The Cove Four Seasons Outdoor Space by Brooks + Scarpa

Designed by Brooks + Scarpa, The Cove is a transformative outdoor hospitality destination located within the Four Seasons Hotel Westlake Village, set against the dramatic backdrop of California’s Santa Monica Mountains. Spanning more than 8,093 square meters across over two acres of landscaped terrain, the project redefines the luxury poolside experience through architecture, landscape, and immersive programming inspired by Southern California’s coastal lifestyle.

Conceived as one of California’s largest luxury pool concepts, The Cove is an expansive, multi-sensory environment that seamlessly blends leisure, wellness, dining, and social engagement. At its core is a steel-clad outdoor bar and grill, fully equipped with a commercial kitchen, IT infrastructure, private showers, and guest facilities. This central hub anchors a diverse range of outdoor amenities, including a grand resort pool, three whirlpool spas, terraced lounge seating, private cabanas, and curated relaxation zones designed for both intimate retreats and vibrant gatherings.

The architectural language of The Cove draws heavily from the rhythmic movement and colors of the Pacific coastline. A sculptural vaulted canopy made of white aluminum and steel arcs above the main social areas, evoking the fluid motion of an ocean wave while providing shade and visual cohesion. The palette: featuring cobalt blue, turquoise, burnt orange, and lush greens, is carefully balanced with teak wood finishes and crisp white metal elements, reinforcing a fresh yet refined resort atmosphere.

Landscape design plays a defining role in shaping the experience. Towering date palm trees, lush planting beds, and a raised bocce ball court introduce a playful, resort-like character, while hammocks and luxe daybeds invite slow, sun-soaked relaxation. A standout feature of the project is the reimagined greenhouse, transformed into a setting for organic dining and private wellness experiences, blurring the boundary between nature, nourishment, and hospitality.

As daylight fades, The Cove transitions seamlessly into an evening destination. Tiki torches and a forty-foot-long fire wall illuminate the space during golden hour, casting a warm glow across the pool terraces and social areas. Thoughtfully designed lighting by Lucifer with Luminense enhances the architectural forms while maintaining an intimate, atmospheric ambiance after sunset.

With an investment of nearly USD 20 million, The Cove represents a bold rethinking of outdoor resort design: one that prioritizes experiential luxury, climate-responsive architecture, and a strong connection to place. As Robert Cima, Regional Vice President and General Manager, notes, the project reshapes how guests engage with the hotel, offering “an idyllic life, full of character and personality,” within a welcoming and distinctly Southern Californian setting.

Through its integration of architecture, landscape, and lifestyle programming, The Cove Four Seasons Outdoor Space stands as a contemporary benchmark for luxury hospitality architecture, demonstrating how outdoor environments can become the heart of resort experiences.

All photographs are works of Lawrence Scarpa