Every year on my birthday (12/21) we take a mini trip. We like to be home for the holidays to wake up at home for Christmas AND to escape the crowds in airports, cancellations and expensive flights. So we always look for a local place to escape to.
This year we decided to go to Laguna Beach area, one of my favorites, and stay at the Waldorf Astoria Monarch Beach. Where to begin, this resorts is hands down one of my top resorts in Socal, if not the world, and so kid friendly too.
This AAA five-diamond resort has it all within the most gorgeous grounds, perched on 175 acres atop a 150 foot seaside bluff featuring a private beach club and golf course.
We bookede the "Fireside Terrace Garden View" room with 2 Queen Beds that was super spacious with the kids (kids sleep in one queen and we sleep on the other one) and every night we did smores with the kids (kit provided by the resort), before their big bubble bath, and once the kids went to bed at 830pm, we parents sat outside the terrace with the fireplace to have a night cap. It was magical.
For dinning they have so many options within the resort:
Bourbon Steak (for a fancier dinner if you are craving steak and wine, this is it)
AVEO Table + Bar (with the best resort & ocean views, perfect with kids for breakfast, lunch and dinner, we had al of the three meals here and you can't go wrong. Food is fresh, inspired in Latin America)
Monarch Bay Beach Club (another great lunch and dinner option with kids, an indoor-outdoor laid-back luxury restaurant by the water. Food is casual and light).
33 North (a bar by the lobby that gets lots of ambiance at night)
Part + Parcel (a great grab and go with delicious coffee, juice and breakfast bites)
Sombra Cantina (casual food & drinks by the pool)
Club 19 (restaurant at the golf course with beautiful Ocean views, offering weekend brunch and daily lunch)
In-Room Dining (always a great option with kids, of course)
Having so many casual & fancy places to eat on-site, with so many different cuisine style and options, truly makes it even easier to never have to leave, which I love with kids when wanting a relaxing getaway. We enjoyed a different place for every single breakfast, lunch and dinner, which made it so extra fun. I personally loved Beach Club because the kids got to explore the private beach and run around while we lounged by the fire place and watched them, the best.
Even though we went in December when it was around 60-70 degrees outside, the pool is heated so we were able to enjoy it (and the hot tub) during the mid days, the kids had a blast including my husband, while I lounged and got some sunshine, and escaped to the spa. Win win.
Because if you go, you can't miss the spa. I got a birthday massage and also got to enjoy the brand new Spa facilities and Athletic Club. It was so relaxing and I felt so renewed after.
Finally, this resort is luxurious but as kid friendly as can be! They have the cutest kid activities. Sinc we went in the winter, and during the holidays, everything was holiday themed. They did real snow sledding, hot coco movie nights, and brunch with Santa. How cute???
Added to my fav resorts, we will be back in the summer to enjoy it very differently! Worth going in every season.