The Montage Laguna Beach – Beauty and The Beach

By Jolie Loeb

That splash of cerulean, it captures you – The Pacific, a lapping, lavish salutation. The way it cradles the resort, celebrating this coveted coast of ours, cresting majestically at The Montage Laguna Beach. Beneath a canvas umbrella overlooking the sea, we toast. Glasses full of award winning libations, the ocean appearing as if someone might have stained it sapphire, it’s a party, just sitting here.

Poolside lunch still watering in our mouths, two chaises are set up for our relaxing pleasure, Courtney’s and mine. The ocean in front of us, pool behind, it’s gorgeous out, crisp and 70. And November no less. No wonder they come in droves.

And no longer can we resist the lure of Spa Montage – with it’s banana palms waving a seaside breeze over the private waterfall whirlpool, lounge chairs, a secluded spot you could settle into for a month, easy. What they feature here is The Art of Spa. This was new to both of us. It’s a regiment of three; warmth, followed by cold-plunge, followed by wrapped relaxation (the terry robe in your locker works perfectly). This circuit improves circulation, digestion, and the clincher, burns mad calories. The warm cedar embrace of the sauna? Wonderful. The soothing eucalyptus of the steam? Invigorating. The cold plunge? Painful. But it only lasts a second. And oddly enough, you feel accomplished when you’re through. We enjoyed the challenge. And the most extravagant means of calorie burning I’ve ever achieved. Lord knows.

After a quick shower following our Art of Spa triathlon, I was ready for my facial. Using a combination of Eminence and Spa Technologies products, Lyndsey delivered on those magical words, “you will feel a difference after today’s treatment.” And even if I didn’t leave aglow, the sensory experience would have produced the same effect. The Eucalyptus Cleansing Concentrate, Sweet Red Rose Cleanser, Pear and Poppy Seed Microderm Polisher, Apricot Whip Moisturizer? As I was being cleansed, hydrated, and exfoliated, I was treated to a fruit salad of phenomenal facial product. Cucumber eye gel, Citrus lip balm, and Honeydew Body Lotion? Go if only to be bathed by nature’s finest. It feels as good as it tastes. It smells even better.

Days later, the braille that formerly graced my forehead was gone, and everything from cheekbones to chin was smoothed out, as promised. Just because you live in California doesn’t mean you don’t deserve your day at the beach. Take yours straight down to Laguna, where The Art of Spa is but one more contributor to the art of living mastered so beautifully at The Montage Laguna Beach.