California captivates the sophisticated traveller with its harmonious blend of natural splendour, architectural innovation and refined hospitality. From the sun-drenched beaches of Santa Monica to the modernist retreats of Palm Springs, the Golden State delivers experiences that balance authentic character with exceptional quality, rewarding those who seek destinations that stimulate both contemplation and conversation.
This curated guide navigates through California’s most distinguished accommodations, culinary establishments and cultural landmarks, each selected for its ability to deliver experiences beyond the ordinary. Whether savouring meticulously prepared Mediterranean cuisine steps from the Pacific, relaxing in a rooftop pool with panoramic desert views, or gaining privileged access to cinematic history, these destinations represent California luxury at its most authentic—where attentive service and thoughtful design create moments of genuine discovery.
Where to stay
California offers an exceptional array of luxury accommodations that blend distinctive architecture, premium amenities and unparalleled locations. From historic Art Deco gems along Santa Monica’s coastline to sophisticated desert retreats in Palm Springs, these carefully selected properties deliver experiences that satisfy the most discerning travellers seeking both comfort and character.
Sonder The Beacon
Santa Monica
Best For: Retro Glam
Sonder The Beacon stands as a remarkable fusion of historic elegance and contemporary luxury on Santa Monica’s coveted Ocean Avenue. The 1928 Streamline Moderne building, following a £30 million renovation, preserves its authentic Art Deco heritage across 70 rooms and 30 suites while incorporating modern amenities including soaking bathtubs and advanced technology. Originally opened as Hotel Shangri-La in 1940, the property’s storied past includes service as a military rehabilitation centre during World War II before evolving into the sophisticated coastal retreat it represents today.
Positioned directly opposite Santa Monica Beach, the hotel offers unparalleled access to Southern California’s premier attractions, from the iconic pier with its solar-powered Ferris wheel to cultural landmarks like the Getty Center. Guests enjoy exceptional dining at The Dining Room and breathtaking sunset views from The Coco Club rooftop bar, while environmentally conscious features including a solar-powered swimming pool demonstrate the property’s commitment to sustainability without compromising luxury. Sonder’s innovative approach to hospitality blends digital convenience with personalised service, creating an experience that honours the building’s illustrious history while embracing modern expectations.
Read our full review here.
Kimpton Rowan
Palm Springs
Best For: Authentic Luxury
Standing seven storeys above downtown Palm Springs, The Kimpton Rowan delivers an exceptional urban retreat amidst the desert landscape. As the Coachella Valley’s tallest building, this 153-room property boasts the region’s only rooftop pool, where guests enjoy craft cocktails while taking in panoramic mountain views. The hotel seamlessly blends metropolitan sophistication with midcentury design sensibilities, evident in its soaring lobby with floor-to-ceiling windows and thoughtfully appointed accommodations featuring tiled headboards and private balconies.
Beyond its architectural merits, The Kimpton Rowan offers a compelling array of amenities tailored to discerning travellers. The signature restaurant 4 Saints presents California-inspired cuisine with Southern influences, while six exclusive pickleball courts provide a distinctive wellness option. Positioned at the heart of Palm Springs’ revitalised downtown, the property places guests steps from cultural attractions, boutique shopping, and outdoor adventures—all while maintaining the polished service expected of a luxury establishment. For executives seeking a desert escape that balances productivity with relaxation, The Kimpton Rowan stands as Palm Springs’ premier urban sanctuary.
Read our exclusive review here.
Kimpton La Peer
West Hollywood
Best For: Exquisite Luxury
Tucked away on a leafy street in West Hollywood’s Design District, Kimpton La Peer Hotel stands as an architectural statement where Icelandic design meets California cool. The 105-room property showcases acclaimed designer Gulla Jónsdóttir’s masterful use of concrete, leather and oak to create spaces that feel simultaneously sophisticated and welcoming, complemented by a tranquil pool courtyard flanked by olive trees and a vertical garden.
Beyond its striking aesthetics, La Peer distinguishes itself through thoughtful amenities including Eastern Mediterranean cuisine at Ladyhawk, a 24-hour fitness centre, and a standout rooftop pickleball court that transforms into “Disco Court” on weekends. The property’s harmonious integration with the surrounding creative neighbourhood offers guests an authentic West Hollywood experience, providing a refreshing alternative to the conventional luxury hotel formula without compromising on comfort or service.
Find out more about our stay here.
The Royal Sun
Palm Springs
Best For: Retro Vibes
The Royal Sun Palm Springs reimagines desert modernism with authentic mid-century charm and contemporary sophistication. Located where Palm Canyon Drive meets the San Jacinto Mountains, this 66-room boutique hotel features striking architectural elements, including a sharply angled entrance canopy and bold tangerine accents. The property’s centrepiece is an oasis-like pool area framed by cacti and fringed umbrellas, complemented by thoughtfully designed guest rooms that draw inspiration from the desert landscape.
Culinary offerings at the Royal Sun enhance the guest experience through two distinct venues. High Moon restaurant serves modern California cuisine in an intimate space adorned with floral accents and jewel tones, while the converted pool house bar offers casual elegance with craft cocktails and shareable small plates. With its strategic location steps from the Moorten Botanical Garden and within walking distance of San Jacinto Mountains, the Royal Sun delivers a perfect balance of authentic Palm Springs character, refined comfort, and accessible luxury without pretension.
Read our exclusive feature on The Royal Sun hotel here.
Calamigos Guest Ranch
Malibu
Best For: Secluded luxury
Set within the Santa Monica Mountains just 45 minutes from Los Angeles, Calamigos Guest Ranch and Beach Club offers an exceptional dual-destination experience combining rural tranquility with exclusive coastal access. This 250-acre family-owned property features 52 secluded accommodations ranging from Estate Rooms to Premium Private Cottages, each thoughtfully designed to blend with the natural surroundings while providing luxury amenities like outdoor rainfall showers, custom Walker beds, and private patios.
What truly distinguishes Calamigos is its comprehensive approach to hospitality—from seasonally-driven cuisine sourced from the property’s organic garden to the private five-acre Beach Club offering exclusive Malibu beach access. The attentive yet unobtrusive service philosophy creates memorable experiences through thoughtful touches, while multiple swimming pools, a full-service spa, and activities from hiking to helicopter tours ensure guests can be as active or relaxed as they desire. This sophisticated rural retreat manages to deliver authentic tranquility paired with genuine luxury—a remarkable achievement that explains its enduring appeal after more than eight decades.
Find out more about our experience at Calamigos Guest Ranch here.
Where To Dine
The Golden State’s culinary landscape rivals its scenic beauty, with restaurants that showcase both technical excellence and regional personality. These standout dining establishments combine innovative cuisine, thoughtful design and exceptional service, creating memorable gastronomic experiences that complement California’s world-class accommodation options.
Mon Ami
Santa Monica
Best For: Sophisticated Mediterranean
Tucked away in a verdant courtyard just steps from Santa Monica Pier, Mon Ami delivers a genuine Mediterranean escape without the passport. Led by Nas Negahban of Pacific Coast Hospitality, this sophisticated yet unpretentious establishment combines the culinary traditions of Spain, Greece, Italy, France and Morocco with locally sourced California ingredients. The John Sofio-designed space balances indoor comfort with outdoor freshness, creating an atmosphere that feels both exclusive and welcoming.
The culinary offerings excel across categories, from a silky hummus elevated with both garbanzo and cannellini beans to a sublime Lobster alla Catalana Pasta featuring perfectly al dente tagliolini. The 16oz Steak Au Poivre stands as a testament to the kitchen’s technical prowess beyond Mediterranean specialties. When paired with innovative cocktails like the mozzarella-washed vodka with clarified tomato-basil cordial and cultural immersions through live music and flamenco performances, Mon Ami establishes itself as more than a meal—it’s a destination that merits prominent placement on any sophisticated traveller’s Santa Monica itinerary.
Read our full review of Mon Ami here.
Ladyhawk
West Hollywood
Best For: The Place To Be Seen
Ladyhawk, nestled in West Hollywood’s Kimpton La Peer Hotel, has emerged as Los Angeles’ most sophisticated Lebanese dining destination. Led by 26-year-old culinary prodigy Charbel Hayek, winner of “Top Chef Middle East,” the restaurant delivers theatrical mezze presentations on turntable-style platters alongside house-baked pita and perfectly executed dips. Beyond the visual spectacle, Hayek’s technical precision—honed while working under Josiah Citrin at Mélisse—shines through in every dish from the balanced hummus to the deconstructed chicken shawarma.
The beverage program complements the refined cuisine with creative cocktails that showcase Middle Eastern flavors, including the bourbon-based “‘Bout Figgin’ Thyme” infused with figs and Tahitian vanilla, and the smoky-sweet “Argonaut’s Enemies” blending mezcal and tequila. Since opening in November, Ladyhawk has attracted growing crowds, confirming Los Angeles’ appetite for this elevated approach to Lebanese cuisine that maintains cultural integrity while offering universal appeal—a testament to the restaurant owners’ vision and Hayek’s remarkable talent for balancing tradition with innovation.
Read our exclusive full review of Ladyhawk here.
4 Saints
Palm Springs
Best For: Unparalleled Views
Palm Springs’ culinary crown jewel, 4 Saints, sits majestically atop the Kimpton Rowan Hotel, offering diners an unrivalled gastronomic experience complemented by spectacular 270-degree panoramic views. The seventh-floor restaurant blends global influences with modern American cuisine, showcasing the finest California ingredients through an innovative menu of shareable plates. From the meticulously prepared Short Rib Ravioli to the perfectly executed Chilean Sea Bass, each dish demonstrates the kitchen’s commitment to culinary excellence with international flair.
Beyond the exceptional food, 4 Saints creates a complete sensory experience with its sophisticated yet welcoming atmosphere, creative mixology programme featuring regional elements, and thoughtfully curated wine selection. The Michelin-recognised venue operates year-round, adapting its seasonal offerings to the desert climate while maintaining consistent quality. Whether visiting for an intimate dinner, celebratory gathering in the private dining space, or simply cocktails at the bar that opens daily at 4 p.m., 4 Saints represents Palm Springs dining at its absolute finest – a perfect marriage of breathtaking vistas and world-class gastronomy.
Read more about our visit to 4 Saints here.
The Ranch Club Restaurant
Malibu
Best For: Authentic Ranch Dining
Nestled within the Santa Monica mountains at Calamigos Guest Ranch, The Ranch Club Restaurant offers a culinary experience that seamlessly blends sophistication with approachability. Under the leadership of Executive Culinary Director Rosie Gyulasaryan, the restaurant celebrates Californian dining through a meticulously crafted menu that prioritises locally sourced ingredients and seasonal offerings. The restaurant’s commitment to farm-to-table excellence is epitomised by its on-site organic garden, which directly supplies fresh produce to the kitchen.
Beyond its exceptional cuisine, The Ranch Club Restaurant distinguishes itself through an intimate dining experience that goes far beyond typical resort restaurants. Exclusive to Calamigos Guest Ranch members and guests, the venue offers unique dining settings – from fireside private dining under starlit skies to a sophisticated interior with floor-to-ceiling mountain views. The menu showcases remarkable versatility, from breakfast offerings like house-cured salmon and fresh pastries to dinner highlights including mesquite-grilled octopus and perfectly prepared Creekstone Filet Mignon, all served with a level of personalised service that transforms each meal into a memorable culinary journey.
Read our exclusive food review of The Ranch Club Restaurant here.
High Moon
Palm Springs
Best For: Poolside Treats
Nestled on the south side of Palm Canyon Drive, High Moon offers an intimate culinary retreat within the boutique Royal Sun Palm Springs hotel. This stylish eatery perfectly balances retro-modern design with desert-cool aesthetics, creating a relaxed yet refined atmosphere that appeals to festival-goers and discerning travelers alike. From the jewel-toned curved booths to the vintage-inspired lighting, every design element contributes to a space that feels both timeless and thoroughly current.
The culinary programme showcases locally-inspired dishes that celebrate Coachella Valley through quality ingredients rather than unnecessary complexity. Morning highlights include the Coachella Valley Classic with Chino Valley eggs and artisanal Nueske bacon, while evening standouts feature perfectly executed comfort food like the Desert Bloom Short Rib. Creative cocktails such as the Sparkling Mojito and Heart of Gold complement the dining experience, with the adjacent pool bar offering the same dedication to quality in a casual alfresco setting that maximises Palm Springs’ exceptional climate.
Where To Visit
Beyond its celebrated beaches and iconic landmarks, California rewards sophisticated exploration with extraordinary cultural, automotive and cinematic experiences. This curated selection highlights destinations that offer privileged access, exclusive opportunities and refined perspectives on the state’s rich heritage and creative energy.
Petersen Automotive Museum
Los Angeles
The Petersen Automotive Museum showcases automotive excellence across three floors following a $125 million renovation: the ground level celebrates automotive artistry; the second explores engineering innovation; the third chronicles automotive history. For the ultimate experience, the museum’s vault collection offers exclusive access to over 250 additional vehicles not on public display, with expert guides providing context about these rare automobiles in an intimate setting.
Universal Studios Hollywood
Los Angeles County
Universal Studios Hollywood offers the pinnacle of entertainment through its VIP Experience: dedicated expert guides, priority attraction access, gourmet dining in a private lounge, and expanded backlot access. Most valuable is the opportunity to walk through working soundstages and active sets when production schedules permit, providing an authentic glimpse into filmmaking rarely available to standard visitors.
Warner Bros. Studio Tour Hollywood
Burbank
Warner Bros. Studio Tour offers four distinct experiences, with the Deluxe Tour representing the premium option: a six-hour exploration featuring fine dining lunch and exclusive access to Property and Costume Departments. All tours include visits to active soundstages, backlot sets, and interactive exhibits, culminating with “Action and Magic Made Here” featuring authentic Harry Potter and DC Universe props and sets, delivered with small group sizes ensuring personalised attention.
Santa Monica Pier
Santa Monica
The historic Santa Monica Pier delivers refined experiences beyond its nostalgic attractions, including panoramic coastal vistas, sophisticated dining options with ocean views, curated cultural events, and exclusive event spaces. The National Register-listed Looff Hippodrome houses a meticulously restored 1922 carousel with 44 hand-carved horses, representing exceptional craftsmanship rarely seen in contemporary amusement attractions.
Blue Crush Artist Workshops
Los Angeles
Blue Crush Artist creates premium experiences marrying fine dining with 3D Texture Art creation in elite venues throughout Los Angeles. The signature Sunset Seaglass Workshop at Mon Ami in Santa Monica allows participants to transform glassware into stunning oceanscape designs while enjoying curated refreshments, with each piece receiving special sealant treatment making it both functional and decorative—perfect for sophisticated social connection.
Griffith Observatory
Hollywood
Griffith Observatory combines pristine Art Deco architecture with world-class astronomical facilities and unrivalled Los Angeles vistas. Premium experiences include reserved seating at expert-narrated planetarium shows, private celestial viewings through the Zeiss telescope, and refined dining at Wolfgang Puck’s Café at the End of the Universe, where the terrace offers spectacular sunset panoramas as the city transforms into a tapestry of lights.
The Hollywood Sign
Hollywood
Exclusive helicopter tours provide the definitive Hollywood Sign experience, using state-of-the-art aircraft with noise-reduction technology and panoramic windows. Premium packages begin with champagne service at private terminals and feature multiple approach angles impossible from any ground location, often timed for sunset when the sign is silhouetted against the Pacific sky, with many concluding at renowned restaurants offering panoramic city views.