About The ranch
Coastal cool has a new home at The Ranch at Laguna Beach—the newest Laguna Beach private resort and luxury hotel. Secluded within a peaceful blend of canyon and sea, our authentic private resort invites guests to get caught up in the world of a Laguna local that’s off the beaten path in every sense.
Grafted into the Laguna culture and notched into the perfect convergence of land and sea, a stay at The Ranch LB is a microcosm of the best of Laguna in one organic, refined place. Our staff offers an insider’s take on hidden surf spots, shops and specialty galleries. This laid-back luxury hotel speaks to the Laguna mindset.
The Ranch at Laguna Beach is a member of National Geographic Unique Lodges of the World, a prestigious collection of lodges spanning 30 countries and 6 continents. Like The Ranch at Laguna Beach, these properties were handpicked by National Geographic for their exceptional guest experience and their strong commitment to sustainable practices. We each embody the values of National Geographic: authenticity, enrichment, and a dedication to preserving our planet’s natural and cultural heritage.
This year, we ranked on Condé Nast Traveler’s list of the top 10 in their 2019 Readers’ Choice Awards. We are also proud to be voted Top 10 Resort Hotels in California, in Travel + Leisure's 2020 World's Best Awards.
Resort Highlights
Our resort offers adventure and luxury from canyon to coast. Dine at our signature restaurant Harvest, beach cafe, or opt for an unmatched in-room dining experience on property. From golfing in the canyon to relaxing at the spa, or lounging poolside before drinks by the fire, life is best enjoyed at The Ranch at Laguna Beach.
Sustainability in Action- Located in the Aliso & Wood Canyons
- Access to Aliso Beach
- Outdoor Saline Pool & Hot Tub
- Beach Cafe
- Three Meal Signature Restaurant
- Spa & Fitness Center
- In-Room Dining
- 9-Hole Golf Course
- Check-in: 4:00pm
Check-out: 12:00pm
Our Legacy
Rich in history, the legacy of this land is distinctive, appreciated and showcased throughout the resort. As you stroll the grounds, the history comes alive through historic site plaques, old photo displays and an organic garden where we grow our interpretation of the famous Thurston melons. Our partnerships with Laguna Beach conservation groups provide a wide array of programs to expose, unlock and reveal all that is Laguna.
Our Team
Mark Christy
Mark Christy is a lifetime Laguna Beach resident. He’s active in his beloved town of Laguna Beach as the owner of Hobie Sports, president of Laguna Beach Properties, co-owner of Tuvalu home furnishings, partner in La Sirena Grill and a Realtor with Berkshire Hathaway. As an individual and a businessman, Mark has tirelessly worked toward making Laguna Beach a better place to live and work, donating his personal time and money to various local causes and efforts, including Schoolpower, the Boys & Girls Club, Laguna Beach Little League, numerous educational programs, youth sports organizations and many other local causes.
Mark recently headed up a group of local investors to form Laguna Beach Golf & Bungalow Village, LLC, to purchase the former Aliso Creek Inn, now reborn as The Ranch at Laguna Beach. The vision for The Ranch LB is inspired by the love and respect that the partners have for this iconic property. Together they intend to make this resort an integral part of the Laguna Beach community for generations to come.
“There is something genuinely magical and timeless about this natural setting,” Mark says. “I really don’t believe that there is anything comparable in Southern California. With that in mind, we plan to preserve its integrity while embracing the future.”
Kurt Bjorkman
At the helm as General Manager of The Ranch LB, Kurt Bjorkman has cultivated an atmosphere of exceptional service. Previously, he was the founder and managing partner of over5 Hospitality, a company that caters to real estate developers and independent hotel operators who seek to push the boundaries of the status quo.
Kurt gained valuable insights working with world-class brands, including Norwegian Cruise Lines, the Buena Vista Hospitality Group, The Desert Inn Las Vegas, The Mirage Corporation, Regent International Hotels, Fairmont Hotels & Resorts, Kor Hotel Group, Joie de Vivre Hospitality and Montage Hotels & Resorts. He is currently a featured blogger for Hotel F&B Magazine. This broad experience has given him a unique perspective on the hospitality industry.
Kurt attended Northern Arizona University in Flagstaff.
Laurie Alter
As a native of the city, Laurie Alter lives and breathes Laguna. The coastal-centric design that permeates every space at The Ranch LB comes courtesy of her hand. Laurie is an interior designer by profession and a boutique owner by passion. She founded Tuvalu Home—part décor destination and part design studio—in downtown Laguna Beach in 2003. Laurie’s vision for The Ranch LB was to intermingle the history of the storied property with the comforts of modern day. The overwhelming sense of welcome and warmth she created puts visitors at ease to take pleasure in the many pursuits, from golfing to dining to relaxing at the spa, as if they were enjoying their very own slice of Laguna. In bringing this environment to life through skillful design, Laurie captured the very essence of what The Ranch LB is all about: A place where the Laguna coast, which captivates all who visit, feels so very much like home.
