"Why we love it: An iconic luxury hotel set on 87 acres where the canyons meet the sea The Highlights: - A parklike setting between the canyons and ocean - A unique backstory as a homestead in the 1870s and a golf course in the 1950s - Enough activities to keep everyone busy, from bocce to meditation to bird-watching The Review: The swanky “Ranch at LB,” as it’s known, builds on the success of a 1950s golf course carved into the lush walls of Aliso and Wood canyons. Now a National Geographic Unique Lodge of the World, the property captures the essence of Laguna Beach, marrying the land and sea. Accommodations range from spacious rooms to creek-side suites and even a two-bedroom, 1,600-square-foot tree house. A beachy palette prevails throughout, punctuated by dark wood and leather pieces that evoke a Mission Revival feel. Ranch amenities include the golf courseand the Sycamore Spa by Hudson, which pampers guests with everything from jade roller massages to French green clay facials. There’s also a complimentary shuttle that runs down to the beach as well as extensive programming, including poolside yoga, gardening classes, and even a Junior Explorers summer program. Among the three restaurants on-site, Harvest shines brightest, diving deep into the area’s terroir and history of organic farming, brewing, and oenology with dishes like fig-and-prosciutto flatbread and espresso-braised short ribs with ancho-chili barbecue sauce. A popular wedding venue, the Ranch can accommodate up to 350 guests on the fairways, but also boasts more intimate venues like a Girl Scout camp that was active from the 1920s to the ’50s."
