By Andrea Bell

Hotel Maya - Long Beach, California
Hotel Maya - Long Beach, California

When your thoughts turn to exotic seaside destinations, powder white sand in Bali sprinkles your thoughts, the crashing waves of Australia's gold coast or sunsets in Thailand call softly. You don't instantly think of California -- and definitely not of Long Beach.

Well, the times they are a changin'. Nestled across the water from downtown Long Beach, adjacent to the historic Queen Mary, lies a boutique hotel worthy of any sun god. Hotel Maya is Long Beach's first waterfront hotel and seamlessly fuses the vibrant Latin aesthetic with the urban backdrop that floats just beyond the shore.

The four-star Joie de Vivre recently underwent a multi-million dollar renovation, including everything from the lush landscaping (400 palm trees, an agave garden and hundreds of tropical flowers) to an upscale modern patio furniture that's the perfect accompaniment to afternoon sangria sipping.

Any experienced traveler knows that a facelift doesn't necessarily equate to beauty, yet Hotel Maya has had just enough nip and tuck to look refreshed and rejuvenated -- and that's exactly how each guest feels upon entering the property.

A winding driveway leads visitors to the resort, where bicycling guests are quick to wave and the ocean air is quick to hypnotize. Just when the sun is so bright that buying stock in RayBan sounds ideal, the purple-and-white Gehry-inspired glass entrance becomes the only thing catching your eye. You've arrived -- in every sense of the word.

The resort-style complex consists of 197 guest rooms in five separate buildings located on 11 acres of property. You have the illusion of privacy without the dreaded fear of non-existent cell signal or Internet access.

Each guest room comes complete with waterfront or garden views. For earth lovers, reclaimed wood and recycled glass complete the renovation, eradicating all popcorn ceiling and cheap wood imitations.

Speaking of urban landscape, the design elements include the use of natural and organic materials, from the decorative stone and textured tiles throughout the hotel to the vibrant and earthy jute fabric ceiling located in Fuego, Hotel Maya's signature restaurant.

Fuego's creative menu specializes in mariscos (fresh seafood) and embodies the flavors of Coastal Latin cuisine. Platters brimming with fresh shrimp, mussels and lobster flow like wine, as the house ceviche and the scent of homemade tortillas entice diners to order more courses. (It's not gluttony if you're on vacation!)

If you turn up your nose at seafood, the Green Chile Relleno with Pork Carnitas and Black Bean-Pasilla Mole will more than wet your appetite.

Hotel Maya may not be the secret island get-a-way you're willing to mortgage your home for but it's the perfect recession-friendly alternative for those seeking decadent moments away from it all. With sparkling pools adorned with private cabanas, volleyball courts, bicycle paths and walking gardens, there's nary a moment to get bored.

Relax and let the wind comb your saltwater locks, with the only sound a glass of wine being poured, and you'll realize that sometimes the best thing to do is nothing at all.

 

© Modern Home and Living

Travel | Hotel Maya Long Beach, California: The Little Resort That Could