This summer, poolside lounging takes on a more luxurious dimension. From the breezy shores of Santa Monica and the picturesque waterfront of Long Beach to sunny Greater Palm Springs and the surf culture of Huntington Beach, private cabanas offer an elevating way to experience a quintessential West Coast getaway.
Think plush seating, chilled rosé, attentive service and a shaded retreat just steps from the water. Whether the occasion is a leisurely afternoon with friends, a family escape or a celebratory day in the sun, a cabana transforms an ordinary pool day into a resort experience.
Here are four destinations where the cabana adds a touch of glamour to your vacation:
At Viceroy Santa Monica, summer unfolds beside the pool at Sugar Palm, where guests can reserve a private cabana for a relaxing afternoon of poolside leisure. It’s ideal during the summer and Labor Day weekend where your cabana experience includes a complimentary bottle of rosé or bubbly for four, a curated dessert spread and full access to the resort pool, outdoor lounges and amenities. If there is availability, locals can reserve a cabana through Resort Pass.
Six to eight guests can retreat in one of the shaded cabanas and settle onto comfortable sofa seating. Draw the privacy curtains, catch up on your favorite game on a Smart TV and keep refreshments chilled in the mini refrigerator. Complimentary bottled water, Wi-Fi and dedicated cabana service add to the sense of effortless indulgence.
For a leisurely lunch or late afternoon cocktail, order from the Sugar Palm menu without leaving your cabana. On weekends, live DJ sets provide a soundtrack to the day, adding a glamorous, distinctly Southern California energy.
Cabana During Spa Month at Greater Palm Springs
In Greater Palm Springs, the Renaissance Esmeralda Resort & Spa offers a different expression of cabana luxury infused with the restorative spirit of the desert.
During September’s Greater Palm Springs Spa Month, Spa Esmeralda introduces a particularly indulgent way to spend the day in a Spa Garden Emerald Cabana. It’s a private retreat designed for groups of up to 10 guests.
“Spa Month is a wonderful opportunity to experience the many ways Spa Esmeralda can be part of a restorative desert getaway,” said Katie Camarena, spa manager. “Whether guests are looking for a signature treatment, a full day of relaxation or a private experience with friends, these September offerings make it easy to create a personalized escape.”
Tucked inside the tranquil Spa Garden, the cabana features cushioned shaded seating, an outdoor shower and bath, ceiling fan, fresh fruit platter and bottled water. Guests also receive robes, slippers and lockers, with all-day access to the spa’s steam room, whirlpool, relaxation lounge and aromatherapy showers. Resort pool access is included as well.
The experience is designed for lingering. Guests can arrange food and beverage service and enjoy 10 percent off one of the 50- and 80-minute spa services. Spend the day moving effortlessly between the cabana and the spa’s restorative amenities.
In the heat of the summer and when the season cools down, guest adults 18+ years old can enjoy a limited-time treatment package, an affordable day pass, and a luxe private cabana experience designed for groups. Food and beverage service is available from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. (outside food and beverage is not permitted). Reservations are required.
Spa Month Desert Escape Duo
For an even more indulgent escape, the Desert Escape Duo pairs a 50-minute massage, facial or body scrub with a complimentary 30-minute enhancement. The experience includes full spa-day access and a glass of sparkling wine.
Spa Day Pass
For those who simply want to enjoy the facilities, a Spa Day Pass is ideal for guests who want to linger a little longer. It’s just $25 throughout September Spa Month. The pass provides access to the spa’s relaxing amenities, including the co-ed Spa Garden Jacuzzi, men’s and women’s steam rooms and relaxation lounges, locker rooms with showers, complimentary Wi-Fi and complimentary self-parking. Spa treatments can be booked separately.
A Tropical Oasis in Long Beach
At The Maya in Long Beach cabana lounging gets a tropical twist. Set elevated above the hotel’s waterfront pool, the resort’s distinctive floating cabanas appear to hover above the water, adding a sense of privacy. Palm trees, harbor and the historic Queen Mary views and the resort’s man-made sandy beach, Playa at The Maya, add to the vacation ambiance.
Each cabana accommodates up to four guests, making it an appealing choice for a celebratory girls’ day, couples’ getaway, birthday gathering or a relaxing pre- or post-cruise escape. The nearby Carnival Cruise Terminal is within walking distance or the hotel’s shuttle can take guests right up to the ship.
The luxe experience begins with a fresh fruit platter, chilled bottled water and a margarita upon arrival. From there, guests can order additional cocktails and shareable bites from a dedicated server. Favorites include guacamole and tortilla chips, white bean hummus and warm pita, a juicy burger, and ceviche from the resort’s signature Fuego restaurant.
With the harbor as a backdrop and the water just below, these cabanas offer a playful yet polished take on the classic pool day.
So Cal Surf City Ambiance
The Hyatt Regency Huntington Beach offers guests two different heated pools with family cabanas. Each pool offers its own distinctive personality.
Start your ideal Southern California pool day at the lively Slyders Family Pool. Families enjoy the water-play area and three waterslides. Settle into a private cabana as a comfortable home base between swims, slides, poolside lunches and naps.
Poolside Movie Night
On select summer evenings and weekends, the pool’s Dive-In Movies add another layer of entertainment for families.
Spa Grotto
The resort’s separate Spa Grotto has three individual hot tubs in a tropical setting. This provides another option for guests seeking a quieter moment after a day of sightseeing or time at the beach. This area doesn’t have any cabanas, but is an adult escape for hot bubbling soaks.
Mankota Lagoon Pool
For a more relaxed afternoon, Mankota’s lagoon-style pool offers a quieter atmosphere and luxe cabanas designed for lounging, reading, dining and escaping the midday sun.
Private Beach Access
The location of this resort itself is part of the allure. Set directly across from Huntington Beach, guests have private access to the sand via a pedestrian bridge over Pacific Coast Highway. After spending a morning or afternoon inside a shaded cabana, guests take a stroll across to the beach to watch the sunset or reserve one of the evening bonfires for s’mores and hot cocoa.
A Destination Within The Destination
Across the West Coast, the private cabana has evolved beyond a place to escape the sun. It is a destination within the destination for a day of swimming, shade, dining, and celebrating.
Reservations are recommended and cabana availability and prices vary based on dates and hours. For travelers seeking a more leisurely approach to summer, reserving a cabana allows families and groups to settle in and appreciate the resort’s vacation vibes.
