Auric Road – the hotel group behind cult Palm Springs favourite Korakia Pensione – has opened a new property, Hotel Joaquin, which is tucked away in Shaw's Cove, a secluded enclave with a laid-back island vibe in Laguna Beach.
Occupying a traditional California bungalow, with white horizontal wood shingle and natural textures that will grow old gracefully, Hotel Joaquin has been designed by New York-based Robert McKinley who took his cues from the soulful French style of St. Barth's and the 1950s Southern California beach culture.
The public spaces and the 22 guestrooms are dressed with vintage pieces, books, record players, custom furniture and curated artwork – by coastal-driven local artists like Sage Vaughn and Danny Fuller. Open ceilings with exposed rafters, add to the relaxed charm. Meanwhile, woods are oiled white oak rather than varnished finishes, brass fixtures have a natural patina and reclaimed local terracotta is mixed in with Moroccan and Mexican tiles.
At Saline, the all-day Mediterranean inspired restaurant, Argentine chef Leo Bongarra serves up dishes like the cous cous and crab with turmeric and a poached egg or an octopus carpaccio, all accompanied by an international salt programme.
Post dining, you can ask the ‘adventure director’ onsite to help with scuba diving or paddle boarding, or just laze by the pool on a daybed, admiring the Rowan Gregory bronze sculpture.
INFORMATION
ADDRESS
985 N Coast Hwy
Laguna Beach
-
Zaha Hadid Architects’ new project will be Miami’s priciest condoConstruction has commenced at The Delmore, an oceanfront condominium from the design firm founded by the late Zaha Hadid, ZHA
-
This Beirut design collective threads untold stories into upholstered antique furnitureBeirut-based Bokja opens a Notting Hill pop-up that's a temple to textiles, from upholstered furniture to embroidered cushions crafted by artisans (until 25 March 2025)
-
The Peninsula Hotels broadens its artistic horizons with Victoria and Albert Museum partnershipThe Peninsula Hotels and Victoria and Albert Museum announce a multi-year collaboration set to produce world-class art experiences around the world
-
New York restaurant Locanda Verde’s second outpost will transport you to a different time and placeLocanda Verde’s expansive new Hudson Yards osteria exudes a sophisticated yet intimate atmosphere overflowing with art treasures
-
2025 getaways: where Wallpaper* editors will be travelling to this yearFrom the Japanese art islands of Naoshima and Teshima to the Malaysian tropical paradise of Langkawi, here’s where Wallpaper* editors plan to travel to in 2025
-
The most whimsical hotel Christmas trees around the worldWe round up the best hotel Christmas tree collaborations of the year, from an abstract take in Madrid to a heritage-rooted installation in Amsterdam
-
Six brilliant bars for your 2025 celebrations, hot off the Wallpaper* travel deskWallpaper’s most-read bar reviews of the year can't be wrong: here’s inspiration for your festive and new year plans, from a swanky Las Vegas lounge to a minimalist London drinking den
-
Wallpaper* checks in at the refreshed W Hollywood: ‘more polish and less party’The W Hollywood introduces a top-to-bottom reimagining by the Rockwell Group, capturing the genuine warmth and spirit of Southern California
-
Arlo NoMad hotel makes the American diner officially cool againThe NoMad Diner NYC’s interiors and menu offer an elevated take on an American classic
-
Los Angeles’ best fine-dining restaurantsLA boasts a creative food scene driven by some of the world’s most innovative chefs. Browse the Wallpaper* guide to the city’s best fine-dining restaurants
-
Bold maximalism engulfs The Lafayette Hotel and Club in San DiegoThe Lafayette Hotel and Club, designed by Post Company, brings together a rich tapestry of patterns, themes and colours
