Sandbourne Santa Monica
Bohemian Minimalism on Ocean Avenue
A Reinvention by the Sea
Once the nondescript 90s Le Merigot Hotel, the newly unveiled Sandbourne Santa Monica emerges as a bohemian-chic beachfront retreat, its whitewashed minimalism and earthy textures redefining the Ocean Avenue strip. Reimagined by Icelandic architect Gulla Jónsdóttir, the design invites guests to engage all five senses—through sculptural accents, natural tones, and a rhythm that echoes Santa Monica’s surf and sun.
Design as Sensory Experience
Step into the double-height lobby and you’re welcomed by sandalwood-floral incense, white concrete columns sculpted into art, and a gallery curated by Paris-based Louis Dimension, showcasing works by Sabine Blanchard and Patrick Montagnac. Creativity flows into the everyday: a ceramist-in-residence, Patrick Johnston, throws clay in the lobby, his pieces finding a home throughout the property. The aesthetic is serene but alive, minimal yet tactile.
Dining with Depth
At Marelle, named “star of the sea,” Santa Monica native chef Raphael Lunetta crafts a culinary journey that mirrors the coast—fresh, intimate, and expressive. The restaurant contrasts the hotel’s airy palette with deep, earthy tones and Brutalist-style windows framing the Pacific, creating a moody, modern dining stage where coastal flavors shine.
Rooms & Coastal Calm
Guestrooms embrace sand-colored palettes, olive-toned wool and silk rugs, and bespoke furnishings, blending natural textures with sculptural design. New patio doors extend the interiors outward, framing ocean light and views. It’s a retreat that’s minimalist yet warm, deeply connected to its setting.
An Outdoor Oasis Reimagined
Jónsdóttir’s transformation of the pool deck—relocating a central staircase to make way for poolside cabanas, fire pits, and a cabana bar—creates a fluid connection to the beach. The redesign is at once functional and atmospheric, shifting the focus from obstruction to openness, from utility to leisure.
DNA Hotels Verdict
Sandbourne Santa Monica is not just a redesign—it’s a rebirth. A gallery, retreat, and coastal escape in one, it reframes Santa Monica’s beachfront hospitality with a blend of artistic energy and minimalist calm. For travelers seeking sun and style with a creative edge, it’s a destination in its own right.
