Ritz Carlton Laguna Niguel

The Ritz Carlton Laguna Niguel is an urban sexy megaresort in the seaside community of Orange County.

• The Pacific sea views including surfers
• The direct access down to the beach from the main terrace
• The family-friendly focus, from a child-sized buffet area at breakfast to the kids club

While the driveway and entry of the Ritz Carlton Laguna offers the appearance of a typical Spanish colonial California resort, as soon as you step inside, there is a distinct hip factor to the place. Taking a modern approach to seaside luxury, the resort has a Vegas-y flash that attracts the area’s young and sexy set.

Located along a 150-foot bluff along the coast, the Ritz offers views of one of the area’s most stunning beaches—a wide, sandy expanse with excellent surfing. Such is the perfect launching point for many of the resort’s eco-excursions, whale watching and boat rides to the kelp forest just offshore. Those who haven’t yet gained their sea legs can lounge by either of the two pools, play tennis, take a cooking class or enjoy an afternoon at the next-door oceanfront golf course. The spa offers rejuvenating treatments and wellness-focused classes, and those looking for more rigorous activity can make use of the well-equipped gym.

The 396 guest rooms come in a number of categories (everything from simple garden-view accommodations to fireside rooms and ocean view executive suites), with Club Level access available as an add-on. All accommodations feature a soothing, sea-inspired palette of light blues and whites, and most have patios or balconies; the spectacular landscape makes it worth splurging for an ocean view.

Families and groups looking for the amenities of a massive seaside property.

Those looking for an intimate escape should consider the Ventana Inn or Post Ranch Inn.