Hotel Spotlight: East Meets West at Nobu Ryokan Malibu

Nobu Ryokan Malibu opens onto a serene ocean-facing courtyard with a lush garden.

Unobstructed ocean views. Lush gardens. Complete privacy. Beautifully-appointed suites with every luxury imaginable, from teak bathtubs and rainfall showers to indoor and outdoor fireplaces. Sounds like paradise, right? Welcome to Nobu Ryokan Malibu, the ultimate beachside destination.

Renovated from a historic 1950's era motel, the 9,000 square-foot beachfront property blends the minimalist aesthetic of traditional Japanese inns (ryokans) with the cool elegance of the California coastline to create a stunning seaside sanctuary. From the secluded entryway to the bountiful garden that is home to native California fan palms, cup of gold vines and staghorn germs, Ryokan guests are offered a relaxing retreat from daily life.

The property blends the minimalist aesthetic of traditional Japanese inns with the cool elegance of the California coastline.

Located on Malibu's Carbon Beach along famed Pacific Coast Highway, the hotel is conveniently situated just a few steps away from popular Nobu restaurant, where Chef Nobu Matsuhisa creates the latest culinary trends with Japanese-fusion dishes and creative cocktails.

The restaurant's lunch and dinner menus feature an assortment of outstanding cuisine, with dishes that encompass everything from Monk Fish Pate with Caviar and Maine Lobster to Jidori Chicken and Waffles. With first-class dining right at their fingertips, guests of Ryokan can either dine at Nobu or simply take their order to-go if they want to enjoy their meal from the privacy of their own suite.

Each of the property's 16 guest rooms feature Japanese design elements such as tatami mats and shoji screens.

There are 16 unique guest rooms with ocean views and suites designed for comfort, perfectly combining the pristine minimalism of traditional Japanese design with the refined spirit of California. The stylish decor includes tatami mats, shoji screens and sand-colored limestone walls.

Select suites have teak soaking tubs beneath skylights and indoor/outdoor concrete fireplaces. All rooms come with linen yukata robes, Italian bedding, rainfall shower heads, bamboo towels and terry, Mauro Spina bath products, Bose mini sound systems, goose down duvets, and in-room Nespresso.

A private outdoor fireplace in the patio of one of the garden suites.

Bonus features: Access to Carbon Beach; access to Malibu Racquet Club; beach loungers and umbrellas; concierge services; in-room spa treatments upon request; non-smoking resort; hotel grounds exclusive to guests, no public access; relaxation deck with patio seating