If something isn’t broken, you’re no supposed to fix. That’s common wisdom, but there’s nothing common about the competition within the luxury resort world and the pride the St. Regis Hotel collection takes in its Monarch Beach location.
Tucked in along the coast on a private beach near Dana Point, St. Regis Monarch Beach is one of only a handful of resorts around the world earning Five Stars from Forbes and Five Diamonds from AAA. Equipped with award winning restaurants and an oceanside golf course designed by Robert Trent Jones, Jr., there are few resorts in Southern California that can match Monarch Beach for overall luxury, service and amenities.
Related: St. Regis Hotel: Downhill Snapper Bloody Mary
But, it wasn’t enough — and Monarch Beach didn’t stand pat. The business of running and maintaining luxury resorts is a competitive big money game. St. Regis Monarch Beach serves as exhibit A. Already international renowned for its location, staff and overall offerings, the minds behind the property know only that if a resort is seen as stagnant or behind the times — even a venue scoring five stars everywhere it matters — it will lose business.
So, St. Regis Monarch Beach embarked on a $30 million renovation, updating and sharpening its 172 acre property and its 400 guest rooms. The main complex, its pool and surrounding grounds all sport a strong Mediterranean style, and the rooms were updated with textiles and color schemes to enhance that look.
Like other St. Regis properties, there’s also a dedication to fine art, whether in the rooms or along the walkways. The highlights at Monarch Beach include Picassos, Chagalls and three pieces from renowned art glass designer Dale Chihuly.
St. Regis Monarch Beach made sure in-room technology also evolved. Tablets in each room offer one-touch access to housekeeping, turndown service or privacy, valet more than 3,000 daily newspapers and magazines and a Bluetooth-enabled alarm clock.
The Spa Gaucin also pulls down Five Stars from Forbes and welcomes both resort guests and locals. Its treatments include a selection of massages, facials, exfoliation and reflexology.
There’s a large and very high-tech fitness center just off the spa, but active visitors have plenty of other options from swimming (in the large pool or the ocean in season), Hatha and strap yoga classes, Pilates, guided hikes along the cliffs, beach boot camps, paddle boarding and, of course, the challenging oceanside golf course (more on that in an upcoming story). All fitness classes are free to resort or spa guests.
On the dining side, St. Regis Monarch Beach offers seven options, all with different specialties and all updated to stay in tune with the major renovation. Highlights include The Stonehill Tavern – the gourmet dinner destination (with a full review inbound here in the days to come).
Motif serves coastal cuisine with views to match. The Motif speciality is a Sunday Champagne Brunch.
Down on the beach, accessible on foot or via shuttle, the Monarch Bay Club offers lighter selections and is a popular place to grab drink or a sunset supper.
Club 19 is the golfer’s destination before and after a round. It overlooks the first tee and provides gourmet takes on classic American dishes.
The St. Regis Monarch Beach isn’t done evolving, even after its successful, multi-million dollar rebirth. Regardless, the resort remains one of Southern California most outstanding and secluded luxury getaways. It’s a safe bet it’ll stay that way no matter the future brings.
