Las Catalinas Doorway | Casa Estrella | 14 Calle Virginia

Climbing the hillside path from Playa Danta, the walk ends at a house built into the forest canopy above Las Catalinas, ocean visible through the trees before the front door is even reached. The pool faces west, timed for sunset over the Catalina Islands, and the outdoor dining area and master porches share the same line of sight. Inside, the forest theme carries on. Wood finishes are handmade, and colour turns up in unexpected places against otherwise plain white walls. Five rooms sleep a mix of configurations, from a queen-base bunk room to a master with king bed and both indoor and outdoor showers. An independent studio adds its own kitchen and a queen sofa bed, useful for a family splitting off for a night. On the ground floor, an open-air terrace has no glass between it and the weather, so sun and the occasional rain shower both pass through freely. The kitchen is built around a large island, meant for cooking rather than takeout, and the concierge will arrange groceries on request, down to fresh-caught fish and dry-aged local beef. It is a house for people who want to walk to the beach, then walk home and cook. Check-in runs from 3pm, checkout at 10am.