Shutters on The Beach, Santa Monica, USA

Shutters is ideal for those looking for laid-back California elegance. With art that includes works by Hockney, Lichtenstein and Motherwell, and a master sommelier on staff, the property takes the craft of living well seriously. Michael S. Smith, has made it an oasis of beach chic: guest rooms have hardwood floors, cashmere throws, built-in entertainment centers and shelves stocked with thoughtfully chosen books. The airy beachside restaurant One Pico, and the café-bar Coast encourage lingering. Besides the fitness center, Shutters offers yoga on the beach, bicycle and stand up paddle boards rentals, preferred appointments at One the spa, as well as surfing lessons. If you don’t have your surfing equipment with you, you can rent from a nearby surf shop.