Calamigos Guest Ranch & Beach Club - Malibu, CA
When you think of Malibu, you probably think of soft sandy shores and classic surf spots. While the local beaches here (such as El Matador) are a wonderful part of what makes Malibu magnificent, there’s so much more to this area. Today we’re heading to the Calamigos Guest Ranch for a local staycation in the Malibu Hills wine country.
Calamigos Guest Ranch was established in 1937 and is a one-of-a-kind property nestled into the Santa Monica Mountains. The property is surrounded by groves of oak, pine and eucalyptus, and contains beautiful lakes, ponds, waterfalls and local vineyards.
Calamigos Guest Ranch event & wedding venue
The walkway to the Private Cottages at Calamigos Guest Ranch
The Guest Ranch
The accommodations here at the Calamigos Guest Ranch consist of Estate Rooms, Bungalows, and Private Cottages. This week I’m staying at one of the properties Premium Private Cottages, complete with a fully private patio and outdoor rainfall shower. There’s a wonderful flow from the indoor and outdoor areas. The patio has a shaded seating area perfect for outdoor dining among the succulents and beautiful trees. I was greeted in my room by a customized Calamigos candle, spa aromatherapy, and a cart full of delicious goodies for me to enjoy on my stay. including chocolate and a bottle of Calamigos wine.
Private patio with outdoor shower at the Premium Private Cottage
The private patio at the Premium Private Cottage
The bathroom in the Premium Private Cottage
Soaking tub in the Premium Private Cottage
The bathrooms are spa like, complete with everything you could possibly need to relax. Products including lush robes, local Malibu made body scrub, and bath salts from the spa await you next to a generous soaking tub that overlooks the patio. There’s even a cute little Calamigos Spa rubber ducky to keep you company. The bedroom has vaulted ceilings and a king sized bed, which is quite comfortable. There’s plenty of storage for luggage and clothing, as well as a lounging area with a large desk for any work you may have to attend to during your stay.
The bedroom in the Premium Private Cottage
Lounge area at the Calamigos Beach Club in Malibu
The private beach at the Calamigos Beach Club in Malibu
The Beach Club
Any trip to Malibu wouldn’t be complete without a visit to the beach. The Calamigos Beach Club Restaurant and Lounge encompasses 5 acres along the Malibu Coast where Corral Canyon meets Pacific Coast Highway, just a 12 minute drive from my ranch cottage. The mid-century restaurant lounge is open and airy, and a short private walkway leads you under PCH to your own personal patch of Malibu sand and sun! Here the beach staff is incredibly helpful with setting up beach chairs, sunshades, and tables for you to sip from fresh complementary coconuts (or custom cocktails) as you enjoy the sound of the waves lapping up against the shoreline. The Beach Club offers a full lunch and dinner menu as well, which can be enjoyed in the restaurant or brought out to you on the sand.
The private beach at the Calamigos Beach Club in Malibu
Lunch at the Calamigos Beach Club Restaurant in Malibu
Dessert at the Calamigos Ranch Club
Restaurants
The Calamigos Guest Ranch offers many dining options, including the Beach Club, Pizza Bar, poolside service & even in-room dining.
The Ranch Club is my favorite dining experience. It offers tranquil, private dining exclusively for Calamigos guests. I love dining outside here with soft music playing as I cozy up on a loveseat to make s’mores at my own fire pit as the sun sets.
The Malibu Cafe is the only dining experience open to both Ranch guests as well as the public (Thursdays through Sundays). Even if your not staying at the Guest Ranch, you’ll want to make a reservation at The Malibu Cafe. This is a lively and much loved local spot complete with lawn games and paddle boat rentals at the lake that sits up against the cafe’s outdoor area.
Appetizers at the Calamigos Malibu Cafe
The lake near the Calamigos Malibu Cafe
The main pool and cabanas at Calamigos Guest Ranch
The ferris wheel used for events & weddings at Calamigos Guest Ranch
The Grounds
The Calamigos grounds are absolutely beautiful and must be enjoyed in person to truly be appreciated. From the giant ferris wheel to horse stables, you’ll love exploring the many paths lined with whimsical chandeliers hanging from giant oak trees. You can schedule just about anything your heart desires for your stay - from spa services to surf lessons...in fact on my recent stay I was even able to book a private helicopter tour! I loved strolling past the vineyards and little waterfalls. There are multiple lakes, pools and hiking trails to enjoy as well.
Calamigos Guest Ranch event & wedding venue
The waterfall and lake near the Calamigos Malibu Cafe
Small pond at Calamigos Guest Ranch
Activities, Amenities and Ad-Ons
The care and attention to detail really made my stay at Calamigos feel special. I enjoyed the Celebration Package (chilled champagne & chocolate covered strawberries) waiting in my room upon my arrival, as well as sparkling water with chocolate mints and beach hats waiting in my car when I headed out from the Guest Ranch to the Beach Club. A wide variety of spa packages and parties are available to guests, and the staff was always friendly and ready to assist in any way needed. Not only is Calamigos an ideal option for a California getaway in comfort, the grounds offer multiple venues for weddings, corporate retreats, and other unique events.
Celebration Package (chilled champagne and chocolate covered strawberries)
The lake near the Calamigos Malibu Cafe
Know Before You Go
• This is not only a great place for a vacation, but it is a wonderful venue for weddings, corporate retreats, birthday celebrations, and all types of events. Click here for more information on booking one of the many venue locations on the Calamigos property.
• Prior to your stay, a personal concierge will reach out to you via text. This is an actual person texting you (not an automation) and a great resource. I was able to get recommendations on activities, book dinner reservations, and request special add-ons during my stay.
• Please note that the Guest Ranch is valet only, so be prepared to not have easy/quick access to your vehicle during your stay. However, the attendants are extremely kind and accommodating, and are happy to help bring your luggage to and from your room.
• Check in is at 4pm and check out is at 11am. However, you are free to access the grounds (including the Beach Club) if you show up early, as well as after you check out. During my stay, I headed down to the Beach Club and enjoyed a wonderful afternoon on the private beach after I checked out of my room.
• Reservations are not needed for the Ranch Club and Beach Club since they are only available for Calamigos guests…but reservations are encouraged (especially on weekends) if you’d like to dine at the Malibu Cafe since it’s open to non-guests as well.
• Keep in mind that weddings and events are happening on the property most weekends. However, do not let that deter you from booking a stay…the grounds are so big and spread out that you will likely not even be aware.
Malibu Points of Interest:
• Adamson House Museum
• Ronald Reagan Presidential Library
Cattle stables at Calamigos Guest Ranch
Calamigos Guest Ranch event & wedding venue
In Summary
Thanks for joining me in Malibu for a Calamigos getaway. For a virtual visit, see my Behind the Blog YouTube video at the top of this post, or watch it on YouTube here. Until next week, I hope you find adventure and encouragement wherever you go.
The vineyards at the Calamigos Guest Ranch
About Me
I’m Dawn Marie, a travel and lifestyle blogger based out of Southern California. With in-depth articles, travel guides, and reviews on hotels & products, I seek to share my journeys to help you plan for your own. My adventures take me all over California, the western United States, and around the globe...and every Monday I post new content here, including a comprehensive blog post and YouTube video.
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