The 4 Best Hotels in Malibu

This private 16-room ryokan-style hotel, located next to the extravagant oceanfront Nobu restaurant, offers guests impressive views. Traditional tatami mats, teak bathtubs, fireplaces and private decks overlooking Carbon Beach are a few highlights of the spacious guest rooms. In addition to ocean activities, guests have access to the Malibu Racquet Club’s fitness room, outdoor courts, steam room and sauna.

Even though the Surfrider Malibu is on the mountain (as opposed to the beach) side of the PCH (Pacific Coast Highway), there are still magical ocean views to be enjoyed. The breezy rooms are designed with California’s beach culture in mind and feature panoramic vistas, spa rain shower heads, picture windows, teak furnishings and private patios, perfectly outfitted for a surf holiday. After a sesh at First Point, guests can grab a quick bite of organic, locally sourced food at the roof deck and bar, which looks out over Malibu Pier and Surfrider Beach.

Since 1937, Calamigos has provided luxury ranch lodging in the Santa Monica Mountains, surrounded by picturesque vineyards and forests. Each of the chic cottages and bungalows are unique and feature fireplaces, private courtyards, wooden decks and maple ceilings. Guests can roam the 250-acre ranch, past the multiple swimming pools with cabanas and the jacuzzi, fire pit, fitness center and full-service spa, or take the shuttle to the Calamigos Beach Club, where there are exclusive dining options and complimentary SUP boards, snorkeling equipment and beach chairs.

Malibu Beach Inn is perched on the rocks above a strip known as Billionaire’s Beach and offers al fresco oceanfront dining and private beach access. Guests can watch the sun set over the Pacific from the balcony or be lulled to sleep by the rumbling waves right outside the window. There’s also complimentary yoga each morning held right on the sand and a spa providing hot stone massages and facials – all with an ocean view.