Highlights: Montage Laguna Beach

•Majestic location atop a bluff overlooking the Pacific Ocean

•All guest rooms and suites boast ocean views with balconies or patios

•Resort guests have access to four beaches and three sparkling pools

•Three dining venues showcase stunning views and skillfully prepared dishes

•The Mobil Five-Star-rated Spa Montage has more than 20 treatment rooms and offers a comprehensive treatment service menu

•Caring staff for both guests and the community

Amenities: Montage Laguna Beach

• 262 rooms, 5 story. Pets accepted, some restrictions; fee. Check-in 4 pm, check-out Noon. High-speed Internet access, wireless Internet access. Three restaurants, four bars. Fitness room, fitness classes available, spa. Beach. Three outdoor pools, whirlpool. Business center. Credit cards accepted.

General Impressions: Montage Laguna Beach

Located midway between Los Angeles and San Diego in the hip artist community of Laguna Beach, California, the Montage Resort & Spa captures the essence of an endless summer with its casual sophistication and stunning views. Nestled on 30 lavishly landscaped acres and perched atop a bluff overlooking the rolling surf of the Pacific Ocean, this resort is paradise for beach lovers. With its access to beaches, pools, spa treatments, and shopping, the Montage shares a slice of the good life with its visitors.

Beyond the resort, travelers will discover eclectic Laguna Beach, which is known for its boutiques and galleries, and outdoor activities such as golf, water sports, and horseback riding.

The Montage Resort & Spa has something for virtually every type of traveler. Business travelers will find in-room amenities and a business center, and the resort’s ballrooms and plentiful leisure amenities are ideal for corporate retreats or meetings. The resort’s stylish setting, world-class spa, and fine dining appeal to couples seeking a romantic getaway, and families with young children are equally at home, thanks to a children’s pool and the wonderful Paintbox children’s program. In general, all guests at the Montage will find enough to keep them as busy or relaxed as they choose, as will groups of friends or family looking to spend quality time together.

The Montage Resort & Spa’s guest rooms and suites are spacious, and the dark wooden décor reflects the resort’s luxurious atmosphere. The patios and balconies are private and relaxing, highlighted by beautiful ocean views.

Sun-worshippers have several inviting options, including four sandy beaches and three pools. Guests who want to take in the views while indulging in a massage should head straight to the 20,000-square-foot oceanfront spa.

The Montage also delivers when it comes to dining. In addition to room service, it has outstanding restaurant and lounge choices.

(+) Casually sophisticated beach house ambience with unbeatable location and amenities

Guest Services: Montage Laguna Beach

In keeping with the resort’s relaxed elegance, the staff is polite and professional but doesn’t excessively fuss over guests. The needs of the guests are a top priority at this resort, where 24-hour concierge service ensures that no detail is overlooked. From the oceanfront fitness center to the executive center, the Montage is staffed with polished hospitality professionals.

Among the highlights are cabana service at the pool and access to a butler at the beach. The staff unfailingly fulfills your requests for drinks, meals, or sundries with a smile.

(+) Timely, efficient, friendly, and professional service

Guest Rooms: Montage Laguna Beach

Influenced by the Craftsman style, the Montage Resort & Spa’s main building feels like an enormous beach house. The resort’s 211 guest rooms and 51 suites place a premium on comfort. They are spacious, airy, and elegantly accented with dark wooden furnishings and unique artwork crafted by local artists. Spacious marble bathrooms feature deep-soaking tubs and dual vanities; touches such as large candles by the bath are especially thoughtful. The pampering continues with goose-down pillows, plush bathrobes and towels, and 400-thread count bed linens. Each room is equipped with a flat-screen television and a DVD and CD player.

Depending on the room, the patios or balconies complete the experience, providing expansive ocean views and featuring chaises and tables that are ideal for relaxation and reflection.

(+) Contemporary casual design complete with gorgeous ocean views

Facilities & Activities: Montage Laguna Beach

The Montage Resort & Spa is the ultimate playground for both adults and children. The youngest guests will delight in the many activities sponsored by Paintbox, the resort’s children’s program. From arts and crafts to water games, children are invited to make new friends for half- or full-day programs targeted at their age groups. Parents can even join in the fun for Family Days programs.

The resort’s three pools include a lap pool, a children’s pool, and the gorgeous mosaic-tiled oceanfront pool. If you prefer the surf and the sand, four beaches are just steps away.

The Mobil Five-Star-rated Montage Spa, which is 20,000 square feet and includes a fitness center and salon service, is a haven for world-weary souls. In addition to ocean- and earth-inspired treatments, the spa offers the Montage’s signature therapies, such as anti-aging facials and moisturizing scalp treatments. True to form, I found the spa’s treatments are executed in a polite and professional manner.

The spacious fitness center sparkles with new equipment; each cardio machine features a TV/DVD unit that promises to make your workout a bit more pleasant. After you’ve built up a good sweat, you can retreat to the locker room, where you’ll find cashmere robes and a stunning plunge pool.

Guests who leave the privileged grounds of the Montage will find myriad ways to spend their time, from browsing the galleries of Laguna Beach to rolling through the waves in a kayak. Laguna Beach, just two miles away from the resort, is an art lover’s paradise with monthly showings and festivals at the many galleries. Family fun is within easy driving distance -- Disneyland is 40 minutes from the Montage, and the San Diego Zoo is less than an hour away.

Tennis and golf enthusiasts also have numerous options. The nearby Laguna Niguel Racquet Club has 22 championship tennis courts for players of all ages. For golfers, the Oak Creek Golf Club is located within 20 minutes of the resort and features the Saddlebrook Mountains as a beautiful backdrop. The Talega Golf Club has an 18-hole course within 30 minutes of the resort; the Aliso Creek Inn Golf Course features an executive 9-hole course and a 32-par course within 5 minutes of the resort.

(+) The resort and its surrounding area offer a multitude of relaxing, active, and family-friendly activities

Dining & Lounge: Montage Laguna Beach

The Montage Resort & Spa has three dining choices, as well as in-room dining. Studio is the resort’s centerpiece restaurant, offering haute California cuisine in a setting featuring unsurpassed ocean views. This restaurant is ideal for a romantic or adults-only evening.

Guests who don’t want to sacrifice gourmet cuisine while dining out with the kids should book a table at The Loft, where children are welcome. Poolside dining is available at the Mosaic Bar & Grille, which serves salads, sandwiches, and kids meals. For cocktails and live music, head to the Lobby Lounge.

(+) A variety of enticing spaces invite guests to sample a wide selection of gourmet and spa cuisine

Business Services: Montage Laguna Beach

The resort’s guest rooms and suites are equipped with several in-room business amenities, including high-speed Internet access, fax machine hookups, and multi-line telephones with voicemail. The Montage also offers business services through its executive center and 24-hour concierge service. Ballrooms, meeting rooms, and select lawn areas are designed to accommodate corporate retreats or groups.

(+) Business travelers may choose between in-room and executive center services, and corporate groups have their pick of large and small meeting spaces