Laguna Beach

Laguna Beach reminds me of one thing. Ok, two. Maybe three. Scratch that. There are enough TV re-runs that took place in the vicinity of Orange County to fill a few weeks. LC, Lo, Ryan, Marissa, Seth and some housewives gave me loads of SoCal inspo.

I decided on Laguna Beach for a few reasons: Flights weren’t outrageous. Two nights provided plenty of time for a fun get-together. The wedding is in Miami, so I didn’t want to make people go to the east coast twice. West coast is this best coast…at least for this instance 🙂 The best part? I got a great deal at a fab hotel.

Monarch Beach Resort

Previously a St. Regis property, Monarch Beach Resort took over just last year after a $40 million dollar renovation with reimagined guest rooms, Miraval Spa, STUNNING outdoor spaces, culinary program and expansive pool. The golf course boasts views of the ocean, and a quick buggy ride (departing every 15 minutes from the hotel) takes you down to the beach. HEAVEN. I also just learned that Bachelor in Paradise‘s Jade and Tanner were recently married there, too. Great minds think alike!

After flying into John Wayne airport (LAX and San Diego airport are also in close proximity), I had a 20ish minute Uber ride before arriving at Monarch Beach resort. I came in hot with penis straws, personalized m&ms complete with photo of the bride and groom, bedazzled hashtagged banner, confetti, flash tats, monogrammed bride beach hat and then some. I came prepared, and the Monarch resort did as well.

Itinerary

Friday

4:00pm

Check-In

5:00pm

Beach Loungers for 14 with welcome drinks: This was such a fun first activity since it allowed everyone to arrive at their own time on Friday from various parts of the country, and join us on the beach once they arrived!

8:00pm

Dinner at Starfish Laguna: If you don’t like sushi then I don’t like you. Totally kidding, and there was PLENTY on the menu to appease everyone’s appetite! I loved the vibe, food and service here, and it’s only about a 10 minute Uber ride from the resort.

Saturday

10:00am

Breakfast at AVEO Table + Bar: My biggest weakness in life is a good breakfast buffet, and it wasn’t until I stuffed my face full of pancakes, eggs, yogurt, granola and bacon that I remembered I’d be getting myself into a bikini later. Ugh. What’s a foodie to do?! Suck in, always.

11:00am

Poolside Cabanas(!!!): Full-day usage of private cabanas next to an infinity-edge pool that seamlessly spills into the stunning seascape was all we could need on a Saturday. That, and Sombra Cantina’s cocktails.

5:00pm

Lingerie Shower: Because if you went to a Bach party and didn’t have a lingerie shower, did you even go to a Bach party? Probably not.

6:00pm

Emerald Bay beach bonfire: About a 20 minute Uber ride from the resort, Emerald Bay is a private beach with unreal views of Laguna cliffs and ocean views. The bride has some very good family friends who live in the community and kindly gave us access to a bonfire and cocktail/appetizer set up.

9:00pm

Dinner at Javier’s: Made famous by the TV show The Hills, Javier’s whips up some damn good Mexican food. This is where you go if you want to see and be seen while having a marg on the side.

Midnight

Dancing at Skyloft: Because tequila shots and dancing until the wee hours are what Bachelorette dreams are made of.

Sunday

8:00am

Beach walk with the girls: Waking up early after a late night doesn’t always feel good, but I was glad to sweat out some alcohol on a beautiful beach walk before the flight home!

11:00am

Check-Out: Departure is such sweet sorrow, but I welcome a return to Monarch Beach any day!