Now called Monarch Beach Resort, the Dana Point property is a dream weekend staycation.

Laying by the pool sipping fruity cocktails, rolling out of your hotel bed just steps away from a beautiful golf course and access to a pristine beach with more of the aforementioned cocktails doesn’t have to be an experience you only get in Hawaii or Mexico. In fact, for those who can’t manage a week-long getaway to a tropical destination, your resort experience can actually be found right here in Southern California at the newly named Monarch Beach Resort, where exquisite food, amenities and scenery await after a substantial renovation in late 2015. And you don’t have to burn up all your vacation days.

The Hotel

You’d be hard-pressed to find a better overall resort experience in Southern California, with Monarch Beach Resort committing to the full getaway experience with excellent amenities and superb customer service. The guest rooms are phenomenal and spacious, and the addition of an enhanced Miraval spa is just the icing on the cake to a list of on-site activities that includes daily fitness classes, tennis, pool and a kids club. May we suggest carving out at least half a day to just lay by the pool, where a recent renovation has unlocked an even better view of the Pacific Ocean and new poolside food and drink options have been installed?

The Food

The cuisine at Monarch Beach Resort is undoubtedly highlighted by Stonehill Tavern, Michael Mina’s acclaimed restaurant on property. The four-star eatery boasts modern American cuisine, featuring seasonal ingredients and Mina’s signature Lobster Pot Pie. A wiz with seafood, Mina’s other can’t-miss menu items include the Ahi Tuna Tartare and Cape Cod Sea Scallops. However don’t avoid the signature steaks, which include filet mignon, striploin, and a bone in ribeye.

But if the high-end cuisine isn’t in your budget, there are close to a dozen dining options at the resort, including the new Sombra, a poolside cantina and kitchen serving up authentic fresh Mexican cuisine. Also, don’t sleep on Club 19 over at the golf course. Serving up breakfast and lunch with killer views of both the golf course and Pacific Ocean, the food is superb, a huge step up for normal golf course fare and even healthy.

The Golf

It’s a tale of two nines at Monarch Beach Golf Links, where the views are spectacular and the numbers on your scorecard probably less so. Designed by Robert Trent Jones Jr., the 6,600-yard course is clearly kept in great shape year round. A fun but challenging course to play, Monarch Beach boasts a tough front nine that demands accuracy off the tee. The back side eases up a bit, and although you lose the beachfront holes, you gain a little forgiveness with slightly wider fairways. The golf carts are top notch, with plugs for your mobile phone, so take advantage of the relaxed resort environment and put on some tunes while you play!

The Location

Monarch Beach Resort certainly isn’t hurt by its proximity to the ocean. The views from the lobby alone are breathtaking, and the facility sure knows how to take advantage, with spectacular sights from many of the rooms, dining areas and of course the golf course. With the beach just a 5-minute shuttle ride away, the revamping of the resort included the addition of an enhanced beach experience with umbrellas, towels, chairs and food and beverage right on the sand.