The Vibe: A former motel designed for short stopovers by those taking to the open road, Hotel Joaquin is now a destination travellers won’t want to leave.

The Area: Hidden in plain sight above Shaw’s Cove along the Pacific’s rich coastline.

The DNA: A former roadside motel turned petite resort by Auric Road, lifestyle curators. Layered décor forms the hallmark of this hotel with individually-designed rooms featuring vintage pieces, custom-made furniture and curated artwork. Enjoying a year-round mild climate, guests can cool down in the hotel’s swimming pool and indulge in the slew of beachside and water activities on offer nearby. Open for breakfast, lunch, dinner and drinks, restaurant Saline takes on a Mediterranean culinary journey that is sea-centric; fresh and inspired by the tenor of its salty backyard.

Suite-Me-Up: No suites, but all rooms are differet: go for La Vue for panoramic ocean views through an oversized picture window, Ciel for a stone bath tub and vaulted ceilings, or Citron for lemon-scented air drifting in from the garden.

Seen: WeHeart

Accolades: Condé Nast Traveller Hot List 2019

✅ free Wi-Fi • size matters: 22 rooms (28-35m2) (301-377 sq ft) • hotel opened: 2019 • interior design: Studio Robert McKinley • bathroom amenities: Le Labo ✅ free parking on-site • no pets allowed • 24-hour front desk • wheelchair accessible