Native Hotel’s ownership – Shaun Gilbert, Reem Al-Zahawi and Sam Shendow – and Proper Hospitality have announced the opening of Hotel June Malibu in Point Dume, California. The collaboration brings a shared vision for the property’s next chapter to life, honouring its past as the Native Hotel and, formerly, the Malibu Riviera Hotel. In anticipation of its launch, the owners worked closely with Proper to spearhead a restoration of the boutique and its grounds off Pacific Coast Highway. Together, they’ve created a mid-century modern retreat that celebrates the soul and spirit of Southern California, as well as the location’s historic roots.

“Hotel June Malibu is a reflection of all the best elements from the property’s past, as well as what that past reveals about the spirit of our Malibu community,” says Gilbert. “Seeing it restored and reinvigorated in this intentioned, heartfelt way is inspiring for our entire team. We look forward to inviting travellers and our local friends back to this storied location to experience the full vision and what this pocket of Malibu offers.”

Hotel June Malibu follows the success of Proper Hospitality’s debut Hotel June, which opened its doors on Los Angeles’ Westside in June 2020. The property offers a design-forward, inviting experience where each detail creates a home away from home for locals and travellers. Al-Zahawi and Shendow led the aesthetic curation, enhancing the mid-century motif from the hotel’s previous life as Native while retaining original details from its past. Founded by Wayne and Helen Wilcox in 1949, the Malibu Riviera attracted artists, musicians and writers, including Bob Dylan who wrote his album “Blood on the Tracks” while residing at the motel in 1974; this heritage has been carefully preserved under Gilbert and the team’s stewardship over the past five years.

The airy, minimalist bungalows meanwhile embody the ease of the coastal location that allows creativity to flourish. Each bungalow comprises a private patio, original and restored composite concrete floors and local art, with select rooms offering private hammocks and bunk beds. To further personalise the experience, Gilbert, Al-Zahawi and Shendow poured through black and white photographs of Malibu by Wayne Wilcox for imagery that adorns the walls. Amenities such as Casper beds, Aesop bath products, custom-made deadstock African fabric robes, curated mini bars, high-speed Wi-Fi, and on-site parking provide additional comfort.

Hotel June Malibu also features a new heated swimming pool and deck, the first in its history and exclusive to guests as well as those buying out the property for private events. Beyond the pool, four acres of lush surroundings invite residents to soak up the tranquil Point Dume terroir while exploring nearby local trails, with El Matador State Beach and Zuma Beach just minutes away. Guests will also have access to all-day takeaway fare from off-site restaurant Scenic Route, the Cal-Mex cafe at the original Hotel June.

“We’re proud to partner with Gilbert and his team for our sophomore Hotel June location, an incredible property that captures the magic of its Malibu setting,” comments Brian De Lowe, Co-founder and President of Proper Hospitality, on the collaboration. “The Hotel June brand was envisioned as a community gathering place inspired by the carefree culture of seemingly limitless summers within our Southern California backyard, and we look forward to making Hotel June Malibu available for our guests to experience.”