Holiday Collection

All the best ideas for decorating, entertaining, and gift-giving with a coastal spirit.

The Best Spots for Beach Holidays

Our island expert, contributing editor Marion Laffey Fox, dove deep into her little black book of top coastal resorts and found these amazing accommodations. Book now―your beach chair is waiting.

Photo: Courtesy of Shutters on the Beach , Writer Marion Laffey Fox

14 of 18

View all

Shutters On the Beach and Hotel Casa del Mar

WHERE: Santa Monica, California

WHY GO? These sister properties are on one of the most stunning beaches in California, adjacent to historic Santa Monica Pier, vibrant Third Street Promenade, and lively shopping and dining districts. At Casa del Mar, sleep in one of 129 new, elegantly appointed rooms. Hip, airy Shutters has 186 glam rooms and 12 suites designed by White House decorator Michael Smith.

HOLIDAY FUN: Loads of chi-chi holiday decorations, as well as Santa’s Reindeer Turndown (at Shutters) and stockings hanging by the fire; 800/334-9000 or shuttersonthebeach.com, or 800/898-6999 or hotelcasadelmar.com