Parent Escape: The Surfrider Malibu

Sometimes, parents just need to get away. With the stifling stay-at-home life and the cancellation of Valentine’s Day plans this year, a relaxing vacation at the beach feels particularly in order. And for that, something about the sun, the waves and the boho, midcentury modernity of the Malibu Surfrider Hotel feels perfect.

Along the trademark glittering coastlines of California, the Surfrider is, in essence, a seamless blend of its 1950s motel roots, a bougie boutique hotel and the laidback beach from which the hotel takes its name and inspiration. It offers an exclusive 20 rooms as well as the Roof Deck Bar and Restaurant, and pays homage to the surf culture of the region with its custom surfboards made by local shapers—available to borrow. “Surf safaris,” picnics and other informal local tours are available by request. (The hotel’s wifi and locally sourced essentials are, however, included standard.)

Unsurprisingly, the hotel is expensive—rooms over Valentine’s Day weekend range from $400 to more than $600 per night—but luxury and amenities abound. Handmade surfboards and fancy soaps aside, a private dining area and beach necessities are included with each room, as well as complimentary Mini Coopers available for guest use. (I know, right?)

Due to its limited number of rooms, the Surfrider has been able to stay open during the pandemic with the necessary health and safety precautions in place, including mandatory mask-wearing and a 7-day waiting period between reservations for each room. The rooftop deck and restaurant, along with the other lounge spaces in the hotel, are only available to guests and are open.

With its cozy upstairs library and lounge chair–filled patio, the hotel models itself after a large summer beach house and politely requests, by way of motto, that you “make yourself at home.” After imagining a whole weekend of patio hammocks, lush decor and drinks overlooking the sea—well, don’t mind if we do.

By Willow Taylor Chiang Yang

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