Laguna Beach, famed for its beautiful beaches and boho chic ambiance, makes a fantastic getaway. Here you’ll find coves, sea caves, ocean side bluffs, natural tide pools and inspiring views. Kicking back on a lounger on the golden California sand I mused – ‘ this small arty coastal town with gals rocking stylish western hats and boots, calls out to my untamed, creative feminine spirit.’ Located halfway between Los Angeles and San Diego, this longtime artists’ colony captivates.

Stroll the streets of walkable downtown peppered with striking art galleries, jewelry shops, yoga studios, cafes, wine bars, fashionable boutiques like Duet for wearable art crafted by talented artisans and trendy eateries such as the treehouse at newcomer Rum Social Kitchen & Cocktails for tasty cuisine and innovative libations.

Laguna is one of the country’s preeminent art destinations and is home to many acclaimed art festivals. This vibrant art community inspired the name of the town’s primary beachfront resort - Montage Laguna Beach, which marks its 20th anniversary this year.

Guests enjoy the utmost in seaside luxury at this 30-acre beachfront oasis which features two outdoor pools, a 20,000-square-foot spa, impressive culinary offerings, Paintbox - Montage’s signature children’s program and a fine art collection. Supremely comfortable guest rooms and suites are stylish with modern design and arty accents. Sipping a cappuccino on my patio, I saw dolphins and whales frolicking in the water below. What a way to start the day! After breakfast I took a glorious walk on the resort’s oceanfront promenade passing coves and gardens with plenty of spots to sit down and take in nature’s splendor before I continued down the steps to the pretty beach below.

To celebrate 20 years of Montage Memories, the resort is welcoming guests with an array of special events and offers available all year long. “20 years ago, our Founder, CEO and Chairman Alan J. Fuerstman set out to create a luxury hospitality experience-one that embodied a true sense of spirit and place through recreational pursuits, spa and wellness offerings, remarkable culinary offerings, a genuine welcoming spirit and a high level of service,” explains Managing Director and Area General Manager Mary Rogers. “We are grateful to the local community and our guests, many of whom have been visiting us since we opened our doors in 2003.”     

And it’s easy to see why.

Anytime of day or night, it’s always lively at the swinging Lobby Lounge replete with piano and bar - serving wine, crafted cocktails and small bites. This favorite hangout of guests and stylish locals offers live music afternoons and evenings. With this year’s celebration, hotel guests are encouraged to return by an offer of a five night stay in the 2,800 square foot, two bedroom Catalina Suite with a $1000 food and beverage credit, $1500 Spa Montage credit, airport transfers, a whale watching expedition, a private docent-led tour of the town’s art galleries and the 20th Anniversary Gift Collection to take home including a bottle of the limited edition Clase Azul Ultra and Montage XX Anniversary Tequila, a custom designed Jonathan Simkhai Montage resort collection scarf and Jimmy Choo Limited Edition Laguna Beach tote. Also available here and all Montage Hotels & Resorts properties: the Montage Twenty Offer which gives guests who reserve two or more nights a $200 per night resort credit and a complimentary view upgrade based on availability.

In addition to the resort’s scenic Loft Restaurant on the fourth floor where I feasted on delectable oysters, caviar, squash with tahini, melt in your mouth roasted Ora King salmon and pear ice cream to die for along with dazzling views– and tasty California cuisine at poolside Mosaic Bar & Grille, the celebration offers more culinary enhancements. A pop up from Montage Los Cabos featuring Thai street food will run from late June to early September. The chef of that resort’s restaurant Talay, Marc Narongchai, was named Food & Wine Mexico’s Best New Chef in 2020. There’s more! S’mores in a cart will be making the rounds along seaside fire pits with citrus and vanilla marshmallows and double milk chocolate with sea salt caramel chocolate squares, in addition to the classics. Yum.

Spa Montage offers a menu of impressive wellness options and features Eucalyptus steam rooms, dry redwood saunas, ocean air whirlpools, fireplace lounges and a pool so hotel guests and locals can give themselves some well deserved pampering. The Five Senses exclusive 150 minute 20th Anniversary treatment provides a sensory awakening that includes: a singing bowl, relaxing foot bath, taste of honey, a customized full body massage using Natura Bisse Mindful Touch Virtual Reality Googles followed by an anti-aging facial and concludes with a handcrafted dark chocolate treat.  

If you can tear yourself away from the beachfront sanctuary, the resort offers a complimentary locally chauffeured ride into town or you can enjoy a Ride & Drive experience on the newest luxury vehicles from their Cadillac fleet. For those seeking more excitement, Montage offers excursions with Adventure I0 for curated day trips and activities including hiking, biking, boating, water sports and more hosted by professional athletes and local experts. My favorite activity was sitting on my hotel patio with a glass of wine, watching the gorgeously golden and magenta sunset sky.