The Ranch at Laguna Beach - Luxury Family Retreat

An easy escape...​

A luxury wilderness escape is closer than you think at The Ranch Laguna Beach.  Just a 3-4 hour drive from Santa Barbara, and 1-2 hours from Los Angeles, The Ranch LB  is ideal for those quick weekend retreats from city life. Santa Barbara Travel was recently given the opportunity to experience the beauty of The Ranch. When you first drive up the secluded canyon road, it gives you the perception that you are completely retreating from the city of Laguna Beach, even though it's only a few feet from the property. The Ranch is a full-service resort consisting of a golf course, multiple dining outlets, a spa, and a pool area. One of the first things I noticed upon arrival was how family-friendly the resort is. From corn hole to s'mores, they have activities for the whole family to enjoy together. Just steps from one of the most beautiful beaches in the OC and access to prime shopping, The Ranch Laguna Beach offers the best of both worlds - secluded ranch luxury with close access to coastal city life. 

cozy accommodations

Our stay was greeted by a charming room and a plate of freshly baked macarons with a personalized card waiting for us on the table - immediately we felt welcomed. Our first thought after scanning the room was how dazzling the bathrooms were - embellished with colorful tile that was just the perfect amount of pop in an otherwise neutral, classically designed bedroom. We stayed in a ground level Canyon Room, which provided us with a private, walk out patio accompanied by two rocking chairs overlooking the gorgeous canyon mountains. It was the perfect place to put on your plush robe and drink your morning coffee. We couldn't hear a sound except for the birds chirping!  Everything was a close walk from our room, including the spa, pool, golf course and the main house which was home to the main restaurant.  

dine at harvest

​There truly is no need to leave the resort with one of the OC's newest and most talked about restaurants right on property. Harvest is considered a dining experience, where you will be immersed in the story of California's history of farming, brewing, and oenology (science and study of wine and winemaking).  The cuisine & cocktail list feature an array of local flavors & ingredients, giving it's diners a literal taste of Orange County sea fare and farmer's markets, some ingredients coming from The Ranch's own garden.  Our experience at the restaurant began with an immediate greeting by the house sommelier, offering to help us find the perfect bottle of wine to go with our dinner. Harvest's chef, Kyle St. John, created a menu consisting of California comfort food, and comfort food we had! I ordered the Fettuccine Bolognese, which consisted of a secret family sauce recipe, grass fed beef bolognese, shaved asiago and whipped mascarpone. My friend indulged in the whole Branzino, as it reminded her of her adventures in Europe, and it did not disappoint. As we were celebrating a birthday, we ended the evening with a delicious rendition of pistachio crème brulee, topped with a chocolate macaron. The restaurant is open for lunch and dinner, and has sweeping views of the canyon and golf course during daylight. At night, opt in for a cocktail by the oversized fireplace before settling down at your table for your unforgettable Harvest experience. 

Whole Branzino

national geographic unique lodge of the world

The Ranch at Laguna Beach is a member of National Geographic Unique Lodges of the World, a prestigious collection of lodges spanning 30 countries and 6 continents. Like The Ranch at Laguna Beach, these properties were handpicked by National Geographic for their exceptional guest experience and their strong commitment to sustainable practices. We each embody the values of National Geographic: authenticity, enrichment, and a dedication to preserving our planet's natural and cultural heritage.

Every lodge in the collection, including The Ranch at Laguna Beach, was thoroughly vetted by a National Geographic sustainable tourism expert who spent time at each property, evaluated operations, and met with everyone from the general manager to the kitchen staff to ensure they met their high standards. The review included a thorough vetting based on the pillars of sustainable tourism: protection of natural heritage, protection of cultural heritage, support for local communities, and environmentally friendly practices. 

We all strive to connect guests with our destinations in a meaningful way, offering intimate and personal encounters with parts of the world not many get to know - and the chance to slow down and truly discover them. 

- The Ranch Laguna Beach 

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