What Once Was Old…

When I was a child, my family would pack up each December and drive down to The Ritz-Carlton Laguna Niguel to celebrate Christmas time. A nice tradition for a Jewish family.
What stands out most in my memory is the grandeur of the holiday decorations up the driveway, spilling into the main entrance; the huge edible gingerbread house; walks on the beach; and morning Muesli.

We culminated this tradition years ago and since then the hotel has undertaken a mass $40 million renovation. Now into adulthood, my younger sister brings with her a scrappy 17-month old and my mom rings in a 60th birthday. It seemed like a good enough time to pay the property a return visit.

Driving up, the manicured winding entrance was just as I remembered it and the large Mediterranean villa still stood as classic as I recalled seeing it once upon a time through the back seat of the car. This time it was I who put the car in park as we all jumped out – antsy baby it tow and all.

Through and through, we were greeted by a charming professional staff who conversed naturally - without any of the forced pleasantries offered from many central LA staffers in hopes that you might be a casting director. I recalled the interiors of deep reds draping over mature rich woods with an entrance of a huge seasonal floral display. Honestly, I’m not sure how accurate my total recollection is but I’d bank on the centerpiece part.

Today, the entrance and décor have grown up a bit – just as I have. They are more understated and the palette mimics hues of sky and sand. The inlaid marble medallion floors sit under a grand silver leaf rotunda ceiling. No grand centerpiece. Festive white pearlescent garland streamed down the walls along the promenade and guests walk out to a breathtaking common area that seems to overlook the entire coast.

The gingerbread house is as spectacular as it once was. Even moreso. From walls made of éclairs and ice cream cones to a vision of rooftop waffles and cupcakes with a bear dancing in and out of its window, the eyes of a 17-month old stared in utter amazement. Fortunately for us, there was a fence surrounding this edible property so she couldn’t make herself a marshmallow bed for the night.

She did however take very well to our own room, which looked out onto green gardens and the vast Pacific. The guestrooms have also all been remodeled with hues of oceanic blues and salty greens. Gone are the days of plush headboards and warm wooden armoires that housed honor bars and televisions. The rooms instead now feature recessed lighting and modern-day 42” flat screen plasma TVs on the wall, for a more spacious experience. Aside from Italian mahogany furniture and European toiletries, each room now features a focal point of European hand-crafted glass art panels representing abstract ocean images in layers of blue, gray and silver. The inspiration behind the installations was to bring the peace and serenity of the sea into each guestroom.

Bringing even more serenity to the renovated property is The Ritz-Carlton Spa. Truly a sanctuary. All 11 treatment rooms in the intimate spa feature small soothing waters, crushed crystal glass ceilings and specialists at the top of their game. I can’t speak for the men’s locker area but the women’s facility had amazing showers. Not something I’d normally comment on, but this multi-headed waterfall of a shower was almost as therapeutic as my treatment. This spa is a must-see whether you’re staying on the property or looking for a day spa with friends.

On our last morning, we ate alfresco overlooking the poinsettia-adorned pool area. Some things don’t change — Cloud sweeping aqua skies, white cloth umbrellas and water glasses you actually inquire about purchasing. Even on my third cup of coffee, I was still relaxed. Then there was the Muesli. Still, the best I have ever had.