The Ritz-Carlton, Laguna Niguel Reinvents Itself at 40 and Offers October Dining Specials

To mark The Ritz Carlton Laguna Niguel's 40th anniversary, the resort completed a multi-million dollar renovation of all 373 guestrooms and suites, rebuilt its spa philosophy, and remastered the Club Lounge. The renovation, according to General Manager Kelly Steward, was to lean into "the natural beauty and relaxed surf culture of Dana Point" without losing the polish guests expect from the brand.

Wimberly Interiors redesigned guestrooms, suites and the Club Lounge, with a palette of cream, sand, sage and soft blues pull the Pacific indoors. Behind every bed is a mural drawn from native flora and terrain.

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The Mission-style bones remain, but now they are dressed in warm woods, bespoke trims and geometric tile and bathrooms have been expanded.

The One Bedroom suites are darker with deep green and aubergine against walnut and cream walls, with custom artwork, marble, mosaics and woven textiles. Each includes a marble powder room, a five-fixture bath with soaking tub and separate shower, and dressing space.

The renovation's biggest news is the addition of ten two-bedroom suites, designed to live like a beach house rather than a hotel room. Every space carries its own motif including beaded mosaic art, vintage photography, hand-painted floral wallcoverings and tailored leather, set against ivory and charcoal with flashes of green and azure.

Ocean-facing suites open through long runs of floor-to-ceiling glass onto patios framing a classic California view and come with walk-in closets and five-fixture baths. Every two-bedroom suite includes Club Lounge access. Select suites add statement marble fireplaces or media lounges with private bars.

The remastered Ritz-Carlton Club has an open plan modeled on a residential kitchen. Grey and white marble surrounded by a chartreuse and yellow color scheme are grounded by walnut and burnished metal accents.

Five fresh presentations run throughout the day, with a full bar of wine, Champagne and spirits, plus local beer and kombucha. A kids' corner stocks favorite books and elevated board games. New this year are weekly workshops and demonstrations, along with a "treat hour" of freshly baked goods.

Parker-Torres Design reimagined The Ritz-Carlton Spa, Laguna Niguel as an emerald and wood retreat that feels a world away from the sand outside.

Each treatment room takes its name from an element unique to Dana Point, and guests leave with a small gift inspired by it. The Cove, a new co-ed lounge, lets couples and friends unwind together over bites and herbal spritzers. For the bold, the 60-to-90-minute Pacific Renewal Ritual Cold Plunge is designed to jolt the senses awake and reconnect body with sea.

In-room upgrades include Dyson hair tools, a garment steamer, a white noise machine and a Bang & Olufsen speaker. There are two in room refrigerators, one holding the signature Ritz-Carlton Honor Bar and another for personal use that can be stocked to order before arrival. Two-bedroom suites add a Technogym Bench and Visio for in-room workouts.

The complimentary Beach Butler still escorts guests down to Salt Creek Beach and sets up umbrella, chairs and towels on their chosen stretch of sand. The Dana Pool remains surrounded by palms and citrus trees, with checkered tiles and oversized chess pieces.

On the culinary side, there are a variety of dining options for guests. Chef-in-residence concepts include KAHANI, Chef Sanjay Rawat's modern Indian restaurant, and Taikun, an eight-seat omakase from New York. RAYA, Chef Richard Sandoval's all-day Coastal Latin restaurant, anchors the resort, and 180 BLU serves cocktails with an uninterrupted view of the Pacific Ocean.

Fall brings a special reason to book a stay. Richard Sandoval is handing RAYA's torch to his son, Giancarlo Sandoval, and the two have built a celebration around the journey of the sun and a new generation of Latin cooking.

The Four Hands Dinner, Día de los Muertos Edition (October 31)

For the first time, father and son will cook side by side for a five-course dinner on Halloween night. Each course marks a moment in the sun's daily arc, and both chefs will be in the room to tell the story behind it.

1. Tetela, before sunrise. Sautéed mushrooms in a creamy guajillo sauce with queso fresco, hoja santa and radish, earthy and still.
2. Luz de Mar Tiradito, first light. Salmon and sea bass in saffron aguachile with mango relish, salsa macha, crispy sweet potato and marigold, the flower that lights the path for the evening ahead.
3. Maíz de Oro, midmorning gold. Yellow sweet corn soup with vanilla, charred esquites, crème fraîche and cilantro, carrying the smoke of the fields.
4. Fuego del Sol, high noon. Achiote-braised short rib with a charred poblano cheese enchilada, plantain purée, zucchini blossom sauce, roasted baby zucchini and affila cress. This is the meal's center of gravity.
5. Amanecer, the cycle resets. Piloncillo pumpkin crème brûlée with coconut ice cream and pepita brittle, sweetness offered as gratitude rather than grief.
   

The Golden Sun Dinner (nightly through November 1)

The Golden Sun Dinner distills the Halloween theme into three courses and a cocktail for $126 per person, served any night through November 1.

• Sol, a cocktail of sparkling wine, pomegranate liqueur, marigold, mango and orange bitters
• Luz de Mar Tiradito, the same saffron-kissed salmon and sea bass from the Four Hands menu
• Fuego del Sol, the achiote-braised short rib
• Amanecer, the piloncillo pumpkin crème brûlée, here paired with salted caramel ice cream and pepita brittle

Forty years in, The Ritz-Carlton, Laguna Niguel is still worth a trip to the coast.

To book a stay, visit ritzcarlton.com/lagunaniguel.