It’s wonderful when a resort embodies all of your idealized expectations of a locale.  When I think of what makes southern California California, it’s the all-mighty Pacific Ocean butting up against a landscape that rises into mountainous terrain; It’s insane natural beauty that steals your breath; It’s a casual-cool vibe, and at the same time, such specialness that nothing is taken for granted.  The Ranch at Laguna Beach is exactly that: surf and turf; coast, cliffs and canyons; low-key but highly luxurious. The 87-acre nature resort, tucked between the sands of Laguna Beach and Aliso and Wood Canyons, is super chic and yet, so not uptight, with a family-friendly pool and fire pits for s’mores and star-gazing (bare-minimum exterior lighting ensures maximum visibility and less impact on night creatures). Here, you can unwind in a room that feels like a stylish coastal ranch home, dine on meals from their own local farm, and simply watch deer wander through the gorgeous surroundings while owls hoot in the background. 

The folks who run The Ranch are so firmly committed to respecting those surroundings, sustainability efforts show up absolutely everywhere; The Ranch at Laguna Beach is a member of Beyond Green, a prestigious portfolio of global hotels and resorts that demonstrate exemplary sustainable tourism leadership. The entire property is irrigated with reclaimed water, a bio-dynamic farm provides produce for the restaurant Harvest and beautiful floral bouquets around the grounds, even the room keys are made from biodegradable wood and bamboo.  There’s not one bit of plastic on the property. In the rooms, dispensable soaps and lotions from the high-end, natural brand MALIN+GOETZ mean no single-use products.  And the most innovative action: the Bottles to Bunkers program, which turns empty glass bottles from the bar and restaurant into sand for the golf course. Seriously, homemade sand!

That’s not the only standout feature of the spectacular green.  The GEO Certified golf course is carved into the canyon walls, offering serenity and stunning views with challenging elevation changes. The secluded locale means it’s just you, the ball, and nature. Don’t be surprised if you’re joined by one of those meandering deer. Golf here is not your typical stuffy country club experience either. If you’re into it, there’s barefoot playing to make things earthy and awesome. 

When you’re not on the course, dip in the salt-water pool and hit up the concierge to create an outing to visit the best surfing spots or cultural exhibits in town (get a lift in the property Rivians). And of course, leave ample time for self-care. 

The boutique Sycamore Spa is intimate and personal and offers a luxurious range of body and facial treatments inspired by the garden and sea. The Beach Recovery gives you a full-body refresh featuring an exfoliating foot treatment, an aloe vera elixir, a seaweed mask, and a soothing coconut oil scalp massage.  Another must-try is the Deep Sleep treatment, which uses warm, brushed oil to calm the mind and body. The spa also offers Hydra-dermabrasion and cryo facials, plus custom facials using high-quality products from MALIN+GOETZ. Also recommended, the Beach Feet scrub, because how could that not be amazing? 

The Ranch at Laguna Beach is a perfect California experience. There’s a heartfelt respect for the rugged, wild land and sea-scape, and a matching ease in attitude. This is laid-back comfort that simultaneously meets your every desire for luxury and good living. To play golf on a course hidden in the surrounding mountains is not common. Nothing here is common, but it’s also not delicate or precious. It’s California cool.