Laguna Beach has long been a haven for artists, surfers, and luxury seekers alike, and the Surf & Sand Resort has been a cornerstone of that experience. Bette Davis was so smitten with this local SOCAL beach spot that she bought a home here. In contrast, the great John Steinbeck penned some of his most evocative stories in this seaside haven.
This coastal gem, a member of Historic Hotels of America since 2021, has only recently emerged from a stunning transformation.
The iconic resort has undergone an uber-rich multi-million-dollar overhaul, where this editor was in the thick of seeing its final stages. (Expected completion date occurred this mid-June ).
Surf & Sand Resort is reborn.
Enjoy refreshed guest rooms. Find a redesigned lobby, a priceless private art collection, a new spa, and an elevated dining experience that sets a new standard for beachfront indulgence.
Thankfully, the waves still murmur in its oceanfront rooms, and the sunsets still melt over its terrace.
Ready to step inside Laguna’s most legendary retreat? Read on, because this transformation is one you need to experience firsthand.
LOCATION, LOCATION, LOCATION
Laguna Beach is a playground for wave chasers, art lovers, and nature seekers. Each group can find its own slice of coastal magic in this sun-drenched enclave.
For the surfers, legends like Hobie Alter revolutionized the sport right here. Spots like Aliso Beach and Thalia Street Beach continue the tradition, where locals carve out perfect lines in the Pacific, and first-timers wobble into the waves with wide-eyed enthusiasm.
For artsy types, you can’t beat the organic art colony on full display at any time of day. Plein air art, a tradition that’s been thriving since the early 1900s, is widely seen. It’s something about those golden hues of the coastline.
And, yes, hikes are popular. Hiking in Laguna Beach is next-level, thanks to the vast network of scenic trails crisscrossing the Laguna Coast Wilderness Park.
SUITE HIGHLIGHTS
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- Search for Great Tours HERE
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Surf & Sand Resort offers 167 oceanfront rooms and suites, each designed to bring guests as close to the Pacific as possible—so close that the crashing waves become the soundtrack to your stay.
The redesigned interiors embrace natural elements—think driftwood-inspired furnishings, soft linen textures, and a color palette that mirrors the sea and sky.
Every room features floor-to-ceiling ocean views. Guests might wake up to dolphins playing in the surf, marlins slicing through the waves, and observe even the occasional whale sighting.
For those seeking the ultimate retreat, the Premium Oceanfront Studios offer expansive balconies, plush seating, and a seamless blend of indoor-outdoor living that makes every moment feel like a postcard-worthy escape.
My Room #151 is a front-row seat to the Pacific’s hypnotic swells. The balcony is so close to the water that you can taste the salty breeze. This revamped room now gleams with airy coastal hues, luxe linens, and textures that feel like a hug from the ocean itself. Whether sipping a morning espresso or toasting the sunset with a crisp Chardonnay, this is Laguna at its finest.
HOTEL PERKS
At the anchor restaurant Splashes—where the waves practically crash at your feet—guests feast on elegant dishes crafted by Chef Ron Fougeray, whose seafood creations are as legendary as the restaurant’s unbeatable views.
The new spa, inspired by the healing properties of the ocean, offers marine-based treatments designed to rejuvenate the body and mind. The public spaces have been transformed into coastal sanctuaries, with a redesigned lobby that now features panoramic ocean views and a curated art collection celebrating Laguna’s artistic heritage.
At the reservation desk, guests are greeted with a sleek, modern aesthetic, setting the tone for their stay. The resort’s art collection now features pieces by local Laguna Beach artists, underscoring its profound connection to the town’s vibrant creative spirit.
Among the standout additions is “Tempest” by Laguna Beach native Jorg Dubin.
It’s a stunning stainless steel sculpture positioned to be spectacular from every angle. This mesmerizing piece captures the essence of Laguna’s dynamic coastline, reflecting the movement of the ocean.
Dining at Splashes has reached new heights with the addition of a breathtaking Dale Chihuly glass chandelier, casting a glow over the newly redesigned space. The expanded dining area offers marble tables, elegant furnishings, and an alfresco terrace that feels like an extension of the ocean.
Outside, guests can unwind by the new fire pits, sip cocktails under freshly installed beach umbrellas, and soak in the unrivaled beachfront access that makes Surf & Sand Resort a true coastal sanctuary.
The resort’s house car is a luxe touch—because sometimes you need to slip away to downtown Laguna, where sidewalk galleries showcase the works of renowned artists, and local boutiques boast beachwear and snazzy sun dresses.
And, of course, there’s that private beach access at Surf & Sand, which makes any stay feel like a slice of California’s golden dream.
FINAL IMPRESSIONS
With its spectacular makeover, Surf & Sand Resort is arguably Laguna Beach’s crown jewel. It seamlessly blends Old-School charm with fresh, modern luxury.
It’s like sleeping aboard a luxury yacht permanently docked on the shore, where the ocean is the star of the show.
For the latest hotel rates, check Booking.com, Expedia, Hotels.com, Agoda, or visit SurfandSandResort.com.
Photo credits: Ilona Kauremszky + Supplied
Hotel-Scoop Columnist Ilona Kauremszky stayed as a guest of Visit Laguna Beach.
(You can view an earlier editorial written by Nancy Brown titled, “Laguna Beach Surf & Sand Resort: See the Sea, Feel the Spray.”)
