Regent Santa Monica Beach

Set along Southern California’s Pacific coastline, a breezy walk from the historic Santa Monica Pier, Regent Santa Monica Beach introduces IHG Hotels & Resorts’ first destination in the Americas under its reimagined Regent Hotels & Resorts luxury and lifestyle portfolio. This milestone also marks the brand’s return to Los Angeles, where the famed Regent Beverly Wilshire operated from 1985 to 1992.

Since its debut in 1989 as the Loews Santa Monica Beach Hotel, the property has been prized by travelers and locals alike for its expansive outdoor spaces and sweeping ocean views. Now fully transformed, Regent Santa Monica Beach serves as IHG Americas’ flagship resort, setting a new benchmark for luxury hospitality.

Wimberly Interiors played a pivotal role in the project, initially developing a model room to assist property owner Strategic Hotels & Resorts in securing a new luxury operator. Following this, the studio was entrusted with designing all guestrooms, specialty suites, meeting and event spaces, the pool area, and the spa, each reflecting Regent’s modern sensibility.

While the resort’s footprint remains unchanged, the transformation elevates its sense of luxury and exclusivity by shifting to a predominantly suite-based offering, reducing the total room count to accentuate its residential feel. Expansive double- and triple-bay suites redefine the guest experience by blending refinement with the openness and approachability of coastal living, all while maximizing panoramic ocean vistas.

Inspired by the fluidity of the sea, the resort’s aesthetic balances tranquility with bold contrasts. Wimberly Interiors took cues from a leisurely Mediterranean lifestyle as they curated a distinctive palette of furnishings and materials for the Regent. Vibrant cobalt blues, deep greens, bright yellows, and rich earth tones interplay with soft neutrals, striated marble, and warm oak and walnut millwork. Layers of geometric patterns and organic textures create visual depth, while hand-painted Gracie wallcoverings stand out as artistic focal points at key entryways and landings.

A collection of seven specialty suites expands upon the narrative of a Mediterranean yacht voyage, each designed to evoke the spirit of the sea and its storied destinations. Meticulously appointed with custom furnishings, handcrafted textiles, and curated artworks, these suites transport guests into a world of refined luxury. Four distinct design schemes shape the experience, applied across multiple suites, each inspired by a different facet of a yacht’s journey and the character of its ports of call.

The most exclusive suite, the largest on the Regent property, embodies the full experience of life aboard a yacht. Architectural detailing, oceanic hues, and bespoke materials reminiscent of nautical craftsmanship create an atmosphere that captures both the serenity and adventure of the open water.

The remaining suites are designed around four unique concepts, each reflecting an iconic Mediterranean destination. These schemes guide the furnishings, textiles, and artworks that immerse guests in the culture and aesthetic of the locale.

Inspired by the joie de vivre of the French Riviera, one scheme radiates coastal charm with a bold blue-and-white palette, graphic artist-inspired hand-painted wallcoverings, bleached oak finishes, and high-gloss lacquer details reminiscent of Saint-Tropez. Glistening marble floors reflect the Mediterranean sun, creating a sophisticated pied-à-terre by the sea.

The next destination embraces la dolce vita, drawing from the rugged terrain dotted with the opulent villas of the Amalfi Coast. Honed, vibrantly veined marbles, tropical-inspired wallcoverings, and a rich spectrum of shades reflective of the lush gardens of Portofino and Ravello bring a sense of relaxed sophistication. Colors, textures, and materials harmonize with the surrounding views, crafting an elevated retreat reminiscent of a grand Italian palazzo.

Echoing the ethereal beauty of the Aegean Sea, a destination that has inspired travelers, writers, and poets for centuries, this concept embodies the tranquil elegance of a sun-drenched island retreat. A soft, textural palette of bleached woods, terrazzo, and crisp white surfaces sets the stage, punctuated by bright color accents that mirror the vibrant coastline. The interplay of contrasting tones and textures pays homage to the myths of Poseidon and Amphitrite, crafting a space that feels both timeless and contemporary.

The journey concludes along the Andalusian Coast, where the energy of the sun, sea, and polo culture converge. Deep, rich tones and equestrian-inspired details define this scheme, offering a luxurious yet grounded aesthetic. Leather-wrapped walls, feather and cloud-painted wallcoverings, and a mix of walnut woods and verdant marbles create a warm, sophisticated retreat, embodying the spirit of coastal Spain.

While the specialty suites capture the spirit of a Mediterranean voyage, Wimberly Interiors’ design approach extends into select spaces throughout the resort, bringing the same sense of effortless elegance and refined detail. From wellness experiences to event venues and oceanfront retreats, each setting is created to feel both sophisticated and inviting.

The Guerlain Wellness Spa integrates coastal California’s effortless elegance with the brand’s French origins. As Guerlain’s first spa on the U.S. West Coast, this 10,000-square-foot sanctuary offers 12 treatment rooms, a pre-treatment relaxation lounge, gender-specific lounges with plunge pools, saunas, steam rooms, an all-gender lounge, a post-treatment champagne lounge, and a retail boutique.

Elevating the standard for event spaces, the Jacaranda Ballroom and other meeting venues incorporate warm wood tones, intricate marquetry, and floral motifs to establish a contemporary yet welcoming environment. Spanning 6,100 square feet, with an additional 3,000-square-foot foyer, the ballroom offers an impressive backdrop for memorable gatherings.

Perched above the beach with uninterrupted ocean views, Azure Pool offers a peaceful retreat. Plush cabanas and inviting sunbeds add to the relaxing atmosphere, while crisp white and soft beige striped textiles complement the natural beauty of the Santa Monica coast and distant mountains.

“The transformation of The Regent Santa Monica Beach epitomizes ultra-luxury hospitality, effortlessly blending refined experiences with the allure of its coveted coastal setting. We collaborated closely with Liana Hawes Young of Wimberly Interiors to bring the creative vision to life, curating an elevated and immersive guest experience.”

– Chantell Walsh, Vice President of Design & Construction, Strategic Hotels & Resorts.

Regent Santa Monica Beach has been thoroughly reimagined, shaping a new era of inspired stays along the Pacific Coast. The resort reflects a thoughtful balance between coastal California’s relaxed elegance and the richness of Mediterranean aesthetic. From the specialty suites inspired by a yacht’s journey to the wellness and social spaces designed for relaxation and connection, every detail has been carefully considered to enhance both comfort and experience.

By integrating artistry with functionality and grandeur with intimacy, this iconic beachfront destination now offers a refined yet welcoming sense of place—a retreat that is both grounded and transportive, sophisticated yet approachable. Positioned along one of the world’s most coveted shorelines, Regent Santa Monica Beach delivers an experience that is both elevated and engaging, providing an escape that feels miles away while remaining connected to the vibrancy of Los Angeles.

“Our goal was to create a dialogue between luxury and comfort, where guests feel transported and completely at ease. By layering rich textures, sophisticated colors, and custom furnishings, Wimberly Interiors created unique spaces that celebrate the natural beauty of Santa Monica and the polished aesthetic of the Regent brand.“

– Liana Hawes Young, Associate Principal, Wimberly Interiors.