“This Japanese-style inn is located on the coast of Malibu, California. The custom-designed guestrooms feature sweeping skylights, a private deck and ensuite fireplace; book a Beachfront Room for sea views. Sample Japanese-Peruvian fusion cuisine at the seaside restaurant; an exclusive beach break.”

Hotel review

Located in a remodelled 1950s motel, this uber-exclusive Japanese-style beach hideaway has made waves in the Los Angeles hotel scene since its opening in 2017. Discretion and privacy are a premium on the VIP stretch of the Malibu coastline, and this hotel gives little away, with just an email address for enquiries. What we do know is that the hotel complex takes its inspiration from traditional Japanese hospitality; soaking tubs, serene patios and indoor/outdoor fireplaces seek to create the ultimate relaxation experience for guests. Visitors can request beachfront rooms that offer direct beach access, first-floor ocean rooms that have beautiful views, or garden suites with a private terrace. Interiors boast a painstaking attention to detail with luxury materials throughout; expect silks, linen, sisal and polished teak. There are understated high-tech features, too, like a switch beside the bed to operate black-out blinds and fireplace controls on an iPad. The sound of the ocean mingles with the trickling of the Japanese garden to create an atmosphere of serenity throughout. The hotel has recently seen the addition of an oceanfront swimming pool, and next door there is a 'nikkei' restaurant offering Japanese-Peruvian fusion food. Breakfast is delivered to guests in a Bento box in the mornings, meaning there is no need to leave your cocoon of comfort until you decide to head out to the beach. An impossibly stylish beach bolt-hole.

HG Staff
HG Staff Review published: 2024-03-07

Recommended for

  • Total relaxation

    • The marriage of Japanese philosophy and a relaxed, Californian atmosphere means this hotel promises total relaxation
  • Romantic Break

    • With its adult-oriented amenities, this hotel scores highly with couples; book an ocean room for romantic views
  • Beach Life

    • Located on an exclusive stretch of the Malibu coast, this hotel makes for a VIP beach break
  • Golf

    • Pack your putts and spend the day on the green at the nearby Perenchio Golf Course; ask the hotel to book ahead for you
  • Museums

    • Visit the Adamson House Museum, a Spanish Colonial Revival beach house now open for home and garden tours
  • Other Activities

    • Go whalewatching at Malibu Bluffs Park, a scenic, waterfront community park
  • Restrictions on children

    • This is an adult-oriented hotel
  • Views

  • Romantic

  • Quiet

  • Rooms with balcony/terrace

  • Designer

  • Barefoot Luxury

  • Sit-out Terrace

  • Intimate

  • Luxury

  • Contemporary

  • Chic

  • Boutique

  • Sea Views

  • On the beach

  • Restaurant

Facilities

  • Rooms

    16 rooms in this hotel
  • Restrictions on children

    This is an adult-oriented hotel
  • Bar

  • Sit-out Terrace

  • Restaurant

  • No pets

  • Rooms with balcony/terrace

  • Fireplace

  • Views

  • Wifi

  • Concierge

  • Suites

  • Garden

  • Swimming Pool

Activities

  • Golf

    • Pack your putts and spend the day on the green at the nearby Perenchio Golf Course; ask the hotel to book ahead for you
  • Museums

    • Visit the Adamson House Museum, a Spanish Colonial Revival beach house now open for home and garden tours
  • Other Activities

    • Go whalewatching at Malibu Bluffs Park, a scenic, waterfront community park

Map & Location

Other reviews

Nobu Ryokan

Symmetry, poetry and natural materials combine in this flawless Japanese-style inn, which was formerly a 1950s motel. Interiors are minimalist bordering on monastic with clean lines, sleek shadows and reflections carefully curated for a sense of calm while textures such as silk, linen, sisal and polished teak provide layer upon layer of comfort.

Originally published by The Telegraph

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