Ritz-Carlton Laguna Niguel

The Ritz-Carlton Laguna Niguel is an award-winning luxury resort located in Dana Point, California. Situated on a 150-foot-high natural bluff overlooking the Pacific Ocean, this world-class resort offers breathtaking panoramic views of the coastline. The challenge for this project was to create a large-scale hotel that seamlessly blended with its surroundings while adhering to height restrictions imposed by the California Coastal Commission. 

The client’s vision was to develop a luxury resort that provided guests with a sense of privacy, exclusivity, and harmony with the coastal landscape. The project aimed to offer a wide range of amenities and services, while maintaining a simple old-world elegance and charm. 

The design team at WATG chose a Spanish Mediterranean architectural style for the hotel, as it was deemed most suitable for the location. This style, reminiscent of the Mission Period of Southern California, complemented the bluffs and reflected the simplicity and charm desired by the client. The building materials consisted of traditional red tile roofs and creamy beige-colored stucco, further enhancing the aesthetic. 

The California Coastal Commission mandated that the hotel could not exceed 185 feet in height. To meet this requirement, WATG designed the hotel to span a large area while maintaining a low-rise structure. The result was an ‘E’-shaped layout that extended away from the ocean, providing privacy to guests and neighboring residents. 

WATG aimed to incorporate the hotel into the natural landscape rather than appearing perched on top. By utilizing the natural bluff and its commanding position, the design team ensured that the resort seamlessly integrated with the surroundings.  

The Ritz-Carlton Laguna Niguel’s design received numerous awards and accolades. It was recognized as the number one Best Hotel in the Continental United States and Canada by Travel + Leisure magazine, showcasing the success of WATG’s architectural approach.