Malibu, CaliforniaEastern Malibu
Nobu Ryokan Malibu
Minimalist beachfront ryokan
Eastern Malibu Malibu, California
Opened
2017
Price
$$$$
Rated for
Design Luxe WellnessOutside the door
The house
Nobu HotelsMinimalist beachfront ryokan
Traditional Japanese omotenashi meets Southern California oceanfront living, conceived as a deeply private retreat above the Pacific surf.
“A 1950s-era beach motel was transformed into this serene escape, which opened in April 2017.”
What it’s good at
Remarkable
Jerusalem limestone walls and George Nakashima furniture anchor sixteen teak-clad rooms.
Remarkable
A three-to-one staff ratio pairs with priority reservations at neighboring Nobu Malibu.
What they say
Forbes Recommended
Forbes Travel Guide
2026
Also in Condé Nast Traveler, Wallpaper* and AFAR.
The grounds — with a sundeck overlooking the ocean, a Zen rock fountain, stone pathways and quilt-like landscaping ... have a calming effect.
Tucked away
A place apart: the property is the destination.
Carbon Beach stretches out from the sundeck, with Malibu Pier visible just down the coast.
The rooms
Handcrafted teak soaking tubs sit beneath skylights. Sliding glass doors open straight onto oceanfront balconies or private garden courtyards.
The gym
Cardio machines face the Pacific through sliding glass doors, and yoga sessions take place out on the deck.
In-room treatments
Therapists bring custom massage and bodywork treatments directly to guest rooms behind sliding shoji screens.
Restaurant
Nobu Malibu
The oceanfront patio sits right over the water, serving signature black cod and sushi beside panoramic Pacific views.
The two-storey Malibu property features just 16 rooms that are anchored by a 37ft long outdoor lap pool...
How it began
The property was once Casa Malibu, a 1950s beach motel transformed into an ultra-private Japanese ryokan.
“The Japanese-inspired Nobu Ryokan Malibu, located on the ocean just north of Los Angeles, sets the tone with its smooth teak exterior.”
Malibu
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The app
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Our shorthand
How we rate hotels.
The medals
Gold
Extremely rare. Sets the global standard.
Silver
Brilliant execution. And we’re picky.
Bronze
They did this well. You’ll notice.
Listed
A defining trait. Makes the hotel what it is.
The eight vibes
Design
Built around a vision. Even the door handles have a designer.
Luxe
Cared for at every turn. The bath is drawn before you ask.
Local
It could only be here. You wake up knowing where you are.
Social
Where the city goes out. The bar is full and the night is young.
Heritage
A building with a story. Once a palace, a monastery, a station.
Wellness
You leave feeling new. Rest, sweat, soak and sleep like a stone.
Classic
The city grew up with it. Same rituals, same regulars, same bar.
Resort
A world of its own. Something to do from breakfast to nightcap.
The scene
Lively
Where things happen: restaurants, shops, people.
Central
Well-located: walkable to some things, a short ride to more.
Quiet
Away from the crowds. Getting around takes intention.
Secluded
A place apart: the property is the destination.