It wasn't long ago that Malibu was just a posh beach suburb of Los Angeles.
Enjoyed exclusively by second homeowners and commuting beach goers,
Malibu visitors would gladly endure the sometimes hour-long summer
journey along the PCH only to drive home again at the end of the night.
Fortunately, from the owners of Nobu comes Nobu Ryokan,
a new 16-room retreat inspired by the traditional Japanese Ryokan. What
feels like a micro-Aman Resort on Carbon Beach, the all-villa property
features minimalist interiors, teak soaking tubs, indoor/outdoor
fireplaces, beachfront patios and bespoke Japanese artwork that
immediately define the property as the chicest beach hotel in California
- Yes, someone has finally given long-favored Post Ranch Inn a run for
their money.
For those looking to explore Malibu for the first time, Nobu Ryokan is wedged between two glittery restaurants that include Nobu Malibu and Soho's Little Beach House Malibu.
While we do hate patronizing chain restaurants on holiday, Nobu
Malibu’s buzzing bar scene and oceanfront dining room are a worthy
exception. For those that are members of Soho House and on top of that
members of Soho's Little Beach House Malibu
- Yes, double memberships are required - a worthy beach oasis lies just
beyond the faux-ivy valet hedge. Inside, a bright and cheery beach
house buzzes with DJs and members lounge as well as a true destination
restaurant serving Cal-Mex cuisine infused with the very-Soho House menu
of tuna tartares, quinoa salad bowls and two-handed burgers.
For those that wish the venture outside of Malibu's Soho
House/Nobu bubble, a more local scene can be found just up the road. By
day, Malibu Country Mart lures with its posh Maxfield, well accessorized James Perse and cool-again Chrome Hearts that can give you that enviable Malibu-look. For lunch, hit Geoffrey's further up the PCH or settle in at Malibu Farm
along the famous pier that serves dishes like cauliflower pizza and
tofu paella from ingredients grown at their own local farm. Given the
$2000-per night price tag at Nobu Ryokan
- you'll likely want to return for sunset and a stroll along Carbon
Beach with glass of wine in hand. And after that? Nightlife in Malibu
lingers at the bar of Casa Escobar with its quirky Mexican décor or back at Soho's Little Beach House Malibu where DJs compete with crashing waves until midnight.
