Sandbourne Santa Monica
Review by Deborah Ferguson
Photography Yasara Gunawardena
A Gulla Jonsdottir Architectural Design
Stepping into The Sandbourne Santa Monica is like entering a dream built of light, texture, and sea air. Nestled along the coast of Santa Monica, this boutique hotel—designed by Gulla Jónsdóttir—is both sanctuary and statement, a love letter to coastal California with the elegance of the Mediterranean.
The lobby is an immediate reveal of Jónsdóttir’s architectural philosophy: tall, sculptural columns rise like organic monuments, while the thoughtful arrangement of furnishings offers a sense of privacy and pause. With multiple seating areas carved into the layout, guests are subtly guided into their own intimate zones—spaces for stillness, reflection, or quiet conversation.
Throughout the hotel, form and feeling are interwoven. Curving walls and soft tones evoke the sensuality of Ibiza and the stillness of an Aegean escape, while the material palette—plaster, stone, wood, and light—feels tactile and timeless. The fragrance in the air—a custom oud created by a renowned New York perfumer—adds an olfactory layer to the experience, delicately infused through the ventilation system for a barely-there whisper of scent that lingers in memory.
Dining at Marelle, the hotel’s signature restaurant and lounge bar, is both architectural and culinary theater. Mediterranean in spirit and precise in execution, the menu is a thoughtful exploration of rich, delicate flavors—each dish composed with intention and depth. The Sunset Menu, a curated tasting of the kitchen’s favorite starters paired with signature cocktails, captures the golden-hour essence of Santa Monica in both taste and tone. One cocktail, served inside a polished seashell, is as much a work of art as it is a drink—evoking the restaurant’s atmosphere of sensual elegance. Dining here feels like being nestled inside a crown jewel: opulent but not ostentatious, elevated yet grounded in warmth.
Marelle Santa Monica
The wine list is equally considered—curated to enhance the bold yet balanced flavors of the menu, whether you’re savoring an array of shared small plates or indulging in a perfectly executed steak frites. The service is intuitive, and the pace is unhurried, making Marelle not just a meal but a memory.
Behind the restaurant’s bar, a golden banana-leaf–clad speakeasy lounge adds a whisper of glamour and intrigue. This jewel-toned space, tucked away just off the main dining room, is designed for late-night conversations, after-dinner drinks, and moments that feel deliciously off-script. It’s a nod to European nightlife—elegant, sultry, and a little unexpected.
And just beyond, the poolside bar offers the perfect close to an evening. Intimate, glowing with soft light, and styled with the tactile luxury of a beachside escape, it evokes the feeling of a long, sun-soaked day coming to a close on the coast of Ibiza. And yet—this is California, in all its effortless, coastal splendor. It’s a moment of transport, a blend of worlds that could only exist here.
Guest rooms continue the design narrative with sculptural precision and effortless luxury. A mid-sized suite, for example, offers a generous lounge area, a bed that feels like a private cloud, and a bathroom that could easily double as a spa. The walk-in shower, expansive vanity, and ambient lighting create a space that soothes as much as it stuns. Thoughtful gestures—macarons, fresh flowers, mineral water in glass bottles—punctuate the guest experience with care and refinement.
The Sandbourne Santa Monica is more than a hotel—it’s an orchestrated experience of design, tranquility, and sensual immersion. It feels at once expansive and secluded, refined yet grounded. In every sculpted curve, curated scent, and exquisitely plated dish, Jónsdóttir has conjured a place that doesn’t just welcome you—but transforms you.
What inspired the idea of becoming an architect while growing up in your native country, Iceland?
Every summer, my mother and I would travel to Italy, and by the time I was 12 and visiting Florence, I was completely captivated by the beauty of architecture and art. That was the moment I fell in love—with the elegance of structures, the stories behind them, and the power of design.
Did Iceland’s raw and intense natural landscape influence the way you approach design, or does nature in general inspire you?
Absolutely. The Icelandic landscape is deeply rooted in my subconscious—it’s in my bones. The dramatic forms, textures, and rhythms of nature there are a constant source of inspiration. But every project is site-specific. Depending on where it is in the world, I draw from the local culture and natural surroundings. Each design must carry the energy and soul of the land and community it inhabits, with deep respect.
What typically sparks the creative process in phase one of a project—large or small?
It all begins with the story. I’m inspired by the country, the culture, the art, the fashion, and of course, nature. The ultimate question is: What kind of journey can we invite people on? How can the design transport them, emotionally and experientially?
When did you begin to evolve what people now recognize as your signature style?
I’ve always followed my instincts—shapes, forms, and the emotional pull of a space. If I have a “signature style,” it’s something that’s evolved naturally since I started my studio 15 years ago. I’m drawn to flow, movement, and the soul of a space—how it makes you feel as you move through it. My goal is to create warmth, energy, and a design that speaks to all the senses.
Your projects—from museums to boutique hotels to private homes—feel bold, organic, and fearless. Which project best captures that spirit?
The Sandbourne in Santa Monica reflects that freedom. But the upcoming Thompson Hotel in Miami Beach? That one will truly bare it all. It opens next spring, and I can’t wait.
Once a design is finalized, do you already have a materials wish list, or does that evolve along the way?
It’s always organic. I often start with a gut feeling for a material or finish, and while that might shift during the process, it usually circles back to that initial instinct. Every phase brings clarity.
When did you begin designing your own furniture and rugs?
I launched my limited-edition furniture collection in 2013, which is now represented by Wexler Gallery in New York. As for rugs, I’ve been collaborating with Ariana Rugs for nearly a decade. Interestingly, the shapes of the rugs echo the sculptural forms of my furniture—they’re part of the same visual language.
Which artists inspire your work?
Richard Serra, James Turrell, Zaha Hadid. But above all—Mother Earth. She is, without question, the greatest artist of all.
Does your love for couture fashion influence the flowing, sensual nature of your interiors?
Very much so. I often see a draped, curving fabric and immediately envision sculptural concrete. It’s that perfect tension—a fusion of brutalism and femininity.
What inspired the design of the Sandbourne Hotel in Santa Monica?
The location was everything. I’ve long dreamed of creating something special in California, and this spot by the beach offered the perfect canvas. I wanted to channel the elegance of European seaside resorts—peaceful, curvy, understated. We used soft whites and the terracotta hues of sunrise and sunset to evoke the energy of Santa Monica and the Pacific.
Did you have a vision for the materials used in the sculptural elements of the hotel?
I love working with concrete, but when weight becomes an issue, we switch to plaster. We shape it first, then finish it with a textured surface to bring it to life.
Can you share some favorite resources you used for the Sandbourne’s finishes—lighting, tiles, furniture, and art?
We used my lighting collection, made in collaboration with L’Aviva Home—ceramic pendants handcrafted in Oaxaca, Mexico, featured at the Marelle restaurant. The art was curated globally by Louis’Dimension Gallery. Zia Tile provided handmade tiles from LA. All the ceramic accessories are by Dumae, crafted in downtown LA. We designed the custom rugs with Ariana Rugs, and wall coverings were sourced from ARTE. One of my favorite elements, though, is invisible—you smell it before you see anything. We created a custom scent for the hotel in collaboration with Bio Alchemy Olfactive. Now, when you walk in, that scent immediately immerses you.
What was the inspiration behind Marelle, the Sandbourne’s restaurant and lounge bar?
The sunset colors of Santa Monica Beach set the tone. We created a warm glow through terracotta plaster on the walls and ceilings, evoking a Mediterranean spirit with relaxed elegance. I wanted guests to feel that breezy joy of a European beach restaurant. And then… we added a golden banana leaf-speakeasy lounge for late-night conversations. It’s intimate, sexy, and tucked away beside the bar.
Do you have a favorite space to unwind when you’re at the Sandbourne?
I love the Lobby Lounge. The soaring sculptural columns and tall ceilings give it a calm grandeur. I like sitting in different corners just to soak it all in. The Marelle Bar & Restaurant also has a beautiful, easy rhythm that I really enjoy.
Where do you like to travel when seeking inspiration?
Europe always calls me—I spend a lot of time in Italy, Paris, and Greece. Tokyo is one of my favorite cities in the world. And of course, Iceland will forever be a wellspring of inspiration.
Do you see your future design projects focusing on North America, or do other places call to you?
Mexico City, Crete, and Puglia are on my mind these days—I must admit! I’d love to design something poetic and powerful in those regions.
Review, Shoot & Layout Creative Director
Deborah Ferguson
Photography
Yasara Gunawardena
Thank you
Sandbourne Santa Monica, Marelle Santa
Monica & Gulla Jonsdottir, & Wag Staff PR
Web Layout
Aarav Narain
