I've been at Marea for almost 13 years now so for anyone who's considering this property as their new residence, or place to live, I can give it an objective, and very enthusiastic high-recommendation. There's a lot of little things here that makes it special and keeps me renewing my lease year-in and year-out. I'll start with a simple example...... The Girls in the Front Office could not be more cordial, friendlier and more welcoming to any new faces, as well as residents like myself, with whom they're probably getting tired of me at this point. However, they never show it and every time I walk into that office, I'm greeted and treated like an old friend, whom they're all happy to see. they always have a kind word for me, inquire as to how I'm doing, and are always ready and willing to help with any issues or concerns I may have in regards to my property here. I've never had any major issues in my 12 years here, but I can tell you that whether it's a routine, maintenance issue, or something more serious such as an issue with an appliance or perhaps a noisy neighbor, it's dealt with immediately and In a very expeditious manner, and the work order is not closed until the issue is resolved to the residents satisfaction. There's always a follow up email or phone call to make sure that the issue hasn't popped up again, and that you're still satisfied with the subsequent result. You can't ask for anything more from the management company than that. One more thing I'd be remiss if I didn't mention, and that is one particular individual by the name of Fernando, who's been in charge of maintenance since I've been there, and who am I am always overjoyed to see when he's sent to work on one of my work orders. A nicer individual you can not meet. He too, always inquiries as to how I am doing on a personal level, and whenever he comes over to fix anything large or small, he invariably asks me if there's anything else that perhaps I forgot to write down that he might take a look while he's here if he's got a moment. Another small, but grand gesture that's meaningful to me, is that EVERY Single Time Fernando has completed even a simple work order for me, he ALWAYS asks if he can take out my garbage or my recyclables or my bottles for me. Even though he's busy and it's often hot outside and I know he's tired, he asks and just that little extra effort and that little extra bit of service, makes me feel special and I truly appreciate the service staff here and the fact that I've got the greatest maintenance man in the world, as well as a real friend. If he's working on it, it's fixed to complete satisfaction on the first visit. Also, and this is very important for somebody like me who does a lot of international travel, which often keeps me away for 2-3 weeks at a time. I have no compunction whatsoever of having Fernando enter my unit , either by himself, or with one of his workers, to work on something simple or, even something that will take a day or two. I absolutely trust him 100% and as long as he is comfortable with his co-worker or any individual he may bring with him on a Job, I'll welcome that person as a family member as well. So honestly, I cannot post anything in the negative review side of the column except for one thing which they have absolutely no control over, the dust. Since there are no, garages that you can rent here, and the Property it's up on a beautiful ravine, overlooking a beautiful golf course and the ocean, we get quite a bit of a breeze here and as arid as it is here in SoCal, it's next to impossible to keep your freshly washed automobile more than a day or two after washing it, but hey, it's a small price to pay. read more

A Wonderful Place to Call Home I have been living at Marea for 6 months and my experience has been wonderful. The highlight for me is the maintenance service crew (Fernando), the supportive property manager (Jane) fantastic amenities, and the positive atmosphere that makes this place a wonderful home. Maintenance Crew: Fernando - Exceptional Service! One of the standout aspects of living here is the fantastic maintenance crew, particularly Fernando. Fernando has been incredibly helpful, friendly, and courteous from day one. No matter the issue, whether it's a minor repair or a more complicated concern, Fernando approaches it with a smile and a can-do attitude. His promptness and efficiency in handling maintenance requests are truly commendable, and it's clear he takes pride in ensuring residents' satisfaction. It felt like my uncle came in to help me fix something in my apartment, what a caring and amazing human being! Amazing Amenities The amenities at Marea are top-notch and contribute significantly to the high quality of life here. The beautifully maintained pool is perfect for a relaxing swim on a hot day, and the adjacent grill area is ideal for weekend/ week night barbecues with friends and family. The cozy outdoor fireplace and gazebo create a lovely ambiance for evening gatherings or quiet moments of reflection - super cozy! I've taken a nap here plenty of times! Oh and if you stay present enough in the moment - you will always hear sound of the birds here! For those who enjoy staying active, the pickleball and tennis court is a great addition, offering a fun way to exercise and socialize. The billiards room is another great feature - big plus! These amenities make living here not just convenient but truly enjoyable. There's also trail that leads to Salt Creek Beach - I've enjoyed a 6 mile hike with kids starting from Marea, fun stops at Ritz & Young's Beach Shack, continuing at Salt Creek Beach, Strands Beach, Headlands, and finishing up with Ice Cream & Affogato at Dana Point Harbor! Truly memorable experience. Supportive Property Management: Jane, the property manager, has been incredibly helpful and supportive throughout my time here. Her dedication to creating a positive living environment is evident in everything she does. Jane is always approachable, responsive, and genuinely cares about the well-being of the residents. Her proactive approach to property management ensures that any concerns are addressed promptly, and her friendly demeanor makes interacting with her a pleasure. Overall Experience: Living at Marea has been a thoroughly positive experience, which I really needed and appreciated during a challenging transition in my life, largely due to the exceptional team of Fernando and Jane. Their dedication to excellent service, combined with the fantastic amenities, great location and easy access to nature, creates a welcoming and enjoyable community. If you're looking for a place to call home that offers both comfort and a sense of belonging, I highly recommend Marea. It's a place where you can truly thrive. read more

I've lived in OC for 25 years, and that includes living in multiple apartment complexes over the years, and nothing beats Monarch Coast Apartments! The experience I have had with Monarch has been smooth, easy, and well taken care of. My leasing specialist was Krystal, and she is the sweetest, easy going girl in the office that I can go to about anything, whether its apartment related or not. She is someone I have found to be a dear friend in because of my pleasant experience at Monarch and so much more. I had to transfer units about a month in, but the process was so smooth and easy. It was unlike any other unit transfer I had experienced than at other apartments I've lived at. She knew what my roommate and I liked, didn't like and what our requirements were. It wasn't even a question about some of the available units to Krystal because she just knew which wouldn't work out, where my roommate and I trusted that because she ended up being right! She is very caring and thoughtful of her resident's wants and needs. The rest of the office is also happy to help with any questions I have, and seem look forward to getting (almost) daily pets from my dog--especially Adam. Maintenance is also always quick to resolve any fixes that need mending, and (I forget his name) always says hi to me every time I see him, which is so sweet! I love being by the trail that backs up to the golf course, and next further to Salt Creek Beach. Yes, there are the apartments "woes" that everyone experiences, i.e. parking, noise, etc., but honestly, I find it pretty quiet and peaceful. I can walk the grounds with my pup, where neighbors are always friendly and pleasant. Don't even question if this place is "too expensive" either, because you get an added bonus which is the beach. The cool sea-breeze you get on a daily basis is well worth it to have clean fresh air. Not to mention, you don't even need to spend a dime driving to the beach and the hassle of parking meters when you could just walk and clear your thoughts. Hands down, Monarch Coast Apartments was an excellent choice for my living needs and couldn't be more thankful. read more

Monarch Coast Apartments has all of the right on-site ammenitites, resides in an absolutely perfect location, and has reasonable pricing for the area. However, this property can be a nightmare at times. The windows in the units all face one another and the balconies are very visable to everyone walking by. The maitenence staff is rude and they are not people you want in your apartment when you are not home. Walls are thin and you can hear the neighbors that are attached to your walls and you can hear people talking/children playing/dogs barking outside. After about 6 months of living there, a few doggy bag stations were finally installed which did little to improve the 'poop' problem (don't walk through any grass areas!). Staff turnover is frequent; the people that worked there when I moved in were no where to be seen when I moved out. Parking is available at the very end of the complex, it can be quite a walk in the dark. The buildings themselves are outdated for the price, although I beleive a few have been remodled and are on the market at quite high prices. An extensive list is provided upon move-out that shows, in detail, what needs to be cleaned before leaving. Don't clean any of it becasue they will charge you regarless. The bill that was received upon move-out was horrendous... about $1 per square foot. They even charged for a 'balcony cleaning.' It is a shame that the property operates as a greedy business in front of their residents. I'm sure Lyon Management does not train their employees to act in such a way... maybe they do not train them at all? God Speed for anyone who has to speak with Carol :) read more

Marea aka Monarch Coast Apartments has been a very pleasant place to live. We are going on year 3 now and couldn't imagine a better location! I mean, c'mon .8 miles to the beach! You can't beat that. Yes there is a ton of construction going on (noise, lack of parking, etc) but I believe there are some cons to wherever you live and this is something we have chosen to not let bother us. There are so many other things to be grateful for. There have also been a few issues with our apartment in the past (roof leak, kitchen & bathroom leaks, broken blinds, etc) but nothing our favorite maintenance crew couldn't handle. Fernando has been an incredible help over the years! You ask, and he's there to fix! He is super friendly and always stops to say hi if you cross paths. I also want to thank Alan for his hard work, we (the 24hr emergency hotline) pulled him out of bed at 2am for a hot water line burst in our kitchen sink that we thought was the end of the world, but he came and fixed that like nothing ever happened. We are so pleased with all the leasing staff here on site, even though they do change it up a bit, but it is so nice getting to know them and being called by your name is a huge plus in my book. Shoutout to Taylor & Alexa! During Quarantine, they amped us up and brought drink and snack service right to your door! Who does that?! We actually kind of miss it! We are super blessed to have such great neighbors in our building. We have made so many new friends that we know will last a lifetime. Also a huge plus how the community is so dog friendly. Thanks Marea! read more

Orange County's BEST KEPT SECRET! I relocated from out of state and had an amazing series of experiences with Lyon Communities' both their Pacific Pointe and Monarch Coast, where I ended up. Thought I would be here short term to look around for something longer term, and love it so much signed a long term lease! You will too! Their onsite staff and executive office, and their online tools are first rate! Very responsive! Very tenant friendly and accomodating! They did everything possible and more to wow me and welcome me home. The Monarch Coast apartment homes are seriously O.C.'s best kept secret...shhhh! Too late! From Jennifer and Christiana, Carol, William, and Chad, these people are terrific, and their property very well maintained and attractive. Even their site maintenance staff is tops. Definitely a great value, and well worth the modestly higher but reasonable leasing rates. I highly recommend that if you are considering apartment complexes, Monarch Coast, Lyon Communities, and all of their properties are excellent. I shopped online, made calls, traded emails, and they even offered and provided photos of the unit I wanted. When I arrived and wanted to make a change, no problem! Made my out of state relocation smooth, simple, hassle free and blew me away...far exceeded my very high expectations. A-List A Plus and happy to share it. Telling my friends and family that I live in paradise. Shop or don't shop, you won't need to consider anything else if you look at Lyon Communities, and Monarch Coast. Woohoo! As good as it gets! JS read more

FER NAN DO Hear me out. We had guests visit us for a few days all the way from Germany. Bought new bath towels for our guests to feel "at home" while so far from their own. Meanwhile, the lint from the towels completely clogged our dryer - dryer wasn't drying. I felt so stressed that we would be hosting international guests who wouldn't be able to wash their clothes properly. My anxiety rose when they showed up to our door step as proper backpackers - one bag, a shirt, a pair of pants, a few socks, and a few undergarments. OH MY. I put in a request to have the dryer fixed, and Fernando showed up in less than 24 hours, tool belt in hand, ready to take action. Not only did he know exactly the problem without hesitation, but he taught me the reason why behind the problem and how to avoid it in the future. I felt like I learned a lot from him. He went out of his way to help me understand the placement of the dryer in accordance with the wall for optimal heating and how best to unclog the filter when lint gets jammed too far. I've lived in many apartments around the world, and this was by FAR the fastest, most effective service I've ever experienced. He stayed for a few minutes to test the heat on the dryer, making sure it was in fact fixed before he left. THANK YOU FERNANDO! SIDE NOTE: I thought slamming a dryer door to close was normal... until Fernando very kindly taught me that it's because the filter is not fitted properly (because of excess lint build up) which triggers the dryer to say "it's not safe to heat". read more

Reflecting on nearly seven years in this wonderful apartment community, it's impossible not to express the genuine sense of home it has become. The beach being just a short stroll away, coupled with the picturesque walking trail, all the beauty of the Dana Point area, it all comes together into such a unique gem of a community. What sets this community apart is not just the physical surroundings, but the authentic warmth of the management team. They go beyond the call of duty, making each resident feel heard and cared for. It's evident that fostering a real sense of community is a priority. Every week they have fun little giveaways in the office, food trucks, get together parties, it's such a fun atmosphere! The amenities, from the gym to the pool area (with an epic big screen), have consistently maintained their appeal, providing both relaxation and recreation. It's a testament to the commitment of the management to keep the living experience top-notch. Marea has been a backdrop for numerous memories and milestones. From casual chats with neighbors to impromptu gatherings, it's the people and the connections that make this place truly special. As I think about the seven years spent here, I'm filled with gratitude for the comforting atmosphere, the lasting friendships, and the countless moments of joy that have made this not just an apartment but a cherished home. read more

My boyfriend and I moved into one of the two bedroom second floor apartments in May after looking at over 26 other locations in the area. We knew right away that it would be a great fit for us, before we had even walked the trail to salt creek beach or explored the area. We were right. The communial facilities are beautiful and very well kept, as is the landscaping, and buildings. They have been replacing patio railings and roofing throughout and maintain the buildings responsibly and often. Our water pressure and temperature are excellent, as well as the indoor climate controls. Our unit included all appliances as well as a washer and dryer which was huge for us, as most of the other locations we looked at did not. We take advantage of the gym and pool, the surrounding restaurants and our proximity to costco, trader joes, movie theater, and shopping. The staff has always made themselves available to us, and are extrememly friendly. They always remember our names and make us feel at home. We especially love Diego in the leasing office!! Our little block of neighbors all get along famously, look out for eachother and each others children, and chat anytime we pass one another. When it comes time to renew our lease we might look into moving into one of the more updated and posh units, but we won't consider leaving this community. read more

Clean, quiet, beautiful apartment and area! My fiance and I moved in in July and our experience couldn't have been better. It checked off all of our desired items for an apartment (CLEAN AIR, walking distance to beach, quiet, spacious, in-unit washer and dryer, fitness center, pool, jacuzzi, you name it) and was well within our budget, especially compared to the crowded, overpriced places we considered up in the Irvine-Newport Beach area. Even though I work in Irvine, the commute (40 minutes) has not been an issue because you get to travel through lovely scenery instead of sitting in traffic. Maintenance has been unbelievably helpful and willing to spend hours working on an issue that others would have walked away from within minutes. No bugs, even in hot weather, and nothing can beat that ocean breeze. It truly feels like a community and everyone stays up-to-date on recent events with their handy app. Looking forward to the upcoming renovations and addition of fitness classes! Coming back home is the best part of the day :) read more

5-Star Review for Fernando at Marea Luxury Apartments I've had the pleasure of interacting with Fernando, the maintenance expert at Marea Luxury Apartments, and I can confidently say he's an absolute gem! Fernando is not only incredibly skilled at what he does, but he also approaches every task with professionalism, efficiency, and a warm, friendly attitude. Whether it's a quick fix or a more complex issue, he handles everything promptly and ensures the work is done to the highest standard. What truly sets Fernando apart is his attention to detail and his willingness to go above and beyond. He doesn't just address the issue at hand--he takes the time to explain what happened and offers tips to prevent future problems. Living in a luxury apartment comes with certain expectations, and Fernando consistently exceeds them. He's an invaluable part of the Marea team, and residents are lucky to have someone so dependable and dedicated. Thank you, Fernando, for your hard work and for making our community feel well cared for! read more

I have lived in the Marea for almost a year, and it has been great. The complex has so many great amenities, and just steps to the beach on the trail. Also whenever I have issues and let the office know, the issue is handled right away of next day. All the employees in the office are friendly and nice. The maintenance staff is also amazing, Juan the main supervisor gets all issues fixed when needed. He always sends over the best guys, and one of them is Fernando. Since I moved here Fernando always fixes all and any issues with no problem, and always has a smile on his face. I always appreciate his effort and hard work. I feel like Fernando is like family at this point, he knows me by my first name and gets all my issues fixed fast. I could not ask for a better maintenance person. They all work extremely hard, and Fernando is just kind, caring, and a happy person no matter what. I truly respect all his hard work, and dedication. read more

My fiancée and I moved into an apartment here about a month ago. We were helped by Diego, who was a great guy to work with - he showed us around for what felt like ages, until we were satisfied - not just one day, but when we came back the next day as well! Though we had some hiccups with the move-in date (as the previous residents needed to stay in our apartment longer), the leasing office team including Adam and Diego were very accommodating to all parties. On move-in day itself, everything ran smoothly - the place was clean and as expected when we walked in. Since we've been here, we've had almost no maintenance issues at all. When we have had problems arise, the maintenance team has been very responsive and quick to fix things. Monarch Coast has plenty of amenities both in the units and across the premises, it's a short walk from Monarch Beach, and we really enjoy calling this place home! read more

I have lived here in Marea for nearly four years. One of the people that has also been here, with service I can count on, has been Fernando Vargas. Not long after I make a phone call about a service need, like: a leak under the sink; A/C not working; a crack in tub; etc., Fernando arrives at my door. He is always prompt and polite. He is kind to my dog, and he leaves my place neat and clean. I appreciate that Lyon has kept Fernando. I wish that Lyon had held on to some if the other quality folks that we have had working for us all. I am not alone in missing the Lyon employees who make us feel that they are working with and for us community members. Fernando contributes to a positive environment here at Marea and a sense of rapport with the community here. Thank you to Fernando -- for he is a reliable and quality member of our community as well! read more

I am writing this review in appreciation for the outstanding service provided by Jonnie and her Lyons Living Team! I really commend the prompt and amazing service I have received with never an issue and the follow up is always on point. They have been beyond amazing to work with. If there is anything I ever need Jonnie makes sure her team is there to help me with a quick turn around time, and the job gets done right! When I first moved in the process was easy and smooth, Jonnie put my mind at ease and called to check in on me multiple times, she made sure everything was perfect before I moved in. Her service still continues and I could't be more happy with choosing this location to live. I would recommend Jonnie and her team to anyone for the experience of peaceful and beautiful living! Thank you for making my lifestyle perfect! read more

I can not say enough good things about the staff here at Monarch Coast Apartments! Particularly Fernando Vargas who is head of maintenance. He has been here as long as I have and has always given us such great service. The first time I ever met him, my husband and I had just moved in in May 2010 and Fathers Day we had to call maintenance after hours because we had stopped up sink. Fernando came and took care of it with a great attitude. I felt so bad. Ever since then he has provided excellent service. He is perfectly professional with the same great attitude. He always shows up the same day or next day and always keeps the place super clean and tidy. He always communicates what he's doing and does whatever is needed fast and complete. People like him are the reason we have stayed so long here at Marea. Thanks Fernando! read more

Seven years in, and this apartment community has become more than just a place I call home - it's been a consistent backdrop to a chapter of my life. Living within walking distance to the beach with a calming trail has added a unique touch to my daily routine. The management team has been reliable and accommodating, making sure any concerns are promptly addressed. The amenities, like the gym and pool, have been reliable spots for relaxation and recreation. Beyond the practicalities, this community has been a canvas for lasting connections and countless moments. From impromptu gatherings to shared sunsets at the beach, it's the kind of place that becomes a part of your story. Looking back on these seven years, I appreciate the genuine sense of community, and the comfortable haven this apartment has been. read more

We just moved into this community a few weeks ago. We had a couple of minor things that needed to be adjusted. A punch list if you will. The head of maintenance, Fernando came over and took care of everything very quickly. A couple of days later I had a question about my hot water heater and ice maker. Again, Fernando came out and took a look. He wound of adjusting my water heater temperature and it took care of my concern. He also replaces my ice maker and now it's working perfectly. Fernando's reviews were a big part of why we chose Marea as our home. It was important to us that if we lived in a large apartment community that it was clean and that we felt we were getting what we pay for. Fernando and team have exceeded our expectations. We are very happy and would recommend Marea to anyone. read more

5 stars for the community, location, and office/maintenance staff. We absolutely loved living here. Taylor in the leasing office worked with us from the time we applied to the time we moved. She was always available and responsive and went out of her way to make sure we felt valued. Definitely refreshing to work with someone like her compared to my experiences in other large complexes. We know we won't get this kind of service and personal touch elsewhere. The community is well maintained, and the maintenance staff is always quick to respond. They take a lot of pride in the upkeep of the community. The proximity to everything Dana Point has to offer and walking distance to the beach are only added bonuses. Definitely recommend this community! We are sad to be leaving. read more