Santa Monica Proper

Santa Monica Proper introduces a looser kind of luxury to Santa Monica. Here, within walking distance to the beach, each of the 271 rooms, suites and spaces successfully optimise the city’s abundant ocean breezes and natural light, while the interior design finds inspiration in the organic tones and textures of the local coastline. Santa Monica Proper beckons guests with the only rooftop pool deck on the Westside, complete with Balearic restaurant, bar, and cabanas, where guests are front-row for sunsets over the Pacific; meanwhile, the landmark restaurant, Onda, marks an iconic collaboration between James Beard award-winning chefs Jessica Koslow and Gabriela Camara. With an emphasis on Eastern inspired wellness, the hotel’s Surya Spa, offers custom-designed Ayurvedic programs supporting physical, mental and spiritual health.

Using Santa Monica as muse, international design visionary Kelly Wearstler took cues, motifs and hues from classic Santa Monica history. With room designs distinct to each building, these clean-lined environments are grounded in a bold, neutral scheme of subtle organic textures, materials, and natural elements: sandy palettes, light hardwoods underfoot; grass cloths, and floor-to-ceiling windows. To further enhance the site-specific, artisanal feel in public spaces, Wearstler has collaborated with the finest names in L.A. art for original artworks and monolithic installations, such as Ben Medansky, Morgan Peck, Tanya Aguiniga, Len Klikunas, and Bradley Duncan.

The district around 7th and Wilshire is a rising hub of creative energy with upscale conveniences and wellness activities in any direction —and the beach and bike path only blocks away. Walk to boutique shopping, studios, health-conscious cafes; and eclectic fine dining, as well as the world class Wednesday Farmers Market. This close to the beach, guests are front-row for rooftop sunsets over the Pacific.

Design: Kelly Wearstler
Photography: The Ingalls