Surf & Sand Resort was originally devised by its founders in 1948 as a cozy motel and gathering spot. Over time, it evolved into the physical embodiment of the California dream, building its iconic status through the patronage of Hollywood celebrities, political figures, business leaders and other tastemakers seeking out its graceful ambiance and attentive service as much as its oceanfront views.

© Courtesy of Surf & Sand Laguna Beach

While it is no surprise the venerable property has status as a Historic Hotel of America through the National Trust for Historic Preservation, its frequent renovations and upgrades have kept it eternally relevant among luxury travelers seeking the ultimate Southern California beach escape. The current owners and management went big with a floor-to-ceiling redesign of its 165 all-ocean-view guestrooms and suites and breezy reimagining of the lobby and lounge.

Upgrades generating the most excitement center around Aquaterra Spa, with eight treatment rooms including a couple’s suite, and Splashes restaurant. Both are reimagined with updated menus and interior design framing the area’s natural geographic highlights. Aquaterra Spa’s holistic services underscore the wellness-driven luxury lifestyle Laguna Beach is known for. Some of the most intriguing include the Neroli Blossom Sensory Experience; Sun Salutation; and Gua Sha Vitality Massage, applied with hand-carved black mineral stones to stimulate circulation and release trapped toxins. Beach yoga sessions and calming sitting areas add to guests’ sense of well-being.

© Courtesy of Surf & Sand Laguna Beach

At Splashes, the familiar promise of “California ingredients and ocean-inspired dishes” often found at upscale beachfront properties is not so much fulfilled as it is expanded upon. Case in point are breakfast dishes such as the house-cured king salmon, Dungeness crab benedict and Laguna burrito. The tres leches French toast with dulce de leche, dark chocolate crunch and strawberry is sure to tempt even the staunchest savory breakfast purist.

Although favorite lunch and dinner dishes in luxury resort dining abound, Executive Chef Ron Fougeray finds clever ways to lure guests out of their culinary comfort zone. Although one cannot go wrong with the filet mignon with parsley root cloud, braised endive, sugar snap and black garlic demi glaze, Jidori chicken gets a glow-up with green garlic, roasted fennel, kumquat, puffed quinoa and lemongrass jus. Equally intriguing starters and share plates include Spanish octopus dressed with forbidden rice crisp, frisée, white bean hummus and Calabrian chili, as well as corn and crab risotto enlivened with avocado yuzu mousse and tempura king crab.

© Courtesy of Surf & Sand Laguna Beach

Curated artwork provides a sense of place with Laguna Beach’s long-standing reputation as a fine arts destination. Public areas are adorned with the curated works of locally, nationally and internationally renowned artists including Dale Chihuly, Ran Ortner, Eric Zener, Geoffrey Gersten and Kelsey Irvin. A custom-designed Chihuly chandelier sculpture is Splashes’ crown jewel.

Refurbished rooms have a more pronounced sense of openness and light thanks to the use of glass patio doors and balcony furnishings for unobstructed views of the Pacific Ocean. Bathrooms in all rooms feature warm, natural lighting, as well as Italian marble finishes, spacious showers and luxury amenities. Premium rooms are equipped with deep-soaking bathtubs with ocean views. Other appointments include motorized window treatments controlling light and privacy; personalized technology for temperature, lighting and entertainment preferences; and new beverage and Nespresso coffee consoles with refrigerated drawers. Bespoke, well-stocked minibars add an extra splash of Southern California flavor.

© Courtesy of Surf & Sand Laguna Beach

The refreshed resort pool and Bella Vista Terrace communicates to leisure travelers they have indeed arrived in one of the most resplendent parts of the Golden State. Significant effort put into the 10,000-square-foot indoor conference/event areas and 10,000 square feet of outdoor venues, meanwhile, speaks to the uptick in bleisure travel.

Surf & Sand Laguna Beach

1555 S. Coast Highway
Laguna Beach, CA 92651
tel 888 579 8544