Los Angeles, California, USA. You’ve read about it, seen it in the movies and shows, you’ve dreamed of visiting all those spots filled with magic and moolah. Now it’s time to make your own story in the City of Angels, experience it all… from the grit to the glam.
Sunrise to Sunset
Let’s start off with a stay at the Sunset Tower Hotel. Because what better address to explore LA from than THE Sunset Strip. Located on Sunset Boulevard in West Hollywood, this hotel blends old-world glamour and contemporary comfort. All the guest rooms offer floor-to-ceiling panoramic windows, fine Egyptian linen, custom furnishings and art work, bluetooth speakers, flat-screen TVs, and Nespresso machines.
Sounds fabulous, right? But, there’s a reason that the Townhouse Suites are the most coveted stays here. These majestic split-level apartments that are laid out over 1750 sq ft, feature 20-foot-high ceilings, a downstairs living and dining area with powder room, a California king size bed, and outdoor terraces with sweeping views of LA and lush with plants.
Spa-ctacularly good!
You may not feel like stepping out of this plush private paradise. But we’d recommend spending time getting your travel stress kneaded away at the Spa at the Edition Hotel nearby. Also in West Hollywood, this luxury destination has a wealth of treatments to take you from ouch to aah using technology and traditional techniques.
Cutting-edge therapies involving sound and light, ancient rituals such as self-guided meditation. Roads to physical and mental recovery that are forged with a focus on inner health and nutrition using plant-derived products and essential oils.
You could help centre yourself at the aptly-named Sanctuary. Try Infrared Therapy, an LED Illuminate light treatment, or a sound bath. Or the CBD + Sticks & Stones which uses a unique combination of CBD pil, bamboo sticks, and hot stones to create a deeply soothing and therapeutic experience. But, if you’re seeking that ultimate pamper, indulge yourself with the Edition Signature Massage. You can pick the pressure level you need, and enjoy a Swedish massage under the expert hands of the trained therapist. This massage, which is offered at Edition hotels worldwide, uses a blend of nourishing oils.
The deliciously rich aroma you’ll be engulfed by during this massage is the brand’s signature Black Tea scent by the now cult Le Labo. A special local ritual helps to give you a sense of where you are, even as the therapy allows you to float away on a cloud of bliss. It ends with a Mowellens CBD Radiant Scrub for the feet. Just right for relaxing and rejuvenating you after a long flight and readying you for making the most of your time in LA.
Evening in LA
There are plenty of dining options but when you’re already at the chicest address, don’t look any further than your own hotel! The Tower Bar and The Terrace here are much-loved by LA’s discerning locals. The elegant indoor/outdoor setting allows you to set the mood for your evening.
Choose a quiet niche by the fireplace in a room with walnut-paneled walls framing sweeping views of the city. Present your most photogenic profile in the flattering rose-coloured light as you sip stylish cocktails and enjoy live Jazz pianists tinkling the ivories in quintessential Hollywood style.
Savour oysters, caviar service, or a seafood tower with your drinks, and then choose from their many mains. The Lobster Tacos is an interesting entrée, which features butter-sautéed lobster in corn tortillas, served with romaine, red onion, avocado, micro cilantro, chipotle mayo, lime, served with French fries or mixed greens.
Or head for a more high-octane time at the Terrace Bar, where the dark wood paneling, booths and cocktail tables, serve as the perfect foil for your memorable meal.
A night at the bright and beautiful Terrace Room, with custom pink suede semi-circular banquettes and sofas accented by potted palm trees, or the opulent poolside with white cushions and sparkling views of the city is what magical Hollywood moments are made of.
Sigh, it’s THE sign
Speaking of unmissable sights, the Hollywood sign is a landmark you will definitely want to see and what better way to experience it than to enjoy an invigorating early morning hike up to it! Michael Spellman of Bikes & Hikes LA does a great private hike which takes you closer to the world famous Hollywood Sign than any other LA sightseeing tour.
In three hours and 6.4 kms, you not only complete your 10,000 steps for the day; but also go behind and below the sign for some spectacular photo opps; get a bird’s eye view of the top film studios in Hollywood: Universal Studios, Warner Brothers, and Disney; see filming locations of popular movies in Griffith Park; and spot the Forest Lawn Mausoleum, the final resting place for many top Hollywood celebrities. You’ll come back sated with Hollywood history and stories.
Sunday like you’re in LA
Now that your soul is sated, it’s time to indulge your appetite. Head to brunch at The Butcher’s Daughter, where you can have a sinfully good time but feel quite saintly about it, since it’s 100 per cent vegetarian, with many vegan and gluten-free options too. From the plant-forward menu, we recommend their Butterfly Bowl by Whitney Port, which consists of yoghurt with Thai tender coconut, a chia seed pudding, maple cardamom granola, seasonal fruit, and butterfly pea powder. As fresh and feel good on the palate as it is on the eyes.
Their Seasonal Burrata is accompanied by figs, fresh persimmon, arugula, and balsamic cippolini onions that are packed with flavour. The roasted carrots that come with muhammara, chimmicurri, and pomegranate pearls. And if you’re ready to go big, or go home, try one of their posh pizzas, like the White Truffle Mushroom or the Pepperoni with Hot Honey.
And now, we take your leave as you prepare to catch some more LA sights and take your credit cards for a spin this afternoon. We know you certainly don’t need any hand-holding from us when it comes to luxury shopping on your lavish LA weekend.
Note – The author was invited by Visit California but all the opinions express herewith are his own.
