GENLUX

MUST STAY:

MUST TASTE:

MUST DINE:

Park the Jet

GETAW

AY It’s only an hour’s drive from LA to Montage Laguna Beach—one of our favorite luxury resorts.

Chuck the passport. Just south of LA is the Montage Laguna Beach resort, a Forbes Travel Guide Five Star rated dream vacation getaway—neatly packaged in handsome Craftsman-style archi-

tecture with decor to match. The marble bathrooms (left) don’t disappoint and the grounds are meticulously cared for. Throw in glistening pools, pristine off-white beaches and endless ocean views from every corner of this place and you can reject the notion that the only way to paradise is via a security checkpoint.

Studio (left) is the resort’s signature restaurant. Try the vegetarian tasting menu—with many of the veggies culled from Chef Craig Strong’s own raised-bed garden. We really liked the Crimson beet Tartare and the Celerini Alfredo which was celery root noo-dles, garlic cream and truffles.

Craving a good steak? Not far from the hotel, located between localart galleries and bou-tiques, the Selanne Steak

Tavern serves up a mean Wagyu Filet Mignon and their famous Mac ‘n’ Cheese. Vegetarian? Try the delish Scarlet Beet Ravioli stuffed with artisanal goat cheese, hazelnuts, and golden beet vinaigrette. Sip on a refreshing Mango Mule made of Libre mango Tequila, Q ginger beer, agave, fresh lime—so tasty. selannesteaktavern.com

Spend time relaxing by the resort’s Mosaic Pool (above) before heading out to explore the area’s four pristine white sand beaches, 30 acres of lush landscaping, and the local protected marine tide pools. Nearby, enjoy hiking and biking trails in the

Aliso and Wood Canyons Wilderness Park. At the Crystal Cove State Park, they have snorkeling, jetskiing, fishing, stand-up paddleboarding, kayak-ing, and sailing. Ready for some pampering? The resort has a world-class 20,000-square-foot Spa Montage offers a long list of treatments including massage, facials, and wellness therapy. montagehotels.com

MUST VISIT:

only way to paradise is via a security checkpoint.

the delish Scarlet Beet Ravioli stuffed with artisanal goat cheese, hazelnuts, and golden beet vinaigrette.

Blue View The Catalina

Suite’s ‘porch’ keeps in step

with traditional craftsman-style

architecture

Melt CaresAfter your mas-sage treatment,enjoy a few hours lounging by the spa pool.

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94 GENLUX SPRING/SUMMER 2018