dana Point gem, just 15 minutes away, offers a perfect blend of relaxation, luxury, and local exploration.
Whether it's for a spa day, lounging by the pool, or just enjoying the scenic beauty of Lantern Bay Park and Dana Point Harbor, this hotel is a testament to discovering life’s wonders in our own backyard. As a local, I'm already looking forward to my next 'nearcation' here.
Because why look for paradise elsewhere when it's just around the corner?
Lindsay DeLong is the Editor-in-Chief of Laguna Beach Living and Founder of the City Living Network. A brand strategist and web designer, she specializes in building hyper-local digital publications from the ground up, establishing online identity, and leading a team of talented editors across the country. To inquire about starting a publication in your city schedule a free discovery call HERE.
Photos by Laumea Photography.