Malibu has long been for me, a place to find a little reprieve. When City life starts to drag me down, its always there, beckoning me, tapping on its sofa for me to come in, take off my shoes, sit and unwind with a cup of tea to unload the weight of it all.
An ideal mistress.
But Malibu is not my mistress alone. Whether its the soft blue of her rolling waves, or the enveloping stillness of a sunrise hike in her canyons, or the subtle allure of her perfectly unmanicured gardens and shops, its hard not to fall for her. It’s a palpable and disarming bit of magic that happens when you marry your favorite idyllic farm town with the surfer-dude hippie allure of the ragged SoCal coastline.
So, of course, it’s an ideal location when one is seeking a solo retreat away from it all (that's not too far away), AND in my opinion there is no better place to experience the epitome of Malibu's laid-back, breezy charm than at Hotel June.
Hotel June is perfectly situated in the Western portion of Malibu, close to the ever-lovely Point Dume and its charming neighborhoods and its also proximal to Zuma beach (one of Malibu’s most iconic beaches). AND unlike some of the beach-front resorts in Malibu, Hotel June feels secluded, hidden and perfectly tucked away.
Its charming Mid-century-hippie-bungalow vibe is echoed throughout the property from the décor to the artwork to the music. It will immerse you in a feeling of stepping back in time where at any moment, you might bump into Van Morrison or Bob Dylan. (Its rumored that Bob Dylan wrote “Blood on the Tracks” in Room 13).
Having only thirteen rooms, its perfectly peaceful and secluded while still being only a short bike ride away from most of the area’s attractions and sights.
The rooms are delightfully minimalist while still remaining warm and inviting. There are king beds in each room and crisp, thick luxury bed linens to ensure you’re getting a luxurious and restful night’s sleep (and the shower boats, Aesop bath products – some of my most favorite earthy scents). Each room also has its own private outdoor patio, outfitted with a deep and (very well bolted) hammock.
The pool deck is quaint and charming and the pool is lightly heated so that you can swim well into the chilly Malibu nights.
Its hard to resist the charms of Hotel June’s atmosphere, but what really stood out was its service. The staff was accommodating, friendly and refreshingly conversational. Whether that’s offering you a welcome glass of wine, an extra towel by the pool or a cozy cup of tea when you come back from dinner for the evening, Hotel June almost felt like a modern bed & breakfast, catering to your every need.
The feeling at Hotel June in Malibu can only be described as marrying a boutique hotel's beauty with the hospitability of a homey bed & breakfast. Having only 13 rooms, you won't find any stuffy, over-crowded resort vibes here. Its breezy and simple while remaining elevated in the best ways. Its un-fussy, surfer hut charm, is the ideal place to create your own retreat getaway, catered to your needs from beginning to end. Whether it’s the on-demand yoga and meditation offerings, a glass of bubbly by the pool, getting lost in a good book, or a cozy nap in your private patio's hammock, your weekend getaway is, cozily peaceful, chill and on your terms from start to finish.
Hotel June would be a great romantic weekend away, or a chill girl's trip with your closest girl-friend, but below is my recipe for the perfect solo-recharge retreat away from it all.
Day 1
Wake-up early and take one of Hotel June’s bikes down to Point Dume State Park for a sunrise cliff walk.
Grab coffee and a smoothie bowl at Sunlife Organics on your way back.
Head back to your room for an on-demand meditation or yoga session offered by the Hotel June or opt for a self-led yoga class.
Head down to the pool for an early AM swim and a light lunch while soaking up the sun.
Head back to your room for some reading or writing and maybe a nap in your own private hammock.
Shower and get ready for dinner at Nobu (sit at the bar).
Return to the hotel and grab a cup of tea in the lobby before bed.
Wrap up the evening with an on-demand soft gentle yoga flow (offered by the hotel) or opt for self-led yoga in bed.
Day 2
Wake up early and take the car down to El Matador Beach (stop at Vintage Grocers for some coffee and a bite on the way)
Enjoy the sunrise on the beach while sipping your coffee. Stay to enjoy the morning sunshine.
Hike Solstice Canyon (only a short drive away)
Head back to the hotel for a quick stretchy yoga session (either on-demand or self-led), followed by a shower and change up for the pool.
Soak up the sun, order one of Hotel June's salads (and maybe a glass of wine or two)
Head back to your room for an evening meditation (you guessed it on-demand) and some more reading or writing. Maybe even a quick cat nap.
Grab dinner at The Sunset Restaurant (biking distance) or Broad Street Oyster Co or Ollo
Return for a cup of tea and an on-demand meditation before bed.
In room yoga on mats by ALO hits all the right notes
So, if you find yourself in need of a little reprieve without too much travel time Hotel June checks all the boxes.
Check them out the next time you need a retreat.
Happy Malibuing xo