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I t's unusual to feel homesick after completing a vacation, but a stay at the Montage Laguna Beach can evoke just that feeling. The entire experience at the pristine oceanfront resort in Orange County is so per- sonalized, the décor is so warm and inviting, and the friendly staff is so antic- ipatory about guests' individual desires, that the result is an upgraded version of being in your own home. Managing Director Rick Riess strives to surprise guests with a customized experience that allows for complete rejuvenation by unwinding at the award-winning spa, spectacular pool or gorgeous beaches, dining in the cre- ative restaurants, or through learning new skills—from stand-up paddle- boarding, to hiking to wine tasting. "Life is full of choices, and we give guests the luxury of not having to think," he says. Examples of special touches include family photo sessions on the bluff over the ocean, and during the holidays, storytelling around the fire pits at sunset with hot cocoa, cider and cookies, and a Santa Claus tuck-in, where children are astonished by a knock on their hotel room door when Santa arrives to read them, "'Twas the Night Before Christmas" with milk and cookies. Personal shoppers take guests to South Coast Plaza, or help them select items from the resort's carefully curated shops. A driver takes guests to a nearby surf shop, where they can learn to surf gentle waves. Staff is highly trained and guests' needs and preferences are stored in a database. Upon arrival, those with children are warmly greeted with a red wagon full of stuffed sea creatures, and the children pick out their favorite buddy. All guests are personally escorted to their rooms by the front desk staff, and MONTAGE LAGUNA BEACH L a g u n a B e a c h , C a l i f o r n i a B Y S A B R I N A S P E I D E L D E S T I N A T I O N S C A R M E L M A G A Z I N E • W I N T E R 2 0 1 5 177 Photos: Courtesy of Montage Laguna Beach