"Located on a 150-foot cliff along the sun-soaked coast of Orange County, Waldorf Astoria Monarch Beach is fresh off a $30 million refreshment in 2022 that transformed all 400 guest rooms and suites, including upgraded firepits for the 77 ground-level Fireside Terrace Rooms. Hacienda-style Spanish colonial buildings and aquamarine striped pool umbrellas lend a quintessential SoCal feel, while the accommodations feature a palette with sandy and blue hues inspired by nature. Visitors can stroll the property’s 175 acres studded with pools and palms, explore via e-bike, or soak in whirlpool hot tubs with infinity edges. Golfers flock to the resort for the 18-hole Robert Trent Jones, Jr. course, while wellness buffs take advantage of the spa’s 40 plus weekly classes, including kickboxing and beach yoga. Multiple dining options include Bourbon Steak Orange County, where chef Michael Mina’s menu leans into American steakhouse classics (filet mignon, steak tartare, black truffle mac and cheese). The crown jewel of the resort is the private Monarch Bay Beach Club, accessible via tram. Here, staff deliver drinks and bites to guests, who sit with their feet in the sand on Adirondack chairs next to firepits. Families can spend an entire day at the club taking advantage of SUP or surf lessons, or playing games like cornhole and giant Jenga." - Kathryn Romeyn
