Senior leaders from Envoyage swapped the Sydney skyline for ocean views last week, heading to Santa Monica for a three-day famil hosted by Santa Monica Travel & Tourism. The visit gave the team a hands-on taste of the beachside city’s lifestyle, prestigious hotels and renowned culinary scene ahead of the Flight Centre Global Gathering.
The group, including Astrid Richardson, Global General Manager at Envoyage; Nick Queale, General Manager at Envoyage; Rachel Kingswell, General Manager of Travel Associates; Naomi Green, Global Communications Executive, FCTG Independent & Luxury Brands; Wendie Lee, Global Head of Product (Technology) and Alberto Gomez, Global CFO at Envoyage, checked in to two landmark Santa Monica beachfront properties, Shutters on the Beach and Hotel Casa del Mar, both long-time favourites among Australian travellers.
The group embraced Santa Monica’s active lifestyle with a morning coastal bike tour with Bikes & Hikes, soaking up the sunshine and sea breeze; dined at local favourites FIG, Sirena, Terraza, Bar Chloe and Orla, the new and Mediterranean-inspired restaurant at Regent Santa Monica Beach; and inspected other local properties including The Georgian Hotel, Santa Monica Proper Hotel, Fairmont Miramar Hotel & Bungalows and newly opened Regent Santa Monica Beach.
Misti Kerns, President & CEO of Santa Monica Travel & Tourism, said the visit was a chance to highlight why Santa Monica continues to resonate with Australian travellers. “Santa Monica offers the ultimate Southern California experience, beachside living with big city energy, all within a walkable, small welcoming community.”
“With easy access to Los Angeles, 8 unique neighbourhoods, an exceptional portfolio of exceptional hotels and more than 400 restaurants, it’s no surprise that Aussies feel right at home here.”
“We loved the opportunity to share that first-hand with the Envoyage team,” Kerns said.
“There’s something magnetic about the laid-back luxury of Santa Monica, enriched by the countless stories this coastal icon has witnessed over the decades, from golden age glamour to modern-day reinvention,” remarked Astrid Richardson, Global General Manager at Envoyage.
Richardson continued: “Santa Monica offers an impressive array of accommodations, from landmark beachfront hotels to modern, design-led properties with a strong focus on wellness, ensuring there’s something to suit every taste and travel style.”
Nick Queale, General Manager at Envoyage reflected on how Santa Monica continues to surprise, praising the city’s atmosphere and broad appeal for Australian visitors.“Having visited Santa Monica before, I thought I knew what to expect. However, this trip reminded me just how stunning and dynamic the city is. The energy, the hospitality, and the sheer variety of experiences, from luxury hotels to local dining gems make it a place you want to return to again and again. It’s a destination that truly understands what Australian travellers value.”
Between site visits, the group found time to take in some of Santa Monica’s most iconic experiences from the rollercoaster at Pacific Park to a stroll along the Third Street Promenade. With 2026 marking the centenary of Route 66, their stop at Santa Monica Pier, the official endpoint of the legendary 4,000 km highway, felt especially fitting. The Pier remains a symbol of the city, home to family friendly attractions, street performers and the world-famous Pacific Wheel.
Lead image: Australian Envoyage executives at Hotel Casa Del Mar, from left – Nick Queale, Naomi Green, Wendie Lee, Astrid Richardson, Tatum McGovern (Santa Monica Travel & Tourism representative) and Joanna Beckett (Director of Sales for Shutters on the Beach & Hotel Casa del Mar).
