Regent Santa Monica Beach Has Perfected the Art of Coastal Living in California
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Regent Santa Monica Beach Has Perfected the Art of Coastal Living in California

Framed by Pacific waves on LA’s West Coast, Regent Santa Monica Beach sets a new standard for coastal luxury.

With its prime position overlooking Santa Monica’s celebrated shoreline, Regent Santa Monica Beach offers a reimagining of West Coast hospitality, expressed in its own quiet, inimitable way.

Just steps from the historic Santa Monica Pier – famed for its nostalgic allure and marking the western end of the iconic Route 66 – the resort draws on the rich cultural legacy of its location while bringing Regent’s own storied heritage to life. The result is a standout coastal retreat that sets a new benchmark for understated elegance, enhanced by intuitive service and highly personalized experiences.

With 167 rooms and suites, the first Guerlain Wellness outpost on the West Coast and an inventive dining offering, the hotel stands as Regent’s flagship property in the Americas. Its opening in 2024 followed a meticulous $150m redesign of the former Loews Beach Hotel, marking the brand’s return to the US after a 32-year absence. Since then, the oceanfront sanctuary has quickly established itself among the region’s most distinguished hotels, earning numerous industry accolades and a Michelin Key in its first year.

Whether in Bali or Cannes, every Regent property takes its cues from its surroundings. Regent Santa Monica Beach is no exception. From the light-drenched, atrium-style lobby to the oceanfront pool deck, the interiors channel the easy sophistication of Southern California. Conceived by design agencies AvroKO and Wimberly Interiors, public spaces reference the natural world, with nods to billowing sails, tactile sand textures, and the fluid contours of the ocean.

It’s not just the hotel’s design that impresses. Guests can also expect highly attuned service, brought to life by Regent Experience Managers, who are on hand around the clock to anticipate and curate guests’ needs – from personalized check-ins to bespoke activities. Need a sought-after restaurant booking? No problem. A favorite beverage or specific in-room snack? Consider it done.

The pool at Regent Santa Monica Beach is a scenic spot to watch LA’s cinematic sunset.
Orla by Michael Mina at Regent Santa Monica Beach celebrates the dishes of the acclaimed chef’s childhood.

A taste of place 

From immersive gastronomic events to multi-course meals inspired by local ingredients, the culinary offering is one of the defining experiences at Regent Santa Monica Beach. The signature restaurant, Orla by Michael Mina, sees the acclaimed chef bring together Middle Eastern and Mediterranean influences shaped by the North African flavors of his childhood.

In a dining room that features a striking, custom-made mosaic floor, guests can feast on a menu that celebrates fresh, locally sourced ingredients, many from the neighboring Santa Monica Farmers Market. The ever-evolving menu features vibrant mezze and handmade breads, just-caught seafood, and grilled meats, all framed by views of the Pacific and Santa Monica Pier.

It is the same spirit of culinary creativity that runs throughout Regent as a whole. At Regent Phu Quoc in Vietnam, for instance, immersive Taste Studio events combine gastronomy with inventive art and performance, while Regent Bali Canggu’s Michelin Master Series brings internationally acclaimed chefs to the island. At Regent Hong Kong, meanwhile, award-winning pastry chef Andy Yeung transforms classic patisserie into edible works of art.

The art of coastal wellness 

Wellness is another signature offering of Regent and across its collection, Regent’s luxury spas call on the sensory traditions of each destination: from Balinese healing therapies at Regent Bali Canggu to centuries-old Vietnamese wellness practices at Regent Phu Quoc.

In Santa Monica, the Guerlain Wellness Spa is inspired by the rhythm and energy of the Pacific Ocean. Spanning 10,000 sq ft, the cream-on-cream sanctuary also calls on the expertise of Guerlain, the Parisian beauty house, which dates back to 1828. Offering a choice of nourishing treatments – some exclusive to the property – guests can book advanced therapies, including cryotherapy and Hydrafacials, as well as signature rituals that draw inspiration from Californian culture.

Crystal Vibes is one such treatment. Created for the hotel, it harnesses the restorative power of precious gems, pairing a crystal-filled treatment bed with an immersive sound bath. Solar Shape, meanwhile, is another destination-led treatment, ideal for those post-beach hours to cool and soothe sun-drenched skin.

Tapping into LA’s deep-rooted fitness culture, the hotel’s wellness offering also extends beyond the spa and into the waves with surfing and sailing sessions that immerse guests in the Pacific lifestyle. Time spent on the beach is elevated by Beach Butlers, who offer a fully customized beach experience, from perfectly-place umbrellas to iced drinks delivered to sunbeds.

The luxury of space 

Channelling California’s effortless style, guest rooms have a distinctly residential feel, with spacious entry foyers and living areas. Luxury suites take the experience even further with separate entertaining, dining, and relaxing spaces. Bathrooms are personal retreats, featuring soaking tubs, rainfall showers, and Perricone MD products.

Found on the eighth floor, the Santa Monica Suite is one of the hotel’s most impressive. It offers expansive entertaining spaces, complete with a private cinema for late-night movies and a billiards room for post-drinks games. Floor-to-ceiling windows offer cinematic views throughout the day, while the balcony with firepit, angled perfectly to catch the sunset, is the real highlight.

Whether it is a romantic escape or a multigenerational reunion, Regent Santa Monica Beach allows guests to create that rare thing: meaningful moments together. Here, the laid-back spirit of Southern California meets Regent’s long tradition of thoughtful hospitality, inviting guests to slow down, settle in and experience the coast at their own pace. It’s resort living, redefined.

For more information on Regent properties, click here.