A new hotel in Santa Monica is cause for a real celebration in our books and the Sandbourne deserves fanfares galore. In fact, we say with a nod to Gershwin, let the drums roll out, let the trumpet call, while the people shout, strike up the band! The old Le Merigot has been magically transformed into a very stylish coastal oasis where urban meets beach to perfect effect. The Sandbourne Santa Monica, just steps from the ocean and the famous pier, has a vibe like no other: a natural ebb and flow from morning to night, a place where the sand, sun, breezes, ocean, all coalesce effortlessly into a familiar nostalgic yet completely new experience of sensations. The hotel has been meticulously designed so that guests can feel every moment, physically and emotionally.

Take the welcome, for example. All guests are warmly greeted with a cocktail and invited to “feel the moment.” The 175 spacious rooms, 330 sq ft at a minimum, are refreshingly done in soft beachy colors and muted relaxing shades. Esteemed designer Gulla Jónsdóttir has artfully used woven fibers and soft linens that coexist harmoniously with sleek, polished surfaces, contemporary art pieces, and minimalist accents. The color palette echoes the natural tones of the sand and sea, punctuated by vibrant hues reflecting the vivacity of city life. Many rooms feature private balconies to step out and take in the picturesque ocean views. Pets are welcome and are treated with special perks.

Marelle, the pretty dining room, where an exquisite culinary experience by chef Raphael Lunetta awaits to offer incredibly good food, and a lush outdoor patio provides a place of serenity and a coastal embrace. We dined like royals on prime Snake River beef carpaccio, spiced chicken meatballs, beet and goat cheese salad, pan roasted rack of lamb and Ora King salmon with sides of mac & cheese, sauteed rapini and crispy Brussels sprouts. The cocktail list is a delight, we recommend an Out in the Cosmos, a zaftig blend of vodka, aloe liqueur eucalyptus bitters, cranberry, lime juice, agave and glitter oil. To their credit the wine list is not a challenge, short and sweet, and well-priced with a glass of Cloudy Bay Sauvignon Blanc at just $18 and a good bottle of Knuttel Pinot Noir at $80.

An upscale, ceramic-ornamented pool, lounge, and cabanas create an idyllic setting for basking in the California sun, while the indoor/outdoor fitness center caters to active wellness. A spa will soon open and given the attention to detail that we have seen, we foresee it being spectacular. This is a balanced retreat of sand and city, delivering a harmonious world-class stay where traditional hospitality is at the beating heart of it all, thanks to people like veteran genius hotelier Bill Doak who masterminded the project, Alberico Nunziata, the gracious manager who epitomizes Italian dolce vita, eagle-eyed Enrique and Benni in the dining room and the lovely Alina, server non pareil. We bedizened viators are apodictic in our praise of this caravansary. The Sandbourne Santa Monica, 1740 Ocean Avenue, (310) 395-9700. www.sandbournesantamonica.com

Happy traveling,
WILLIAM TOMICKI,
Publisher, ENTREE

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