While hearing relaxing sounds of lapping waves and healthy ocean air, the guestrooms and suites renovation brings the oceanfront setting indoors. Guests immediately are drawn to alluring hand-crafted and lighted glass art panels made in Europe that feature abstract images representative of coral and the ocean, with three layers of blue, gray and silver. Walls are bathed in crisp, light gray and warm blue, cream-colored carpet features a modern, geometric design. A new floating entertainment center with sleek dark brown oak and an off-white lacquered ledge anchors the room with 55” Smart TVs (Netflix, Hulu, Bluetooth). New furnishings include exquisite, custom-designed plush lounge and desk chairs and a full-length mirror by Renwil. Providing a sense of escape, many bathrooms now feature stunning glass-enclosed, walk-in showers with white Statuario marble with distinct grey veining and hints of gold and double head showers for the ultimate revitalization.
The resort’s suites offer the perfect residential living space with new contemporary coffee tables, along with a bespoke desk to integrate with the new entertainment center and 65” Smart TVs. For added serenity, the hotel’s three Ritz-Carlton Suites now feature elegant free-standing tubs for a deep soaking, spa-like experience. All of the resort’s guestrooms and suites include private patios and balconies overlooking the sparkling Pacific Ocean, coastline, lush gardens or serene pools; and more than 50 offer personal fire pits for a perfect ending to the day watching the glorious sunset.
“Local culture and history had a big part of the design,” Kamal said. “Since The Ritz-Carlton, Laguna Niguel is immersed amongst natural beauty, we were influenced by the azure waters and lush cliffsides. The design language also spoke to the beach culture and surfing history in Dana Point.”
In addition to the guestroom renovation, guests staying on the resort’s exclusive Ritz-Carlton Club Level can revel in a redesigned Club Level Lounge, which doubled in capacity size (now seats 47 guests) and offers various seating areas—from cozy nooks to banquet seating. An open-concept layout evokes a sense of place with light blue and soft cream colors, illustrious silver and gold accents, gray porcelain tile floor, and stunning views of the California coast. At the center of the updated lounge sits a large-scale, white marble island for seasonal, housemade culinary presentations and paired wines by the glass. Exclusive artwork by Dawson Cole Fine Art dot the walls with one-of-a-kind pieces available for purchase.
“Like all renovation work, they tend to be complicated as many factors need to be considered to make sure the design solutions work with as-built conditions. One such challenge was converting the tub into a shower stall and making sure the new tile work matched existing finishes. As a result, the design team took the time to cull through many stone finishes on-site to ensure the new selection worked with the as-built finishes,” Kamal explained.
Sunshine beaming through dramatic glass windows radiates the enhanced hallways, creating an open and bright space as guests are directed to their guestroom or suite. The corridors feature new carpeting reminiscent of the ocean with aquatic hues of blue swirled with cream accents, complemented by smoky blue and crisp white walls, accent bronze glass ceiling fixtures by Besa Lighting, and artwork tying in the resort’s ocean inspirations and historic connection to Dana Point surf culture. Curated by Kevin Barry Fine Art, a collection of canvas, photography, three-dimensional wall sculptures and traditionally framed artwork are scattered throughout the hallways, along with new pieces in the guestroom bathrooms.