Malibu oozes sun, surf and Hollywood glamour. Bordered by the Pacific Ocean on one side and the Santa Monica mountains on the other, this exclusive community offers visitors a seductive escape from the hubbub and traffic of LA. Previously part of a 13,000 acre ranch, Malibu as we know it, did not exist until 1929 when the first homes were built in an area named Malibu Colony. From its inception, it was exclusive with stars like Charlie Chaplin, Gary Cooper and Bing Crosby building summer or permanent residences along this beautiful stretch of California coastline. Today, the area is a west coast equivalent of the Hamptons, with many renting homes or staying in the area’s unique boutique hotels during the summer months.
Just an hour from LAX, Malibu is home to some of the regions most beautiful hiking trails, best surf breaks, and inviting accommodation. LIV recently spent a weekend exploring Malibu and discovered easy, breezy examples of west coast style at every turn.
Little Beach House Malibu
Seductive and intimate, Little Beach House Malibu offers locals a delicious taste of Soho House charms with their newest property. Billed as a “small local club for the creative community”, membership is exclusive. Previously the restaurant Nikita, Montalba Architects transformed the space into the pinnacle of beach house chic perfectly embodying the understated elegance of the Soho House Brand – comfortable and privileged.
Surfrider Motel
We LOVED this 1953 hotel re-imagined as a chic surf lodge. Boasting only 20 light-filled rooms, this is the perfect place to hang your head after hanging 10 at any of the nearby surf breaks. The hotel provides ample storage for surfboards and SUPs and also has a vintage Landrover that transports guests to the best surf breaks in the neighborhood.
Native Hotel
Revert to true mid-century ways at the Native Hotel. Each one of the 13 elegantly and sparely decorated rooms boasts a King-sized bed with Caspar mattress and a private patio replete with hammock. Originally built in 1947 as the Malibu Riviera, the property was renovated and reopened in 2017. There is no TV or AC, so take the time to chill outside after a sun drenched day at the beach. For breakfast, head outside to the hotel’s parking lot where Chef Ludo Levebvre’s converted airstream trailer serves up coffee and sweet and savory waffles – perfect for carbo loading before your next surf sesh.
Cover Image Source: Unsplash
