Looking for a Warm Winter Retreat? Stay at These Beautiful Beach Hotels, Recommended by Designers

For a chic oasis that packs on the ocean views, you simply can’t go wrong with Hotel Joaquin in Laguna Beach. With interiors designed by Studio Robert McKinley, it’s not hard to see why this Orange County outpost is an industry favorite. “I tend to gravitate towards smaller boutique hotels for a more intimate experience and thoughtfully curated design,” says Maggie Smith, an interior designer in Seattle. “They don’t overlook the small touches like bedside light switches from Forbes & Lomax [as well as] bathrooms complete with Moroccan zeolite tile and brass fixtures.”

With a light color palette and warm wooden touches, this 22-room, adults-only property bridges the gap between old-world sophistication and a modern California cool. Smith recommends grabbing a drink at its on-site bar, Saline, plus, all guests will receive a signature “Greeter” cocktail upon arrival. A mix of bell pepper-infused vodka, cucumber, Thai basil, and lime, this boozy beverage will start your stay on a celebratory note.

While you’re enjoying the California coastline, be sure to book a stay at Hotel del Coronado. Built in 1888 and deemed a National Historical Landmark in 1977, this 938-room property is rife with west coast charm. Though some of this hotel’s history is of the haunted variety, Hotel del Coronado’s Victorian roots make a total design darling. “The location is super fun and feels vacation-y,” says Leigh Jendrusina of SALTHOUSE Collective in Carlsbad, California. “The pool is tucked in so it’s generally warm and there are lots of great activities for families.”

If you want to make your warm-weather retreat feel like a home away from home, consider booking a room at Shore House at The Del, the property’s collection of coastal villas. “The decor is simple yet perfect for the ambience, giving the elegant coastal vibe right as you walk through the doors,” adds Alexis Vitale, a designer who resides in Hermosa Beach, California. “The villas are the perfect beach escape drenched in your coastal colors with just the right amount of texture. You truly feel like you are in paradise with every ocean front panoramic view.”

Nestled along the East Cape of Mexico’s Baja California Peninsula, the Four Seasons Resort and Residences Los Cabos at Costa Palmas is both fancy and fashionable. For Joe DiNapoli, co-founder and principal at Study Architects in San Francisco, it’s that mix between hospitality, cuisine, and design that makes this property a “flawless, five-star-plus retreat [that] excels in every detail.” 

“It’s the ideal destination to unwind, recharge, and soak in both luxury and comfort,” he explains. “I have always viewed travel as a source of design inspiration, but as my career has evolved and the demands of running a business have grown, I have come to value it equally as a way to relax and focus on health and wellness.”

With an airy color palette and indoor-outdoor footprint, each of the property’s rooms, suites, and villas ooze a spa-like sentiment. However, if you want to make the most of your stay, look into the hotel’s other amenities such as cooking classes, private dinners, and a Burnout Recovery Massage at its spa.

Will Meyer might be a little bit biased about his favorite warm-weather retreat. After all, his New York-based firm Meyer Davis is responsible for designing a handful of spaces within Four Seasons Resort and Residences Cabo San Lucas at Cabo Del Sol. However, the thoughtful details put into each nook and cranny will make anyone want to check into these well-appointed digs. 

“The interiors are intentionally textured and layered, featuring elements like ceramic tiles and local artisan work that are deeply connected to the local culture,” he says. “We aimed to design a hotel that harmonizes with Baja’s rugged beauty, inviting guests to experience a seamless blend of authenticity, tranquility, and refined elegance.”

Each of the property’s guest rooms are covered in vibrant textiles that are native to the area, while an on-site restaurant called Palmerio looks like something out of a Slim Aarons photograph. Translation? Endless room for design inspiration.

Calling all modernists: Hotel Terrestre near Puerto Escondido offers style, serenity, and a dash of sustainability. Built in conjunction with architect Alberto Kalach, Fernanda Romandia, and Dian Backal, this Brutalist retreat comprises 14 interconnected villas, each with their own private pool. However, it’s the earthy color palette and use of materials like brick, wood, and concrete that makes these accommodations one with nature.

“The architecture beautifully plays with shadow and form [that creates] a serene, relaxing oasis amidst a decidedly masculine structure,” says designer Bradley Odom. “It’s so incredible my husband and I are making it a yearly tradition.”

 As tempting as it might be to spend the whole trip in your private villa, don’t. Instead, enhance your stay by checking out Hotel Terrestre’s hexagonal spa or its open-air restaurant.

Cabo San Lucas might be the west coast’s favorite Mexican destination, but if you want to stray away from the norm, head up to Todos Santos. Design lovers will find themselves falling in love with Paradero Todos Santos, a modern marvel designed by Mexican architecture firm Yektajo Valdez Architects.

“Its stunning, minimalist architecture blended seamlessly with the natural beauty of the region,” says Mindi Weichman, interior design director at Study Architects. “The property inspired us creatively and offered an authentic connection to nature, making it a truly unique and memorable destination.” 

Turns out, Paradero Todos Santos’s emphasis on the environment stretches far beyond the property’s sailing experience or robust spa program: Each of the 41 rooms here boast a unique triangle geometry, which is a sacred symbol of Mayan culture. Plus, landscape architecture firm Polen made Mother Nature proud with a 100,000-square-foot botanical garden in the center of the property, complete with over 20,000 plants and 80 endemic species.

For Maria Khouri, her love for Kona Village in Hawaii has been years in the making. The San Francisco designer reveals that she would often vacation at the Big Island spot with her young family—until the original village was destroyed in 2011 by a tsunami. Fast forward to 2022, when the property opened under the care of Rosewood Hotels. “It’s been rebuilt in such a thoughtful way—modern and luxurious, but still completely in tune with the local culture and environment,” she says. “It’s a beautiful balance of luxury, design, and respect for the environment.”

Built by architect Greg Warner and with interiors from San Francisco-based designer Nicole Hollis, Kona Village’s new look finds a careful balance between the past, present, and future. “What I love most about Kona Village is how each room or suite feels like its own private oasis,” Khouri says. “You get all the high-end amenities you’d expect, but the design really honors the Hawaiian spirit—lots of natural materials, open spaces, and views that make you feel like you’re part of the landscape.”

You might reserve a room for its effortlessly chic appeal, but it’s those small touches like ancient healing rituals and sunrise paddle sessions that will turn you into a regular. “They’ve done a great job with sustainability, too,” Khouri adds. “The whole property is powered by solar energy and has earned LEED certification, which I think is such an important piece of the puzzle these days.”