Shutters on the Beach, Santa Monica

Location 

Just 20 minutes from Los Angeles International Airport, Shutters on the Beach has its toes in the ocean in the affluent neighbourhood of Santa Monica. Nearby attractions include the iconic Santa Monica Pier, the palm-studded Palisades Park, the eye-popping Muscle Beach and the cutting-edge art galleries at Bergamot Station. For a sense of history, check out Chez Jay, a 60-year-old Santa Monica landmark that was a favourite hangout for Sinatra in LA.

Accommodation 

Like their beachfront locale, rooms here are light and breezy; think comfy checked armchairs, cashmere throws, hardwood floors, white tiled fireplaces in the suites, built-in entertainment centres, blue and white pinstriped sheets on the beds and a carefully chosen selection of books on the shelves. For some true California dreaming, open the eponymous shutters in the bathroom, slip into the deep whirlpool bath and gaze straight out onto the ocean. Outside the rooms you’ll find works by Hockney, Lichtenstein and Motherwell on the walls, flowered trellises and a fireplace in the lobby.

Dining 

The upmarket beachfront restaurant One Pico offers a seasonal market menu and a wine list even Californians will admire. For something more laidback, try Coast, the beach café and bar where diners are invited to walk right in off the beach to relax with friends and family over a bottle of chilled Chardonnay or a plate of calamari. For in between meals, the Living Room offers ocean views, sumptuous sofas, an open fireplace and live entertainment.

Facilities 

There’s a freedom here to be as active or as inactive as you want. Idlers can enjoy lounging by the pool in the California sunshine, or book themselves a treatment at ONE the Spa while the more energetic can opt for yoga on the beach, book a surf lesson, rent bikes or work out in the hotel’s private fitness centre.