Sandbourne Santa Monica Opens: A New Era of Coastal Luxury
By Janis Lopez
The much-anticipated Sandbourne Santa Monica has officially opened its doors, offering a transformative hotel experience along the vibrant Ocean Avenue. This beachfront masterpiece, designed by acclaimed Icelandic architect Gulla Jónsdóttir, introduces a unique 175-room coastal retreat that promises to redefine the upscale hotel landscape in Santa Monica. Emphasizing an engagement of all five senses, the hotel combines natural textures, sculptural elements, and Earth tones to create a harmonious indoor-outdoor ambiance.
Design is the cornerstone of Sandbourne Santa Monica. Gulla Jónsdóttir, renowned for prestigious projects such as Comal at Chileno Bay, an Auberge resort in Los Cabos, the Michelin two-star Le Grand restaurant in Paris, Palmilla in Newport Beach, and Esperanza in Manhattan Beach, has crafted an environment exuding peace and tranquility while stimulating the senses. This includes a signature scent developed with Bio Alchemy Olfactive, enhancing the atmospheric journey from the moment guests step through the sculptural archways into the light-bathed lobby. The lobby is adorned with unique artworks, including a mural by artist Guerin Swing made from repurposed fire hoses from the Santa Monica Fire Department, emphasizing upcycling and the flow of water through the Santa Monica basin.
Situated with direct access to the iconic Santa Monica Beach, Sandbourne offers a seamless blend of coastal relaxation and urban excitement. Guests can unwind at the heated pool with lush cabanas and the pool-side Sunset Lounge, or stay active at the state-of-the-art indoor/outdoor fitness center. The hotel’s expansive event spaces, totaling 10,000 square feet, provide an ideal venue for unforgettable gatherings. In 2025, a full-service wellness spa will be added, enhancing the guest experience. Additionally, travelers with dogs will appreciate the private 200-square-foot on-site dog park.
Inside, the hotel transforms into a terracotta-toned sanctuary echoing the natural landscape. The décor features clay pottery and lush plants, enhancing the serene ambiance, and includes a nightly incense ritual welcoming both guests and the public. The terrace and expansive courtyard offer inviting spaces with lush greenery, plush lounge seating, and firepits.
Sandbourne will feature an Artists-in-Residency program, inviting a hand-selected group of ceramics artists to participate in the internal ceramics program. Artists from around the world will have the opportunity to create and showcase their work on the property.
Guests are also invited to engage in a signature activity, Ceramics by the Pool, a 45-minute pinch pot clay class. Guided by a local ceramics artist, guests will learn the art of pinch pot clay and craft their creations, resulting in a unique keepsake from their time at Sandbourne.
The culinary scene at Sandbourne is highlighted by the debut of Marelle, a California-driven restaurant and bar by Santa Monica native and culinary luminary Chef Raphael Lunetta. Under the creative direction of Jónsdóttir, the 187-seat venue combines understated elegance with striking, sculptural designs, including handmade ceramic pendant lamps designed by Jónsdóttir in collaboration with Laviva Home, crafted by their team in Oaxaca, Mexico.
