There are few places in the world that are more iconic than Santa Monica Beach. As local residents, it can be easy to take this three-mile stretch for granted, however the indelible images—the boardwalk, the pier, the Ferris wheel, the incline, the ocean, the sand, the sunsets—represent Los Angeles’ eternal allure on a grand international scale. And although there have always been nice hotels along this coveted coastline, it has been years since a true luxury property has come along worthy of the destination’s resplendent delegation. Thankfully, we now have Regent Santa Monica Beach.
Located at the site of the classic Loews hotel, Regent Santa Monica Beach opened in October to much fanfare—and a 500-person party complete with elaborate musical performances and an aerial drone show. There is a lot to celebrate. Not only is this the Regent’s first and only opening in the Americas since the brand was acquired by IHG Hotels & Resorts in 2018, but this is also a reintroduction of sorts to Los Angeles—its former US flagship, the Regent Beverly Hills of Pretty Women fame, became a Four Seasons more than 30 years ago.
“It is an honor to reintroduce this legacy brand to Southern California and ignite a new era of unforgettable memories for our guests in Santa Monica,” says General Manager Younes Atallah. “Our resort captures the unique allure of Santa Monica in a serene setting where you can disconnect from the outside world and experience Regent’s legendary hospitality on your terms.”
Intended to be both a premiere travel destination as well as a local community hub, the elegant beachfront resort combines old school Hollywood glamour with the understated splendor of the Southern California coast. Public spaces have been designed by renowned San Francisco studio AvroKO, with creative details reflecting boat sails, the sparkling Mediterranean and sandy textures found in the natural beauty of the sea. Upon entering the impressive marble-clad lobby, the eye is immediately drawn upwards to the dramatic 104-foot-high atrium, perhaps the only feature from the Loews hotel that is recognizable following the property’s $150-million renovation. Framed brass archways, yacht-inspired wooden flooring, sinuous low-slung furnishings and deep green hues coupled with gold- and cream-colored accents complete the bright and airy scene.
The 167 rooms and suites, meanwhile, were done by Wimberly Interiors, an international firm with offices in LA. The rooms are luxuriously spacious, especially for Santa Monica standards, with base options starting at 720 square feet. All come with entry foyers and separate living areas, and most have balconies and panoramic views of the Pacific Ocean, the beach, and the pier. The spa-like bathrooms come complete with soaking tubs, walk-in rain showers, Perricone MD products and Dyson hairdryers, while a complimentary Refreshment Gallery features beverages and snacks curated ahead of arrival according to guests’ personal tastes. Like the Loews, the hotel is notoriously pet-friendly, with personalized doggie beds, water dishes and other fun features available on request. It is also extremely welcoming to children and families, with specialized kids programming and a range of Cybex strollers available—perfect for hitting the boardwalk—as well as Nestig 3-in-1 Wave Cribs, which can adjust up to toddler beds. For more space, the Santa Monica Presidential Suite boasts 3,200-square-feet of opulent living area, while the Oceanfront Atrium Suite spans 2,180-square-feet across the second and third floors, with two bedrooms and direct ocean vistas.
For those who want to venture outside of their rooms—or locals looking for a perfect spot for a power lunch, dinner night out or a weekend brunch—the epicurean offerings at the hotel are also world-class. The signature restaurant, Orla, as well as adjacent Orla Bar, are both helmed by James Beard Award-winning chef Michael Mina, who blends the beloved flavors of the Mediterranean and his native Egypt with the unsurpassed quality of California ingredients. Meals begin with mezze dishes such as Hamachi crudo, Greek salad, zucchini fritters and kataifi-wrapped prawns before moving onto mouthwateringly fresh seafood entrees like phyllo-crusted dover sole and sizzling king crab or black harissa-grilled lambchops, roasted chicken and a kebab platter for two. For more casual fare, visit Sweet July Café, an eatery and marketplace from lifestyle entrepreneur Ayesha Curry (the original location is in the Bay Area) that sells her best-selling coffee and teas alongside seasonal dishes and grab-and-go items. Or stop by Azure Bar, located by the picturesque outdoor swimming pool, for drinks and small bites such as salmon poké, salads and—of course—the perfect hotel burger. Stylish lounge chairs and cabanas are also available, and a designated butler will help guests set up chairs and umbrellas by the beach.
But perhaps the jewel in the crown—particularly for Brentwood residents—is the stunning Guerlain Wellness spa. The first location on the west coast for the famed French beauty brand (and only the fourth in the country after the Plaza New York, Raffles Boston and the Breakers Palm Beach), the 10,000-square-foot sanctuary is unlike anything on the westside, and maybe the entire city. Echoing the feel of the lobby with sandy tones, blonde woods, greige stone and natural linen, the soft shades and pure materials wrap guests in a cocoon of rejuvenation and relaxation. There are 12 treatment rooms (including a double VIP suite), as well as dedicated female and male areas with Jacuzzis, saunas and steam rooms. Services have been developed specifically for the destination, all incorporating Guerlain’s innovative face and body products. The Solar Shape, for example, is designed for pre- or post-sun, and begins with dry brushing followed by radio frequency sculpting and toning on the entire body. Or try Cristal Vibes, a sensory experience that offers a sound bath while lying on a bed of labradorite and ends with a luxurious facial massage. After treatments, visit the beautifully appointed lounge where complimentary champagne can be enjoyed while sampling a range of Guerlain products, which are of course also available for purchase on your way out.
“Regent Santa Monica Beach is a place where locals and visitors alike can unwind and experience the best of the westside,” says Atallah. “For those looking for a luxury staycation or a spot to host visiting family and friends, our iconic oceanfront location provides the perfect backdrop.”
1700 Ocean Ave., Santa Monica; 310-458-6700; santamonica.regenthotels.com
“Regent Santa Monica Beach is a place where locals and visitors alike can unwind and experience the best of the westside."