The only resort in California to receive the 2007 Mobil Travel Guide Five-Star Award, the St. Regis Resort Monarch Beach offers breathtaking views from its perch on an oceanside bluff along the world-famous Pacific Coast Highway. Situated in Dana Point, an exclusive beachside community with quaint shops and a majestic harbor, the St. Regis prides itself on personalized service.

With Tuscan-inspired architecture reminiscent of a grand European estate, the resort is lush with elegant fountains, soaring palm trees, and flower-filled courtyards. In addition to 74 large suites, the St. Regis has 326 guest rooms averaging a generous 535 sq. ft. Each room features a spacious balcony, five-fixture marble bathrooms with double vanity, goose-down comforters, plush robes, three telephones, a CD/DVD audio system and library, a digital movie system, and other niceties.

Taking care of business is easy with in-room high-speed internet access, safes designed for laptops, and wireless keyboards; wi-fi in public areas; and a Business Center staffed and equipped to meet your needs.

Here are some highlights of this unique property.

With fresh flowers and aromatherapy oils, warm natural light, and three-story water walls and waterfalls, the resort’s award-winning Spa Gaucin soothes the senses. Its massage, hydrotherapy, Solace Trios, exfoliation, wrap, and facial treatments originated in locales from the Southern California coast to the springs of Hungary. Signature treatments include California Coast Facial for a longer-lasting tan, Ultralift Facial for an anti-aging effect, Aromatherapy Massage with aromatic essential oils, Coastal Stone Massage with smooth, heated stones, and AHA Illumina Facial Treatment with time-released alpha hydroxy acids.

The 30,000-sq.-ft. spa has 25 treatment rooms, including three couples’ rooms and four with marble fireplaces. Men’s and women’s locker rooms each feature sauna, steam room, herbal sauna, whirlpool, and lounge. Yoga and aerobics classes are taught in the Movement Studio. The spa also incorporates hair styling, make-up, manicure, and pedicure stations and a boutique.

Conveniently located on the resort premises, the Monarch Beach Golf Links promises a memorable game with the Pacific Ocean as a backdrop and two holes on the coastline. Designed in Scottish links tradition by Robert Trent Jones Jr., the 69.2-rated championship course on a 128 slope offers a challenge for all levels of golfers with undulating greens and gathering bunkers. The 70-par course was a stop on the PGA Tour for the Hyundai Team Matches and is rated among the top golf courses for women.

In addition to the lap pool, the St. Regis has a family-oriented Lagoon Pool, a children’s pool, and the main pool with daily cabana rentals. For the ultimate in relaxation, each cabana includes a ceiling fan, flat-screen TV, DVD video system, and CD stereo, and if you need to check in with the office, there’s a phone, fax, and wi-fi access.

Exclusive to resort guests, the Monarch Bay Club is accessible by complimentary tram to a landscaped nature trail. On the 6.1-acre private beach, butlers will indulge your every whim, from food and beverage services to kayak rentals. You can even reserve a personal surfing lesson, though it might take a brave soul to enter the cool Pacific water in November.