Today we’d like to introduce you to Marina Boulanger.
Hi Marina, thanks for joining us today. We’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
I grew up in Santa Barbara, just a couple hours north of Hermosa Beach, and from a young age, I was passionate about sports—especially beach volleyball. Hermosa was like a second home to me; I spent weekends here playing in tournaments as a teenager. I actually stayed at the Sea Sprite Motel multiple times when it was still owned by the Greenwald family, with its iconic blue exterior and the pool out front. I remember telling my parents at 16, “If I could own any hotel in the world, it would be this one.”
Right outside the Sea Sprite is where I was recruited to play collegiate beach volleyball at Florida International University. I went on to study hospitality at one of the best programs in the world, competed in international hospitality competitions, and eventually joined the Four Seasons’ Management in Training program. My early career included managing top boutique hotel restaurants in Miami with South Beach Group, where I developed a deep appreciation for independently owned, design-driven hotels that focus on personalized guest experiences.
Later, I spent three years managing The Charlie Hotel in West Hollywood—an intimate, luxury property with a focus on exclusivity and charm. But in 2020, when the opportunity came up to manage Sea Sprite during its rebranding and renovation, it felt like fate. I had come full circle.
Now, five years later, we’ve transformed Sea Sprite Beach Club into a place that honors its nostalgic charm while elevating it with thoughtful design and hospitality. We’ve built something special here—a place that resonates with both longtime guests and a new generation of travelers. With the upcoming opening of Surfer Girl, our beachside lounge, we get to invite the local community into that story too.
I live in Hermosa Beach, serve on the board of the Chamber of Commerce over the last 5 years, and am surrounded by an incredible local ownership team that truly cares about the community. This property has so much heart behind it, and I feel honored to help lead it into its next chapter.
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
Definitely not a smooth road—but I think that’s what makes the journey meaningful. Hospitality is a 24/7 business that constantly tests your adaptability, leadership, and patience. Early in my career, I had to prove myself in very competitive environments, especially as a young woman in leadership roles within high-pressure hotel and restaurant operations.
When I stepped into the Sea Sprite in 2020, we were in the middle of a rebranding renovation and a global pandemic. We were navigating uncertainty every day—changing health regulations, limited staffing, and an unpredictable market. At times, it felt like building the plane while flying it. But we leaned into the challenge and focused on one thing: creating an experience guests could trust and love.
There were tough moments, like managing guest expectations during construction phases or trying to recruit and retain top talent in a challenging labor market. But through all of it, the goal remained the same: to breathe new life into a beloved property without losing its soul.
Every setback taught me how to lead better, listen more, and remain solution-oriented. And now, seeing how far we’ve come makes every struggle worth it.
Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know?
Brand-wise, I’m incredibly proud of the story we’re telling here. Sea Sprite has always been a cherished hotel with deep roots in this community, known for its coastal charm and inviting atmosphere, and our new restaurant Surfer Girl builds on that legacy in a fresh, modern way. Our team is passionate about hospitality, and it shows in every guest interaction, every playlist, every plate.
Surfer Girl is more than just a restaurant—it’s our love letter to Hermosa Beach. It’s an extension of Sea Sprite Beach Club, designed to bring our community together through great food, refreshing drinks, and coastal California vibes. Located just steps from the sand, we wanted to create a space that celebrates the spirit of the beach with a playful, elevated twist.
What sets Surfer Girl apart is its authenticity. We didn’t want to just build another trendy bar—we wanted it to feel local, familiar, and full of soul. Every detail, from the laid-back yet chic design to the menu inspired by fresh, beachside flavors, is intentionally crafted to reflect the unique energy of Hermosa. It’s a place where guests can walk up from the beach with sandy feet, grab a drink, and stay for the sunset.
Whether you’re a hotel guest looking for a relaxed spot to wind down, or a local stopping in after a surf session, we want Surfer Girl to feel like your spot. A place you can come back to again and again, where the atmosphere is warm, the drinks are cold, and the people are genuinely happy to see you.
At the end of the day, we’re here to create moments—ones that feel effortless, memorable, and deeply rooted in the laid-back luxury that defines Hermosa Beach.
What makes you happy?
What makes me happy is creating places that feel meaningful—places that people connect with, whether it’s a guest walking into their hotel room and feeling instantly at ease, or a neighbor sitting down at Surfer Girl with a glass of wine and good company. I love the energy that hospitality brings. Every detail—from the scent in the lobby to the playlist in the bar—creates a memory. That’s powerful.
What also brings me happiness is seeing a team thrive. When the people I work with feel empowered, supported, and proud of what they’re creating, that’s everything to me. That’s the kind of leadership I believe in and the kind of culture I want to keep building.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.seaspritebeachclub.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/seaspritehb/
