We head to the California Coast for this week’s venue spotlight, to check out newly opened Regent Santa Monica.

Located just steps from the legendary Santa Monica Pier, the luxury property represents the first destination in the Americas for the reimagined Regent Hotels & Resorts brand, part of IHG Hotels & Resorts’ luxury and lifestyle portfolio.

It’s the perfect place for meeting and incentive groups to indulge in the Southern Californian lifestyle, from relaxing on the sandy beach, to catching a stunning sunset and immersing in the vibrant local culture, while enjoying the hotel’s beach butler service.

Here’s some of the highlights…

Regent Santa Monica Beach is comprised of 24 suites and 143 rooms, which start at a generous 720 square feet with bathrooms that feature luxurious soaking bathtubs, rainfall showers, and double vanities.

Boasting ocean-facing views, there are two-story Atrium Suites located on the second and third floors, while the eighth floor will hold the largest, The Santa Monica Presidential Suite, equipped with a game room, separate living room area, and four Juliet Balconies.

Food & beverage

Regent Santa Monica’s signature restaurant Orla, created in partnership with award-winning chef Michael Mina, will serve Mediterranean-inspired dishes.

The hotel has also partnered with celebrity entrepreneur and philanthropist Ayesha Curry to create a restaurant concept tied to her lifestyle brand, Sweet July. Guests will have access to a specially curated Sweet July experience, which will offer high-quality bespoke products produced by Black-owned and women-owned brands, as well as a menu inspired by Curry’s Jamaica roots, which will include café staples like Sweet July’s signature coffee, tea, pastries, and desserts.

Event spaces

This property has plenty to offer meeting and event planners with seven spaces, accommodating from 16 to 450 guests. The Jacaranda Ballroom can seat 410 for a banquet and 450 for a reception, making it ideal for large conferences and celebrations, while the smaller Parakeet Ballroom can accommodate up to 200 for a reception and 170 banquet style.

The Seascape Salon and Terrace boasts Pacific views and ocean breezes through floor to ceiling windows and a spacious west facing terrace, and for outdoor gatherings, the Pacific Garden is an enclosed garden space just steps from the sand, offering unobstructed sight lines to the beach, historic pier and the Santa Monica sunset.

Spa & relaxation

The resort features an expansive spa and wellness retreat in partnership with Guerlain, offering an array of services such as massages, facials, body treatments and a state-of-the-art fitness centre, ideal for reenergising or relaxing between meetings.

Meanwhile, the beachfront Azure Pool & Bar is the place to be to catch the Californian sunshine.