Soak up the sunshine by Oceana’s heated swimming pool. PHOTO COURTESY OF OCEANA SANTA MONICA
The first LXR Hotels & Resorts property in the United States has arrived. Welcome to Oceana Santa Monica.
The Sunset Terrace PHOTO COURTESY OF OCEANA SANTA MONICA
While the stateside expansion of LXR Hotels & Resorts—Hilton’s esteemed collection of independent luxury properties—is already spreading with Seattle’s Hotel 1000 and Crockfords Las Vegas at Resorts World Las Vegas, it’s in Los Angeles the brand chose to make its grand debut. Enter Oceana Santa Monica, an intimate 70-room haven positioned just steps from the sand on Ocean Avenue. Launched in January 2021, the striking saltbox welcomes guests with its ivy-coated exterior and premium service. Drop your ride at valet—we recommend renting a vintage convertible, like the 1965 baby blue Ford Mustang we borrowed from Legends Car & Van Rentals (legendscarrentals.com), to get the true California experience—before heading to your stunning suite. Designed by Anna Busta of New York City’s Busta Studio, each individual accommodation boasts its own unique decor and features. Geometric-clad ceilings, sumptuous beds outfitted in Frette linens, Bottega Veneta bath amenities, coastal-inspired artwork and a library of books in select rooms will leave you feeling like you’re staying in an upscale beach house that’s all your own.
The spa treatment room. PHOTO COURTESY OF OCEANA SANTA MONICA
Once settled, it’s time to explore. The oblong pool, around which the open-air property is built, beckons below where daybeds provide sun-kissed relaxation. Grab a bite poolside from the guest-exclusive menu curated by chef Raphael Lunetta (we’re partial to the jidori chicken sandwich and Chop It Up salad), or retreat to the on-site spa and salon, where massages, facials, hair and barber services, mani-pedis and makeup application will help get you prepped for the adventure ahead. The LXR brand is all about curating memorable experiences, and we highly recommend utilizing Oceana’s deft concierge team to set up a day or night you won’t soon forget. On our trip, the team had us transported by a private BMW to the nearby Santa Monica Airport for a 45-minute helicopter tour of Los Angeles, where sights included everything from the shores of Malibu to Dodger Stadium. Then, it was off to an ultraluxe dinner at Nobu Malibu.
An ocean-view suite PHOTO COURTESY OF OCEANA SANTA MONICA
Wrap up your getaway on Oceana’s second-floor Sunset Terrace and toast to the good life as you take in the crashing waves of the Pacific below. How’s that for California dreaming? hoteloceanasantamonica.com
With an average record of around 280 days of sun per year, Santa Monica affords its residents and visitors plenty of perfect weather in which to enjoy the great outdoors. In that spirit, Oceana Santa Monica has partnered with Malibu Fit Concierge (malibufitconcierge.co) to offer Oceana’s Fit Escapes, a three-day retreat featuring morning hikes, afternoon fitness classes, Whole 30-inspired meals, group yoga sessions and in-room massages. Upcoming dates include Dec. 13 to 16; Jan. 3 to 6; and Jan. 10 to 13. A la carte surf lessons, guided hikes and personal training sessions are also on offer to guests who prefer a more relaxed wellness experience.
Explore with Oceana’s Fit Escapes PHOTO COURTESY OF OCEANA SANTA MONICA
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