Archive for the ‘Shutters on the Beach’ Category

Oh, summertime. The long weekends, the sunshine, the lazy Sundays, the sand and sea pilgrimages…all ingredients of the perfect season. So what better way to spend a romantic weekend on the coast then down south in sunny Santa Monica?

 Though undeniably charming and perfectly located, this seaside community can also get run over with tourist and traffic in the summer months. If you’re looking for some exclusive R&R, you’ll need to plan ahead.

Shutters on the Beach, a Santa Monica staple, is like renting your own private beach home with all the amenities and privacy of a five-star hotel. Perfectly situated ON the beach (they aren’t kidding with that name tag), many rooms have full views to the sand and crashing waves right on the hotel’s doorstep. But if bike cruisers, sunbathers and rollerbladers aren’t your scene, you can take it all in from the comfort of your balcony, or enjoy one of the delightful attractions on property.

Recommended Resort:  Shutters on the Beach. Michael S. Smith designed the hotel’s “Low Key, High Style” ambience of casual beach chic. Sandals and shorts may be the norm here, but chances are they came from some big designer on Rodeo. But despite the price tag, it’s all pretty chill in this relaxed environment, with plenty of inspiration for taking off the shoes and kicking back. Features in the light and airy rooms and suites include John Robshaw comforters, Tibetan rugs, hardwood floor, bookcases stocked with a library and keepsakes, an entertainment center with a flat screen TV and iPod docks, iPads (suites only), and a marble bathroom with its own TV, whirlpool tub and complimentary candle.

Check In:One Pico Boulevard in Santa Monica. 310-458-0030, shuttersonthebeach.com.

Check Out:  ONE the Spa. Indulge in one of the hotel spa’s signature treatments, like BEACH BUFF, 90 minutes of bliss with a Swedish massage and scrub and buff with Re-Texturizing Sea Mineral Body Scrub. Or try BODY A.R.T., a luxurious African Red Tea treatment by Ole Henriksen that includes a massage with self-heating body souffle and lavender oil, exfoliation with sugar scrub and a tropical rain rinse.

Don’t Miss: Weekend Brunch at Coast. The ultimate in beach casual dining, this scrumptious venue looks straight out of Nantucket. Overlooking the boardwalk and beach, the sun fills the oceanfront windows with natural light. The food is equally as pleasant, with all your brunch favorites and plenty of flowing mimosas. Make a reservation, this popular eatery fills up fast on the weekends!

Blog Post by Always a Bridesmaid Columnist Darren Elms.

Photos courtesy of Shutters on the Beach.

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