Shutters on the Beach – Los Angeles, California, USA

Shutters on the Beach – Los Angeles, California is ideal for those looking for laid-back California elegance. With art that includes works by Hockney, Lichtenstein and Motherwell, and a master sommelier on staff, the property takes the craft of living well seriously. Michael S. Smith, the Obama White House interior designer, has made it an oasis of beach chic: guest rooms have hardwood floors, cashmere throws, built-in entertainment centers and shelves stocked with thoughtfully chosen books.

The airy beachside restaurant 1 Pico, and the café-bar Coast encourage lingering. Besides the fitness center, Shutters offers yoga on the beach, bicycle rentals and surfing lessons, as well as preferred appointments at ONE Spa, which has a range of treatments using Kerstin Florian products.

This white and grey shingled hotel, which faces the ocean, is a favourite of locals, tourists and even a few Hollywood celebrities. The hotel’s casual-chic restaurants and bars afford gorgeous sunset views. Guests can step outside straight onto the Santa Monica beach promenade and bicycle trail.

ACCOMMODATION

Of the hotel’s 186 guest rooms and 12 suites, most have balconies as well as whirlpool tubs inside sparkling bathrooms stocked with a treasure chest of luxury bath-and-body products. Michael Smith’s design aesthetic is high-end American beach house, showcasing romantic four-poster beds, walnut desks and nightstands, louvered white shutters, custom-made bed linens and hand-woven Tibetan rugs.

Most of the tranquil rooms make you feel like are staying at your own private beach cottage, and have balconies and white wooden shutters that open to catch the sea breeze.

DINING

You can watch sunset over the Pacific at different venues:

Coast Beach Café & Bar

An inviting beachfront cafe with indoor and outdoor seating, Coast is a relaxed but sophisticated bar offering fresh California dishes. Stop by any time, from early morning to late evening. Special offerings include the impressive Happy Hour, savory weekend brunches and Wednesday Farmer’s Market dinners.

One Pico

Perched above the beach with sweeping ocean views, a burning fireplace and a seasonal market menu, One Pico is your destination for upscale coastal dining. Enjoy the “Love the Grape” menu, a 3-course prix fixe with wine pairings from the monthly featured vineyard, or try the Meat-Free Monday menu featuring new specials each week.

WELLNESS & SPA

ONE SPA is a rejuvenating oasis offering six treatment rooms, including two wet rooms with Shutters’ exclusive tropical rain showers. Relax and unwind with a facial, massage or body treatment; signature therapies feature an exclusive line of Kerstin Florian products. Mani/pedicures and waxing services are also available, as is a fully equipped fitness center.