If there’s one place every couple should kick off their honeymoon in the USA, it’s Santa Monica. Easily done considering Australian honeymooners usually enter American ground via Los Angeles. Now before you freak out and start thinking about beginning the most romantic holiday of your life in crazy frantic LA, let me set the scene…
Last year, my husband Kevin and I renewed our vows in New York City and backed it up with a honeymoon style vacation in California. On this trip, we took the time to enjoy a taste of the little luxuries that have become important to us over 6 plus years of being married and traveling together. If you’re keen on the theme park experience of LA, have at it! It’s loads of fun and yours for the taking… but if you’re after a different kind of LA experience, keep reading, especially if you only have a few days to take it all in.
If you’re looking for luxury, location, and tranquility, then this great American coastal landmark is for you. Hotel Casa Del Mar is just what newlyweds need it to be; luxurious, relaxing and close to so many great attractions. Casa Del Mar means home by the sea, and everything about this hotel felt just like that. The space we stayed in is serene, awash in powder blue and white. Nothing about this hotel room felt disconnected. We felt like we had stayed here before, as though we were revisiting something warm and familiar. The styling featured stacks of books; large seashells and white coral, all nestled in an oversized shelf and on the bedside tables. My favourite was the bathroom, especially the french style doors that connected the two spaces. Ridiculously romantic and impossible to resist having a late night bubble bath session with a mug of hot tea… or wine!
Taking a sunset walk after drinks at the hotel’s bar and lounge Terrazza is a must. This was the space that made me fall in love with Casa Del Mar so I highly recommend it, even if you aren’t staying at the hotel. Once you’ve had a drink or two, head out to the beach and find yourself a spot to appreciate the most beautiful sunset on this side of the USA. If you’re feeling nostalgic, continue your walk to the Santa Monica Pier and hop on a ride or two… or three.
On past trips, Kevin and I spent our last day rushing around doing shopping, gift buying and never factored in that crazy LA traffic. This time around we decided to take the easy road. We parked the car in the hotel valet and made a commitment to take it all in like locals. On our last day in Santa Monica, we slept in, walked to the farmers market, had coffee at our favourite espresso bar and finished the day with a late afternoon swim back at the hotel. Even though we had already checked out earlier in the day, we were able to refresh at the hotel spa, complete with relaxation zones, complimentary refreshments, treatment rooms and of course showers. This time, we left LA feeling like our last day was time very well spent. Without having to venture out toward Downtown LA, Santa Monica is the perfect place to spend a few days relaxing, eating and catching up on important “us” time.
Click here to plan your stay at Hotel Casa Del Mar Santa Monica
1910 Ocean Way Santa Monica, CA 90405
hotelcasadelmar.com
Viola Marie Doyle is a Sydney based writer, cake decorator, food enthusiast and frequent jet setter. As former Editor of The Journal Magazine Australia and current Editor of Project Sweet Stuff, Viola now relishes the opportunity to explore the little curiosities that she defines as the sweet life. Follow Viola on Instagram @projectsweetstuff.
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