The Ritz-Carlton, Laguna Niguel in Dana Point, California

The hotel offers KAHANI, RAYA, and TAIKUN Omakase, a 16-course omakase with designated seating times. 180blu, a cliffside lounge, serves handcrafted cocktails and small plates, while The Market Place and Dana Pool Cade provide additional dining outlets. RAYA focuses on sustainable seafood and coastal Latin cuisine, with local products featured across the menus.

The full-service spa provides a sauna, steam room, and spa lounge, along with massage, facial treatments, manicures, pedicures, and body scrubs. Two outdoor pools, one with a pool bar, are open all year and include sun loungers and umbrellas. Spa and wellness packages are available, with the fitness centre offering fitness classes and yoga.

Rooms have ocean-inspired decor, a 42-inch flat-screen TV, a work desk, a DVD player, and a coffee machine. First-floor ocean view rooms have outdoor fire pits, with a s'mores kit provided. Free WiFi is available in all guest accommodations, and room service operates around the clock.

The hotel sits on a bluff above Salt Creek Beach Park, with direct beach access and a golf-cart shuttle to the sand. Dana Point Harbor is a 6-minute drive away, and Mission Basilica San Juan Capistrano is 13 minutes by car. Guests can request beach chair and umbrella setup, and the hotel provides boogie boards.

The hotel is dog-friendly, with pet baskets and bowls provided for a fee. Children have a playground and kids' outdoor play equipment, with eco-adventures available through the eco adventure centre. Guests can use the tennis court, bicycle rental, and table tennis, with a minimarket on site for supplies.

Location: Cliffside bluff above Salt Creek Beach Park

Dining: KAHANI, RAYA, TAIKUN Omakase, 180blu

Rooms: First-floor ocean views with fire pits

Spa: Full-service spa with sauna and steam room

Pools: Two outdoor pools open all year

Pets: Dog-friendly with pet baskets and bowls