Santa Monica: Returning to the Place Where My Heart First Fell for California

Regent Hotel Lobby Screen

Back to the place where it all started, where salt air touched my soul and I first discovered what it truly means to feel at home within myself.

A Whisper Before the Waves

Some places remind us of the way we smiled, the way we breathed, and how our hearts first learned what peace could feel like.
For me, Santa Monica has always been that kind of place.

Every time I return, it feels like the sea is whispering, 'Welcome back.' It’s more than just the sound of waves or the salt on my skin; it’s the sense that I’m exactly where I’m supposed to be.
Here, I remember softness.
Here, I remember who I am.

Day 1: Returning to My Second Home

Returning to the place that first showed me sunlight could feel like love, Santa Monica, was where California and I first connected, a subtle yet unforgettable spark that my sister introduced me to years ago. I recall the ocean breeze bringing a sense of freedom, the pier shining with promise, and the laughter of strangers making me feel recognized. Coming back was like entering an old photograph that I had kept hidden within my memories.

This time, I went on a two-day trip with my sister, staying at the Regent Santa Monica Beach, a place where luxury and soul blend effortlessly. From the moment we arrived, we were greeted with sparkling cocktails and warm smiles. The interior air was scented with subtle perfume notes. Each hallway offers its own scent story, as if the hotel itself had a heartbeat.

We checked into the 720 Oceanfront Room, a space that opened to the horizon. Two queen beds, an ocean view, and the soothing hum of the waves below. It reminded me of the Kimpton Shorebreak in Huntington Beach, with modern comfort and the spirit of the sea.

As evening fell, we dressed up and headed to Belles Restaurant, where surf films played on the walls and the space glowed in warm gold hues. The sushi melted on my tongue, the cocktails were bright and citrusy, and our laughter resonated across the table like a soft prayer. After dinner, we returned to the patio for a nightcap. I sipped an espresso martini and then a hot toddy. My sister and I talked under the night sky, with the firepit flickering between us, our words slow and filled with gratitude. It felt as if time paused just long enough for my heart to catch up.

Day 2: Slow Mornings & Poolside Daydreams

I slept so soundly that it felt like the ocean gently rocked me to sleep. When I awoke, soft sunlight streamed through the curtains, casting a gentle glow across the room. I stayed in bed a while, enjoying the peaceful quiet, then got dressed in a breezy, light outfit and headed to breakfast at Orla Restaurant with my sister. From our patio table, we had a perfect view of the pier and beach, where people were already walking and the waves whispered nearby. My omelet was tasty, but it was the view that truly nourished my soul.

Later, we wandered into The Seaside Collective Boutique, a treasure chest of curated luxury. I’d forgotten my swimsuit (classic me), but I found the perfect one, elegant and timeless, along with a pink, flowing dress that felt like summer in motion.

Our next stop was Guerlain Wellness Spa, a sanctuary of light and scent. The moment I walked in, it felt like entering a dream, a floral, warm, and quietly divine space. While my sister booked her appointment, I explored the perfumes and was drawn to one in particular: Cherry Oud. It smelled like tenderness and strength at once, the kind of fragrance that lingers on the skin and in memory. I whispered a promise to return for it someday.

We changed into our swimsuits and headed to Azure Pool & Bar. The staff welcomed us with honeydew popsicles, which were sweet, soothing, and refreshing. The ocean stretched endlessly before us, and I found myself people-watching skaters, dancers, runners, and dreamers all moving in harmony with the world. My sister and I ordered cocktails and pizza, laughing between deep conversations about life, change, and being present.

As the sun set, I experienced that soothing fullness that follows a day filled with pure joy. Rather than heading out that evening, we chose to stay in, order room service, watch movies, and relax in the comfort of our room. Sometimes, the soul doesn’t seek adventure; it simply longs for tranquility.

Day 3: Slow Goodbyes

Morning arrived gently. My sister headed to her spa appointment, while I stayed wrapped in silence. Packing always feels like a small heartbreak, the end of something beautiful, the start of longing. I took one last look from the balcony, the horizon hazy, the waves shimmering, and softly whispered a thank you to this place that always feels like home.

When my sister came back, we had one final brunch together, reflecting on our trip and imagining our next adventure, Disneyland, our favorite place.

Reflection: The Beauty of Rest and Return

This trip was just what my heart needed: a gentle exhale from the world’s noise. I’m thankful to my sister for inviting me to experience something so peaceful, so intentional. Even though we didn’t go beyond the hotel, this retreat was everything: a moment of stillness, grounding, and reconnecting with who I am when I’m not rushing.

Santa Monica will always be my haven, a reminder that healing often comes from simply being, not just doing. Sometimes, returning home isn’t about the place itself, but about the emotional comfort you feel when you finally find stillness.

Photo by Marek Piwnicki

“The ocean always remembers you. It simply waits steadily and infinitely until you’re prepared to recall.”

Always dreaming,
Deja 🤍