The inimitable interior designer Kelly Wearstler has turned her hand to Santa Monica Proper and boy, does it show. This seaside hotel brims with panache, boldly bringing personality to every inch of the property, from the spacious, light-flushed rooms to the palm-fringed on-site all-day eatery. Its spa is a sight to behold, too — with an extensive Ayurvedic focus, it’s a holistic wellness space perfect for the LA set.

Read more and earn 3 Qantas Points per $1 spent when you book your next stay at Santa Monica Proper.

Are you on the sands of the Hamptons or the sands of Santa Monica? It’s a tough call at Shutters on the Beach, one of the area’s stalwart properties. With its characteristic grey-slate roof and homestead feel, there’s a more relaxed coastal vibe about this luxurious hotel, with a few very LA inclusions, most notably an incredibly homey spa with distinctly Cali-coast vibes.

Read more and earn 3 Qantas Points per $1 spent when you book your next stay at Shutters on the Beach.

Even if you never strolled down the beachside promenade, you won’t miss out on spotting the famous Santa Monica Pier at Loews Santa Monica Beach Hotel. You can spot its glittering twirl from both the outdoor lap pool and oceanview rooms (which have the added luxury of in-room coffee makers, marble bathrooms with soaking tubs and balconies).

Read more and earn 3 Qantas Points per $1 spent when you book your next stay at Loews Santa Monica Beach Hotel.

Earn or use Qantas Points when you book hotels and accommodation. Visit qantas.com/hotels today

Another Kelly Wearstler masterpiece, the vibrant Viceroy Santa Monica ticks all the boxes for a standout Santa Monica stay. There’s a palm-shaded pool and terrace area, a fleet of free bikes to hire for scooting around near the sand and an on-site fitness centre with twice-daily yoga classes, ensuring a very LA vacay.

Read more and earn 3 Qantas Points per $1 spent when you book your next stay at Viceroy Santa Monica.

How do you like to relax? Whatever the medium, Hotel Casa del Mar has an outlet for you. If it’s with a delectable dinner, the seafood-focused Catch gathers the freshest produce and delivers it to your table. In the market for more traditional wellness pastimes? The on-site spa offers it all, from full body massages to anti-aging facials. Or, you could simply take the two-minute stroll to the beach and dig your toes into the sand.

Read more and earn 3 Qantas Points per $1 spent when you book your next stay at Hotel Casa del Mar.

Everything about Le Méridien Delfina Santa Monica signals its guests to take it easy. There are the calm blue-led rooms finished with luxury bathroom goodies and breeze-catching balconies, a space to keep kids busy and out of your hair and an on-site bar that shakes up delicious craft cocktails for sunset hour.

Read more and earn 3 Qantas Points per $1 spent when you book your next stay at Le Méridien Delfina Santa Monica.

Earn or use Qantas Points when you book hotels and accommodation. Visit qantas.com/hotels today

More of a grand homestead than a hotel, Palihouse Santa Monica sits within a Deco-era building ringed with wrought iron and quiet lawns. Inside, it’s a cosy little spot, with huge open fireplaces and rooms furnished in the utmost comfort: think monogrammed pillows, antique vanity tables and cloud-like beds tempting you into a deep sleep.

Read more and earn 3 Qantas Points per $1 spent when you book your next stay at Palihouse Santa Monica.

There’s no mistaking where you are at Hilton Santa Monica Hotel & Suites. The rooms are sand-hued, an on-site bar serving local beers and a cabana-lined outdoor pool perfect for soaking up those Santa Monica rays. If you do want to see Santa Monica, the beach is just three blocks away.

Read more and earn 3 Qantas Points per $1 spent when you book your next stay at Hilton Santa Monica Hotel & Suites.

Staying at The Ambrose Hotel feels more like bunking at a private residence. In a leafy, residential suburb of Santa Monica, this hospitable home-like hotel is comfortable, quiet and very LA. Did we mention the in-house Tesla for guest use, as well as the Peloton-equipped fitness centre?

Read more and earn 3 Qantas Points per $1 spent when you book your next stay at The Ambrose Hotel.

Earn or use Qantas Points when you book hotels and accommodation. Visit qantas.com/hotels today

In the heart of upbeat Venice Beach and just ten minutes by car from Santa Monica, you’ll have the best of both worlds at The Kinney Venice Beach. This laidback hotel is packed with personality, just like its surrounding neighbourhood: there are punchy colours decorating rooms, ping pong tables in the common areas and a fun little plunge pool for warm LA days.

Read more and earn 3 Qantas Points per $1 spent when you book your next stay at The Kinney Venice Beach.

It’s the rooftop of Hotel Erwin that’s the crowning glory of this fun little stay in Venice Beach. Serving decadent deep dish pizza, refreshing cocktails and some serious vibes, it’s the place to be (in addition to the comfy mid-century styled rooms, of course).

Read more and earn 3 Qantas Points per $1 spent when you book your next stay at Hotel Erwin. 

Spacious and simple suites characterise the rooms at Courtyard by Marriott Santa Monica; some with sprawling views over the beachside suburb. May we suggest The Pier View room, which has glimpses all the way to the pier?

Read more and earn 3 Qantas Points per $1 spent when you book your next stay at Courtyard by Marriott Santa Monica.

Earn or use Qantas Points when you book hotels and accommodation. Visit qantas.com/hotels today

The Best Beach Resorts in Waikiki