The 8 Best 5-Star Resorts in California in 2025 | Pure Indulgence

We found the most sought-after and best 5 star resorts in California that offer the height of luxury and comfort alongside some of the best food in the entire country.

Finding the perfect luxury escape in California isn’t just about securing a place to sleep; it’s about choosing an experience that, in a way, reshapes what a vacation even feels like.

The best 5 star resorts California offers don’t just feature plush rooms and breathtaking views; they serve up an entire world where every small detail, from the scent of the lobby to the thread count of the sheets, feels meticulously curated for pure indulgence.

Methodology

To determine the best 5-star California resorts, we sifted through endless guest reviews on Tripadvisor and Google Reviews, looked at the overall consistency of service, and considered amenities that, in some respects, go beyond what most high-end places offer.

These 5 star resorts California are where sophistication meets relaxation, with just the right mix of exclusivity, comfort, and jaw-dropping locations.

Please note that some links below are affiliate links, which means that we receive a small commission if you make a purchase through our links, but at no extra cost to you. Thank you in advance for your support!

The 8 Best 5-Star Resorts in California

8. Waldorf Astoria Monarch Beach Resort

Google Reviews Score: 4.7 out of 5.0
Location: Check on Google Maps

Imagine waking up to ocean air that’s crisp but just a little salty, stepping onto a balcony that practically hands you a front-row seat to the Pacific. That’s pretty much what you’re signing up for at Waldorf Astoria Monarch Beach Resort.

Rooms come with terraces that seem to stretch endlessly toward the horizon, and suites offer, frankly, an almost absurd level of comfort. The infinity pool feels like it was designed specifically for long, lazy afternoons, while the private beach club adds an extra layer of exclusivity.

Food? Well, that’s a whole different conversation. The on-site dining veers toward refined without feeling too formal, with options ranging from fresh seafood to high-end steakhouse fare.

And if you’re the type who prefers to stay active, the championship golf course is basically begging for an afternoon tee time. Nearby, Dana Point Harbor offers whale-watching excursions, charming boutiques, and waterfront dining, making this 5 star resort California a well-rounded pick.

Reviews & Latest Price on TripAdvisor

7. The Lodge at Torrey Pines

Google Reviews Score: 4.7 out of 5.0
Location: Check on Google Maps

For those who prefer a resort that, in a way, feels more like an extension of its natural surroundings, The Lodge at Torrey Pines offers a rustic-meets-luxury experience that, honestly, hits differently.

Set against the backdrop of the legendary Torrey Pines Golf Course, this place delivers that rare balance between laid-back and sophisticated.

The rooms lean heavily into Craftsman-style aesthetics, meaning warm woods, rich earth tones, and oversized balconies where, as a matter of fact, the ocean seems to stretch on forever. For anyone who appreciates the outdoors, the resort sits near Torrey Pines State Reserve, a place where hiking trails wind through rugged cliffs and drop off into striking ocean views.

Food at A.R. Valentien, the resort’s signature restaurant, is, in other words, a non-negotiable experience. With locally sourced ingredients turned into works of culinary art, every dish feels thoughtfully prepared.

Between the spa, the golf, and the fact that it’s nestled in La Jolla—a place that could be described as the epitome of coastal elegance—this 5 star California resort delivers a stay that’s both polished and grounded.

Reviews & Latest Price on TripAdvisor

6. Meadowood Napa Valley

Google Reviews Score: 4.7 out of 5.0
Location: Check on Google Maps

Meadowood isn’t just a resort—it’s, in some respects, a portal into everything that makes Napa Valley legendary. Rolling vineyards, towering oaks, and a sense of privacy that, quite frankly, makes you forget the rest of the world exists.

The accommodations are a mix of cozy yet utterly refined cottages and spacious suites that feature fireplaces, oversized soaking tubs, and terraces that offer, at times, panoramic vineyard views.

Guests can partake in private wine tastings, indulge in spa treatments that seem almost too relaxing, or dine on farm-to-table cuisine that highlights the best of what Napa’s local purveyors have to offer.

And let’s not forget the outdoor pools and croquet lawns, which add a slightly nostalgic, country-club charm to the place. Being located just minutes from some of the most iconic wineries in California makes this one of the best 5 star resort in California and a the go-to destination for anyone who appreciates a perfectly aged bottle of wine and a weekend of absolute serenity.

Reviews & Latest Price on TripAdvisor

5. Montage Laguna Beach

Google Reviews Score: 4.7 out of 5.0
Location: Check on Google Maps

At the Montage Laguna Beach, you’re perched on a bluff that drops dramatically into the Pacific, with waves crashing against the shore in the most cinematic way possible.

The resort’s aesthetic is effortlessly coastal, with floor-to-ceiling windows making the ocean feel like an extension of your living space. Guests can pick between well-appointed rooms, larger-than-life suites, or private bungalows that offer an almost surreal level of seclusion.

The pools, flanked by plush cabanas, invite all-day lounging, while the on-site restaurants make sure you’re never far from a perfectly plated seafood dish. The spa? Let’s just say it’s one of the best in Southern California, offering treatments that might just erase every ounce of stress you walked in with.

For those looking for an escape that’s as scenic as it is luxurious, this 5 star resort California is a clear winner.

Reviews & Latest Price on TripAdvisor

4. Ojai Valley Inn

Google Reviews Score: 4.8 out of 5.0
Location: Check on Google Maps

The Ojai Valley Inn is part serene countryside retreat, part luxury hideaway, and in many ways, exactly what a high-end California escape should feel like.

The resort’s design leans into its Spanish heritage, with whitewashed buildings, hand-painted tiles, and cozy courtyards that seem made for long, wine-filled evenings. The rooms? Spacious, elegant, and peppered with little touches that make them feel less like hotel suites and more like private residences.

Then there’s the spa, a destination in its own right, where wellness isn’t just a service—it’s practically a religion. Outdoor pools glisten under the Ojai sunshine, while world-class golf and equestrian trails cater to those who prefer their leisure with a side of activity.

And, if you’re up for a little exploring, Ojai’s charming downtown is packed with boutique shops, artisan galleries, and restaurants that rival anything found in LA. It’s no wonder this 5 star California resort is a go-to for those looking to unwind in a way that feels effortless.

Reviews & Latest Price on TripAdvisor

3. CordeValle

Google Reviews Score: 4.8 out of 5.0
Location: Check on Google Maps

CordeValle is a five-star gem hidden in the foothills of the Santa Cruz Mountains, where rolling vineyards meet one of the most pristine golf courses you’ll ever lay eyes on.

The accommodations range from intimate bungalows to sprawling fairway homes, each one offering just enough seclusion to make you feel like you’ve found your own private oasis.

Floor-to-ceiling windows ensure you’re never far from a breathtaking view, and the oversized soaking tubs? Well, let’s just say they were designed for long, unhurried evenings.

Dining here feels distinctly personal, with menus that change based on what’s freshest and locally available. The spa is one of those places where you walk in tense and leave feeling like an entirely new person.

And while the resort itself is a haven, the surrounding area offers a treasure trove of wineries and hiking trails for those who like their luxury with a side of adventure, making it one of the best 5 star resort in California for those looking for understated opulence.

Reviews & Latest Price on TripAdvisor

2. The Resort at Pelican Hill

Google Reviews Score: 4.8 out of 5.0
Location: Check on Google Maps

Pelican Hill is an experience that makes you feel like you’ve been transported to an Italian seaside escape, right in the heart of Orange County.

The architecture leans heavily into European influence, with grand colonnades, terra-cotta rooftops, and fountains that practically beg for a slow afternoon stroll.

The accommodations? Well, let’s just say calling them “rooms” doesn’t quite do them justice. From the ultra-lavish bungalows to the massive, impeccably designed villas, every single space is created for indulgence.

Of course, there’s the legendary Coliseum Pool—a massive, perfectly circular infinity pool that might just be the most Instagram-worthy body of water in California.

The golf course is another highlight, ranked among the best in the state, while the spa takes relaxation to almost ridiculous levels. With ocean views, top-tier service, and dining that feels more like an event than a meal, this 5 star resort California is the kind of place where expectations aren’t just met—they’re completely redefined.

Reviews & Latest Price on TripAdvisor

1. Rancho Valencia Resort & Spa

Google Reviews Score: 4.8 out of 5.0
Location: Check on Google Maps

We think the Rancho Valencia is truly the best 5 star resort in California.

The resort’s Mediterranean-inspired architecture is complemented by lush gardens, bubbling fountains, and an overall ambiance that seems to wrap you in warmth the second you step onto the property.

Every accommodation here is a suite, which means more space, more privacy, and a level of attention to detail that feels almost excessive (but in the best possible way).

The spa is award-winning, the dining leans heavily into farm-to-table excellence, and the tennis courts? Let’s just say they’re good enough to host professional tournaments.

Rancho Valencia is a place where wellness meets indulgence, where mornings start with fresh-pressed juice and end with world-class wine. For those who expect nothing but the best, this 5 star resort California delivers an experience that’s simply unmatched.

Reviews & Latest Price on TripAdvisor

Articles You Might Also Like