Destinations > The Americas > California
California
Los Angeles, Napa & Sonoma Valleys, San Francisco, Santa Barbara & Southern California
The nation’s largest state in terms of population and personality, California is a land of immense natural beauty and laid-back zen vibes, where larger- than-life dreams can come true. Cruise Hollywood in a classic convertible as you attend star-studded award parties and taste sumptuous wines with a local winemaker in the picturesque Napa Valley. From the birthplace of sustainable food, to the Anaheim hot roasting pepper and a sophisticated craft brewing community, California has it all - with ranch dressing on top!
Best time to visit: California is truly the land of temperate climates. A coastal trip is ideal from spring through summer, while the fall in Northern California is glorious and the winters in Southern California are sublime.
Go for this: Enjoy a city tour with a local guide, explore Alcatraz at night, taste your way through San Francisco’s foodie scene and explore Mexican-American art in The Mission.
Relax and romp on the beach, but don’t miss the historic Gaslamp Quarter or the world-renowned San Diego Zoo for a V.I.P. safari to feed the giraffes.
But try this: Glamping on Lake Tahoe in October to see the wild colors of the spectacular Kokanee Salmon migration.
Go sea kayaking, hiking and snorkeling in the hidden Channel Islands of Santa Barbara before enjoying a gourmet picnic on a cluster of uninhabited islands.
Favorite guest experience: Blending wine with a world-class winemaker during a private class focused on Napa Cabernets with a master sommelier, and assisting in the harvest process at a private winery during “crush” season.
Hiking in the Hollywood Hills with a fitness trainer to the stars, detoxing in the exclusive enclave of Malibu, stand up paddle boarding in Marina Del Rey, biking down the Santa Monica boardwalk, trying the newest rejuvenating treatments at an exclusive spa, and eating healthy meals cooked for us by a celebrity chef.
Favorite hotel: Rancho Valencia (Rancho Santa Fe): Timeless Mediterranean resort and spa with a refreshing residential experience, this gem features 49 authentic casitas and hacienda-style suites that are tucked into the inviting courtyards and bubbling fountains– the embodiment of sophistication and pampering with an artful mix of comfort and privacy.
Farmhouse Inn (Forestville, Sonoma): This property has it all: sommelier-led wine tours, a Michelin-starred restaurant, and 25 rooms with curated wine refrigerators and feather beds in the heart of the Russian River Valley. The owners are so intimately connected to Sonoma as their story dates back five generations. Farm to table experiences and a spa to boot!
Hotel Covell (Los Angeles): A luxury boutique hotel in East Hollywood combining high-end design with world class comfort. Nine boutique suites are highly designed for the complete experience of comfort, peace and style. A luminous rooftop deck, Wine+Beer bar, and the infamous Bar Covell make this quintessential LA.
Favorite restaurant: Atelier Crenn: Treat yourself to a three-Michelin star meal at Dominique Crenn’s eponymous restaurant mere steps from the San Francisco Bay. Chef Crenn offers various multi-course experiences in an inviting and luxurious dining room, embodying the artistry of fine dining in her “workshop.”
Majordomo: Looking for something down to earth, typically Californian, and definitely cool and hip? Multi-talented and multi-James Beard Award winning chef and restaurateur, David Chang, lights up the sky with California cuisine inspired by the different food cultures present in Los Angeles and the bounty of Southern California products.
Favorite foods & beverages: Wine—lots of wine, but we’ll select Zinfandel since the California expression of this grape is world-renowned, ranch dressing for pizza dipping, See’s Candies, Animal Style anything at In-N-Out Burger, Cactus cooler soda, clam chowder in a sourdough bowl, TK Oreos, sushirito, cobb salad, French dip sandwich, all things avocado, fish tacos, and Korean duck BBQ.
Best time to visit: California is truly the land of temperate climates. A coastal trip is ideal from spring through summer, while the fall in Northern California is glorious and the winters in Southern California are sublime.
Go for this: Enjoy a city tour with a local guide, explore Alcatraz at night, taste your way through San Francisco’s foodie scene and explore Mexican-American art in The Mission.
Relax and romp on the beach, but don’t miss the historic Gaslamp Quarter or the world-renowned San Diego Zoo for a V.I.P. safari to feed the giraffes.
But try this: Glamping on Lake Tahoe in October to see the wild colors of the spectacular Kokanee Salmon migration.
Go sea kayaking, hiking and snorkeling in the hidden Channel Islands of Santa Barbara before enjoying a gourmet picnic on a cluster of uninhabited islands.
Favorite guest experience: Blending wine with a world-class winemaker during a private class focused on Napa Cabernets with a master sommelier, and assisting in the harvest process at a private winery during “crush” season.
Hiking in the Hollywood Hills with a fitness trainer to the stars, detoxing in the exclusive enclave of Malibu, stand up paddle boarding in Marina Del Rey, biking down the Santa Monica boardwalk, trying the newest rejuvenating treatments at an exclusive spa, and eating healthy meals cooked for us by a celebrity chef.
Favorite hotel: Rancho Valencia (Rancho Santa Fe): Timeless Mediterranean resort and spa with a refreshing residential experience, this gem features 49 authentic casitas and hacienda-style suites that are tucked into the inviting courtyards and bubbling fountains– the embodiment of sophistication and pampering with an artful mix of comfort and privacy.
Farmhouse Inn (Forestville, Sonoma): This property has it all: sommelier-led wine tours, a Michelin-starred restaurant, and 25 rooms with curated wine refrigerators and feather beds in the heart of the Russian River Valley. The owners are so intimately connected to Sonoma as their story dates back five generations. Farm to table experiences and a spa to boot!
Hotel Covell (Los Angeles): A luxury boutique hotel in East Hollywood combining high-end design with world class comfort. Nine boutique suites are highly designed for the complete experience of comfort, peace and style. A luminous rooftop deck, Wine+Beer bar, and the infamous Bar Covell make this quintessential LA.
Favorite restaurant: Atelier Crenn: Treat yourself to a three-Michelin star meal at Dominique Crenn’s eponymous restaurant mere steps from the San Francisco Bay. Chef Crenn offers various multi-course experiences in an inviting and luxurious dining room, embodying the artistry of fine dining in her “workshop.”
Majordomo: Looking for something down to earth, typically Californian, and definitely cool and hip? Multi-talented and multi-James Beard Award winning chef and restaurteur, David Chang, lights up the sky with California cuisine inspired by the different food cultures present in Los Angeles and the bounty of Southern California products.
Favorite foods & beverages: Wine—lots of wine, but we’ll select Zinfendel since the California expression of this grape is world-renown, ranch dressing for pizza dipping, See’s Candies, Animal Style anything at In-N-Out Burger, Cactus cooler soda, clam chowder in a sourdough bowl, TK Oreos, sushirito, cobb salad, French dip sandwich, all things avocado, fish tacos, and Korean duck BBQ.
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