Disclosure: Complimentary media stay provided to facilitate this review.
Every year my husband and I make it a goal to get away in November to celebrate our anniversary. The time together alone, no kids, is magical. It’s one of the highlights of my entire year. To have extended, uninterrupted hours to talk, relax and reconnect is like fuel for the marriage tank.
In the years when we have only one or two nights for a getaway, staying close to home is best for maximum relaxation time and living in Orange County, we are pretty darn lucky to have a large number of phenomenal destinations to chose from.
Back in August we were lucky enough to able to stay at The Ranch at Laguna Beach as a family of four and enjoyed all the amazing family-friendly activities available for guests.
Click here to read my post about staying at The Ranch at Laguna Beach as a family.
When we were deciding where we wanted to go for our 15 year anniversary, I thought The Ranch would be the perfect spot. We got married in Laguna Beach, so the town holds special memories for us, and I couldn’t wait to experience The Ranch as a romantic Laguna Beach hotel. If you are looking for a staycation spot to celebrate Valentine’s Day or a special event with your sweetie, here’s a little taste of what could be in store for you…
We dropped the girls off at school and headed down on a beautiful Friday morning. I was giddy with excitement. Swim suit. Check. Dress for dinner. Check. New book to dive into. Check.
R & R was all that was on the agenda and I couldn’t wait.
We requested early check in and as luck would have it, our room was ready so we could get settled into our cozy king Cabin Room where a bottle of bubbly was there to greet us. Time to uncork the champs!
Total travel time to champagne? About 45 minutes total. That’s the best thing about a staycation close to home!
The Ranch, which just celebrated its grand opening end of last year, exudes classic, Laguna Beach elegance. From decor to amenities, the resort spared no detail when it comes to guests’ comfort.
– Keurig coffee makers
– Microwave
– Fridge
– Comfortable robes
– Daily paper delivery of paper of choice
– Complimentary Wi-fi
– USB ports bedside
– Complimentary parking and valet
– And my personal favorite, NO ADDITIONAL RESORT FEE. Yes!
We were lucky to get some warmer than usual November temperatures in Laguna so we spent the rest of the afternoon lazing around the charming pool, The Pond, where cushioned lounge chairs and signature cocktails await.
Adjacent to The Pond is the Sycamore Spa, which was in the final phase of completion when we stayed so we were unable to take advantage of a treatment. I am happy to report, it is open now and in February, locals can visit the Sycamore Spa and receive 15% off a 60-minute Couples’ Massage and also receive a takeaway spa amenity!
Super sweet Valentine’s Day gift.
photo credit: The Ranch
After a few hours at the the pool we decided to try our skills at the bocce ball court. Hubby kicked my booty. That game is harder than it looks!
I love the comfortable feel of The Ranch. Zero pretension. The property makes you feel right at home.
The evening was so beautiful we decided to walk across the street hand-in-hand to catch the sunset. It’s an easy 5 – 7 minute walk to the beach, but the resort does have golf carts available you can call for rides.
Nothing more romantic than sunset at the beach, and how often do you have the chance to watch a sunset with your love?
That evening we were ecstatic to dine at the just-opened Harvest restaurant, which is one of the most stunningly beautiful dining spots in OC. The decor is grand, but comfortable at the same time with a modern clubhouse type of feel…the type of place where you can sit by the fire, belly up to the bar or nestle into a dining table and stay awhile.
Harvest restaurant and bar celebrates California cuisine with farm-to-table dishes that change with the seasons. The chef integrates fresh herbs, fruits, vegetables, many of which are grown on property in the half-acre Harvest Garden.
Click here for a sample menu and if you go for dinner, order the crispy Brussel Sprouts with sweet chili sauce, pecans, green apple and radicchio. Best we have ever had!
Harvest is open for breakfast, lunch and dinner daily. If you are local, make your reservations now. You will fall in love.
photo credit: The Ranch
Our dinner service was impeccable, and we giggled over another class of champagne as we toasted our 15 years.
We were back the next morning for a glorious breakfast al fresco where we watched a family of deer grazing on the greens as we dined.
Can you spot them? You have to look close….
One of the best things about The Ranch is its location. You are so close to all the hustle and bustle of PCH, Main Beach, and its restaurants and shops, yet when you pull down the drive to go back ‘home’ to The Ranch you enter a completely different world.
On Saturday night we decided to Uber into town and dine at The Deck, which is now a restaurant, but 15 years ago the property was a private wedding venue where we said our vows.
So many memories came rushing back when we got seated at our table, essentially in the exact same spot we got married!
After dinner, we found ourselves at a local dive bar dancing to an 80’s cover band like we were kids in our 20’s again. SO. MUCH. FUN.
After a deliriously good night’s sleep in our comfortable bed, we headed up to Ben’s Pantry at The Ranch for breakfast, which is their grab-and-go cuisine for seat yourself patio dining.
Latte. Breakfast burritos. Morning paper. This view.
Perfection.
After breakfast we took a walk over to the beach and walked for a long stretch up to Treasure Island.
I forget just how gorgeous these beaches are but was reminded when I noticed the large number of tourists walking the path. People that likely traveled long distances to visit Laguna Beach. And, here we are, able to come and take a staycation in one of the most beautiful locations in California.
It was an AMAZING weekend and The Ranch was the perfect spot to recharge and reminisce, the quintessential romantic Laguna Beach hotel. If you are looking for a local spot to share a special time with your significant other, make your reservations now.
Month of February Romance Specials at The Ranch:
Book your romantic getaway in the month of February 2017 and resort credit applies towards resort activities:
Make a one-night reservation and receive a $50 resort credit
Stay 2 or more nights and receive $100 resort credit
Based on availability. Visit website for restrictions. Click here to reserve.
February 2017 Specials for Locals:
Sycamore Spa:
1 – 60 minute Couples massage at 15% Receive takeaway spa amenity
Golf:
Couples Golf Tourney
Sunday, February 12th, 2017
Tee times available 10-11:30am
Price $150/couple to ride $120 to walk. Includes greens fee, electric cart, $50 F&B credit, 2 sleeves of Vivid balls and prize eligibility. Participants also get 20% off merchandise that day.
Prizes offered:
· a “One-night romance package for two, 2nd place: 60 minute Couples Spa treatment
· Closest to the Pin winners – 2 free rounds of golf
· Highest Score – free one hour couples lesson
February Golf Specials
· Couples Golf Lessons – 20% off couples introductory golf lessons
· $128 for 1 hour couples lesson (takes place at the range and putting green)
· $224 for 5 hole playing lesson, 30-min intro at the range and play holes 6-9 on your own
For more information:
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