A perfectly concocted Bloody Mary and this view off a gorgeous, tiered  stone terrace had us wondering if we should just get it over with already and once and for all move West. This kind of otherworldly experience can do that to your mind – convince you to throw caution to the wind and just do something crazy (like ditch all your new plans in favor of a newer plan). Can you tell that we loved our stay in beautiful Dana Point, California?

The Five Star, Five Diamond, Monarch Beach Resort exceeded our expectations, not only because it’s so incredibly gorgeous, but because the level of service was superb.

It’s close to everything, including Catalina Island, Laguna Beach and Newport Beach’s Balboa Island.

Trust me, if you need a break from the hustle and bustle of life, this is the place.

***

Update: As of June 1, 2016, the hotel  went independent and is no longer part of the Starwood Hotel Group. There’s been a name change as well. The hotel has dropped the “St. Regis” and is now known simply as The Monarch Beach Resort.