By Henry Meller
Aussies heading to California for the first time often come a cropper because they head for places with famous names only to end up enduring infamously unpleasant experiences. Hollywood is ugly and tacky – while Venice Beach is seedy rather than scenic.
But thankfully there are better alternatives that prove “The Golden State” can rival our own Gold Coast for beauty while also providing the famously all encompassing American hospitality.
Laguna Beach is one such gem in California’s crown.
The laid back beach town was a haven for artists in the 1960s and 70s but in recent years musicians and painters have been replaced by tech billionaires and business moguls drawn by the stunning clifftop views and picture postcard worthy beaches.
Just a few miles south is the The St. Regis Monarch Beach – a hotel perfectly suited to the most indulgent rest and relaxation holiday.
The St. Regis Monarch Beach
Set on 172 acres of Pacific coastline the St. Regis Monarch Beach boasts exquisitely appointed guestrooms and suites, three swimming pools with private cabanas, a championship oceanfront Robert Trent Jones Jr designed golf course and one of California’s most highly regarded restaurants, Stonehill Tavern.
The St. Regis Monarch Beach
Best of all the resort also boasts a private beach club where hotel guests are set up with beach chairs, umbrellas and waiter service on the sands of Salt Creek beach – one of California’s truly world class surfing beaches.
The Tuscan decor brings to mind a Mediterranean retreat and the expansive grounds include a botanical garden as well as eight championship standard tennis courts that offer yet another energetic alternative for sporty types.
Stonehill Tavern
Whether you work up a sweat is a matter of preference – but we’d definitely urge you to work up an appetite at some point because chef Michael Mina will certainly not disappoint even the most discerning palette at Stonehill Tavern. The crisp and perfectly dressed lobster salad simply could not be better prepared and the Filet Mignon would seem to have been sourced directly from “foodie” heaven.
Hollywood may have the celebrities but Laguna Beach is fast making its name as the real star for Southern California visitors looking for an A-list experience.
Have you visited Laguna Beach? Tell us about your experiences below!…
