Unleash Your Inner Barbie In Malibu | International Traveller

It is the home of Barbie’s Dreamhouse, so a visit to the beach paradise of Malibu is a must for anyone searching for our favourite doll’s slice of Californian summer.

Malibu – synonymous with lavish celebrity lifestyles, coastal relaxation and Barbie. As the world remains in the firm grip of Mattel’s top creation this year, our eyes turn toward the Californian beach city and its coastal escapism.

While Barbie’s wardrobe may have been curated via the designer boutiques that line Beverly Hills’ Rodeo Drive, and her 250+ jobs may take her to cities across the world, her home has always been in the hills of Malibu.

dramatic cliffs over El Matador State Beach, Malibu — El Matador State Beach is dotted with dramatic cliffs.

Barbie’s stomping ground is home to some of the best beaches you’ll find within driving distance from Hollywood, making it an excellent choice for a day trip from Los Angeles.

If you’re looking to escape the frenetic pace of La La Land, its coastlines and hills are dotted with some of the best Airbnbs in California and a host of slow-living accommodation options to unwind at.

Slip off your heels and spend a lazy day at the beach, followed by an orange-pink sunset at an oceanside hotspot with our guide to Barbie’s Malibu.

an outdoor pool with sun loungers at Hotel Juen — Get pampered like Barbie at Hotel June.

Where to stay in Malibu

Whether you fancy a slice of history or the sky-high canyon views, all Malibu accommodation leans into the area’s laid-back energy.

The Surfrider Malibu

Natural interiors, salty breezes flowing across private terraces and near-constant views of the Pacific Ocean – this 20-room boutique hotel makes good use of its impeccable location, right across the road from the famous Surfrider Beach.

The Surfrider in Malibu, California, USA — Indulge in lavish comfort in the Surfrider Suite. (Image: The Surfrider)

Designed to be a private oasis for guests, there is an onsite restaurant exclusively for those who stay here, and everything you could need for an ocean escape, including wetsuit hire and custom surfboards designed for the hotel by McTavish.

Ocean View Casita

If you want the real Barbie experience (or to feel like a Hollywood celebrity) try Airbnb for your Malibu accommodation. Yes, you’ll immediately notice plenty of $20,000+ mansions high up in the hills or sprawled across the coastline that may be out of your price range, but there is affordable luxury to be found here, too. Like Ocean View Casita, a stylish cottage perched on a bluff in the canyon above East Malibu.

Interior-wise, expect lush linens, minimalist interior design and all the mod cons. But you’re really renting this property for its sundeck, complete with fire pit, cedar hot tub and jaw-dropping views of the ocean.

a cedar tub at Ocean View Casita, Malibu — Take a refreshing dip in the cedar tub.

Hotel June

Situated at the iconic Point Dume, Hotel June is rich with history – the Mid-Century property was once known as the Malibu Riviera Hotel, and has hosted a wealth of Hollywood writers, musicians and artists, including Bob Dylan, who took up residence in Bungalow 13 to write his album Blood On The Tracks.

Now, the bungalows are fully renovated and feature Casper mattresses, Aesop bath products and designer furniture, while still retaining their Old Hollywood charm.

a contemporary suite at Hotel June, Malibu — Hotel June has airy and contemporary suites.

The best beaches in Malibu

With so much coastline it can be hard to figure out where the best places to swim, surf and picnic are in Malibu.

El Matador State Beach

One of the most famous beaches in Malibu, El Matador State Beach is known for its eye-wateringly beautiful sunsets and craggy ocean bluffs that create a photographer’s dream landscape. You also may be familiar with it thanks to The Notebook – this is where the memorable “if you’re a bird, I’m a bird" scene was filmed.

Zuma Beach

Known for excellent surf breaks and miles of sand to set yourself up on, Zuma Beach is one of the most popular along the Malibu coastline. Very well organised, this is a great choice if you’re travelling with kids or just want the ease of nearby parking, picnic facilities, lifeguards and restrooms. There are even beach volleyball nets if you’re game.

Leo Carillo State Park

You’ll immediately recognise this tucked-away beach from the movies – most notably, as the beach where Sandy and Danny fall in love from Grease. The ‘90s teen flick She’s All That utilised the beautiful area too, as well as a host of other films over the decades.

Across two-and-a-half kilometres, you’ll discover hidden coves, towering bluffs and serene tide pools, making it a great spot for exploring, whether you’re after surf breaks or relaxing spots to swim and enjoy the sunshine.

a hidden cove in Leo Carillo State Park — Play hide and seek.

Where to eat in Malibu

From high-end dining to cheap eats, Malibu is teeming with restaurants – and yes, there is plenty of ocean-fresh seafood on offer.

Nobu

The famous, celebrity-packed restaurant group made its way down to Malibu, initially with a spot inside Malibu Country Mart. Now, Nobu has a spot on the Pacific Coast Highway with views of the ocean from its open-air deck.

Naturally, Nobu Malibu stays true to the Asian-fusion Japanese cuisine the group is known for, including the brow-raising prices. But for those views and that fresh seafood, we’ll take it.

Broad Street Oyster Company

On the opposite end of Malibu’s experiences is Broad Street Oyster Company. This seriously laid-back restaurant began as a pop-up in 2019 and has stood the test of time.

Specialising in seafood, the most famous item on the menu is the lobster roll, which you can order either chilled with mayonnaise or warm with butter. Can’t choose? Do both and wash them down with a Broad Street Oyster Company craft beer or natural wine.

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Neptune’s Net

Neptune’s Net is as historic as Malibu restaurants get. Founded in 1956 by a retired NASA aerodynamicist, this seafood restaurant has featured in a mountain of films including Point Break and The Fast And The Furious and maintained a constant flow of clientele for decades.

It’s also a famous biker bar, so expect a line-up of Harley Davidsons out front – but don’t be deterred, Neptune’s Net is friendly and welcoming, with a mix of seafood staples and American diner-style fare that will please everyone in your group.

The best places to see a Malibu sunset

You can’t visit Malibu without experiencing one of its famous sunsets.

Point Dume

The landscape of Point Dume makes its sunsets special – getting a snap complete with the rocky promontory in view gives a glimpse of Malibu that other sunset spots won’t necessarily harness.

It’s a short hike up from the beach and suitable for all levels of fitness. You’ll be rewarded with a glorious sunset over the water, just try to get there early as this is a very popular sunset viewing spot.

a huge rock formation at Point Dume, Malibu — Chase the sunset at Point Dume.

Malibu Pier

Built in 1905, Malibu Pier is synonymous with the area and often features in Hollywood films. Wander down to the beach for your sunset photos – the pier in the foreground makes for a classic Malibu photo opportunity.

Malibu Bluffs Park

This is a great one to take the kids to – this 2.4-hectare community park overlooks the ocean (meaning great sunset views) but also has a kid’s playground, picnic facilities, and sports fields. So, while you’re enjoying a glass of bubbles as the sun dips below the horizon, little ones can find their own fun that doesn’t involve saying “can we go home yet?"

Wellbeing means different things to different travellers. Here’s how to pick a hotel that gets it right for you.

The best wellness holidays aren’t necessarily spent wrapped in a spa robe. Sometimes they’re found around a dinner table in Cambodia, on a hiking trail in New Zealand or after finally beating jet lag on the other side of the world. The hotel you choose is what makes them happen.

1. Easy access to good food

meals from Novotel Bangkok Sukhumvit 20 — Taste delicious meals at Novotel Bangkok Sukhumvit 20.

One of the quickest ways to derail healthy habits on holiday is to spend half of it working out where to eat instead of digging into the culture around you. Thankfully, Novotel has done much of the hard work already, with chefs building menus that lean into the flavours, ingredients and traditions of each destination.

In Sihanoukville, Cambodia, Korkor soup – often dubbed ‘Cambodian ratatouille’ – sits alongside raw blue crab dressed with lime and chilli, best enjoyed with views across the Gulf of Thailand.

In the lovingly chaotic city of Bangkok, the presence of food cranks up the sociability. At Novotel Bangkok Sukhumvit 20, you can settle in with mango sticky rice and stranger-turned-friends beside the pool at Sky on 20 rooftop bar, or bring them along to tackle river prawns and stir-fried crab with holy basil at the buzzing Crab Paradise Dinner Buffet.

Then Novotel Dubai Al Barsha welcomes you with a laidback twist on the level of indulgence the Middle Eastern city is best known for up on Deck Se7en. Looking towards Burj Al Arab, the rooftop lounge has everything from Mediterranean-style dishes like seabass ceviche to Italian prosecco sundowners.

At the other end of the scale, in the hills that surround the Novotel Bali Ubud Resort, calm comes from nature. At Siralada restaurant, Balinese traditions shape the menu while thunder rumbles over the surrounding jungle – proving the setting is as nourishing as the food itself.

While at Novotel Nha Trang, chef Kieu Thi My Hanh and her team showcase Vietnam’s knack for balancing freshness, texture and fragrant herbs. Pho remains a favourite, while seafood salad with pomelo and mango brings those flavours together in one bright dish.

It’s all an approach backed by partnerships with expert food creators such as Alfie Steiner, whose plant-forward recipes prove healthy food should never taste plain.

2. Better sleep options

Novotel Bali Ubud Resort room — Sleep deeply with Novotel.

There are few travel experiences more disappointing than arriving in a new country, determined to seize the day, only to fall asleep fully clothed by 3pm.

For Australian travellers, jet lag is often an unavoidable part of the journey. That’s one reason Novotel runs sleep-focused initiatives that help guests adjust quickly without compromising on health. We’re talking partnerships with Sydney-based sleep specialist Olivia Arezzolo, known for her advice on everything from better sleep habits to beating jet lag, alongside features like pillow menus, in-room yoga content and tailored sleep guidance.

The sooner you’re operating on local time, the sooner you can get back to more pressing matters – like deciding which spa treatment to book.

3. More ways to move

woman hiking around queenstown new zealand — Stay at Novotel Queenstown Lakeside and explore local hiking trails. (Credit: GettyI mages/ naruedom)

Every place in the world has its own way of getting you moving: whether that’s hiking up ice-bitten mountains before a sauna or gentle stretching by the pool before a facial. From fitness centres to spas, Novotel recognises that wellbeing rarely looks the same.

At Novotel Queenstown Lakeside, activity is inescapable. Here, hiking trails, ski fields, bungee jumps, and white-water rafting have made the region famous. The hotel’s location on the shores of Lake Wakatipu means less time spent organising yourself and more time out there experiencing them. To top it all off, you can book a private hot tub for the evening before heading back into the wilderness tomorrow.

Bali, of course, takes a softer approach. At Novotel Bali Ubud Resort or Novotel Bali Nusa Dua, movement is less about conquering a mountain and more about a dance class between the tropical gardens and lagoon pools. Afterwards, the spa takes over, with traditional treatments like a Lulur body scrub: a combination of rice, turmeric, sandalwood, ginger and jasmine that’ll soothe muscles already relaxed by the Balinese heat.

4. Better connections

Kids will love a stay at Novotel Sharm El Sheikh.

One of the best things about travel is that it gives your family stories you’ll be telling for years. Novotel helps create them with activities that bring everyone together, whether that’s trying something new, learning a local skill, or simply spending more time together.

Go for a distinctly Thai twist at Novotel Phuket Vintage Park, where many of the family activities draw on local culture. Kids can try everything from beginner Thai boxing and language lessons to umbrella painting and – a pastime beloved by children the world over – pool foam parties. Everyone is welcome to join in, whether that’s getting splashed, covered in paint, or simply watching their children discover a new side of Thailand during the dedicated Family & Kids Day.

A different adventure awaits at Novotel Sharm El Sheikh. Kids could be perfectly content with discos, drawing classes and new holiday friends, but the Red Sea has other ideas. Sitting on the edge of Naama Bay, days here might involve snorkelling colourful reefs, taking a boat trip to Ras Mohammed National Park or heading into the desert by quad bike or camel for a Bedouin-style dinner beneath the stars.

5. Location is everything

Surin Beach, Choeng Thale, Thalang District, Phuket, Thaiföld — Explore Phuket’s gorgeous beaches. (Credit: Bence Biczo)

Everyone’s idea of wellness looks a little different. With more than 600 hotels across 65 countries, Novotel gives guests the freedom to choose the destination that suits them best. Whether that’s a beachside escape in Phuket, an alpine expedition in Queenstown or a city break in Bangkok, there’s a good chance a Novotel isn’t far away.

All that’s left? Choosing your version of wellbeing.

Discover stays to inspire your everyday at novotel.accor.com.

Unleash your inner Barbie with this Malibu travel guide