The Surfrider Malibu is a contemporary, boutique hotel located on the iconic Pacific Coast Highway, an easy 45 minute drive out of Los Angeles, or 20 minutes from Santa Monica. In 2017, architect and hotelier Matthew Goodwin completely redesigned and transformed what was a run-down motor lodge built in the 1950’s. With the help of his wife, Emma Crowther Goodwin as creative director and business partner Alessandro Zampedri, they turned it into this relaxed, refined Californian beach house.

A neutral colour palette is used throughout, combining white surfaces, pale wood, and beige upholstery. There are 18 rooms, 2 suites, a library and a guest only rooftop bar and restaurant. The rooms, designed with love by Crowther Goodwin, are luxurious yet relaxed, channeling her Aussie vibes to the Southern Californian coast.

The rooftop was my absolute favourite aspect about the Surfrider; serving locally sourced, sustainable and organic produce, along with beverages from small scale natural and organic vineyards and distilleries, you could easily get carried away at meal time! The menu is extensive and thoroughly considered, offering everything you could imagine at a boutique hotel – including daily deliveries of croissants from the one and only, Gjusta.

Emma and her team at the Surfrider Hotel are impeccable and go out of their way to ensure your stay is perfect. I only wish it was closer – I’d have a regular booking every other month!!

Tips: Chill out with a coffee in hand to the likes of Neil Young and Bob Dylan, while you watch the waves roll in and surfers bob in the distance.

Local activities: Be sure to drive and explore the canyons; Malibu State Park was a short drive away and was incredibly beautiful.

Restaurants & Cafes (when not dining at the Surfrider)

Malibu Seafood Fresh Fish Market & Patio Café – BYO wine, sit on the patio and order up on the most delicious, relaxed fish n chips.

SunLife Organics – For your daily juice, smoothie or acai bowl.

x JW

Images Copyright Josie Withers, shot for Broadsheet Media.