CALIFORNIA & COAST
Iconic landscapes and famous landmarks are sewn into every corner of the spectacular state of California. From road tripping along the Big Sur coastline to marvelling at the Golden Gate Bridge and hiking up to the Hollywood Sign – you’ll be clicking the camera button all over the place!
Then, there are the beaches. Effortlessly cool skaters weave up and down Venice Beach, celebrity homes pepper the coasts of Malibu and laid-back surfers hit the waves in Santa Monica. Away from the coastlines, the green undulating hills of Napa Valley are filled with world-class vineyards and wine-tasting trips - while spectacular parks, such as Joshua Tree National Park offer the opportunity to camp out for a night under the stars.
A perfect playground of American adventures. California has it all.
SAN FRANCISCO
The iconic Golden Gate Bridge leads you into the cultural capital of California, San Francisco.
Take a stroll around Fisherman’s Wharf, a popular spot for tourists, where you’ll find a variety of cafes, restaurants and boutique shops. Catch a ferry to Alcatraz and take a tour of this infamous prison, and cruise around the bay area taking in the sights. You’ll get some great photos of the city skyline.
Explore the downtown area and shopping malls around Union Square, take a cable-car ride up and down the city’s roller-coaster hills, and lose yourself amongst the pretty boulevards.
NAPA VALLEY
The home of Californian wine, you’ll find sprawling vineyards and rolling hills throughout the region just north of San Francisco. Discover your favourite vintage as you taste your way around the many vineyards.
It’s not just about the wine…. You’ll also find great food to pair with the perfect wine, as well as cooking classes, concerts, golf courses, distillery tours, and the highlight of a trip to Napa Valley being a hot air balloon ride.
The area is also home to many festivals throughout the year, mainly focusing on food and wine, naturally.
YOSEMITE NATional PARK
One of America’s most popular national parks, Yosemite is famous for its incredible waterfalls, deep valleys, grand meadows and ancient giant sequoia trees.
Each season brings something different in Yosemite. Spring brings vibrant and divers flora and fauna, with deer, bobcats and coyotes out in the open. Summer is popular with hikers and bikers taking advantage of the sun drenched trails. Autumn is the best time to see bears coming out to enjoy their catch, and winter you’ll see the magnificent icy landscapes and snow scenes. Whatever time you visit, you won’t leave disappointed. Enjoy a stay in a log cabin for a truly authentic experience.
MONTEREY BAY AREA
Teeming with wildlife, the Monterey Bay area is home to a spectacular coastline from rocky coves to long sandy beaches. You’ll often find people enjoying the outdoors with sports including kayaking, surfing and scuba diving.
The area is rich in visitor attractions including the Monterey Bay Aquarium and Cannery Row, made up of historic warehouses that now house galleries, restaurants and entertainment venues. It is also dotted with historic homes and churches, and there’s no better place to visit than Fisherman’s Wharf to get a flavour of Monterey’s seafaring past.
Los angeles - CITY & BEACH
The sprawling area of Los Angeles has many centres, each with their own unique identity. From the heart of Downtown with its skyscrapers, commercial district and cultural hotspots, and of course Hollywood with its many tourist attractions, shopping malls and nightlife; to Beverly Hills with beautiful mansions and celeb-spotting. Not forgetting the excitement of a family trip to Universal Studios or Disneyland Parks.
On the coast, you’ll find trendy Santa Monica with its palm-lined promenade, famous pier, shopping boulevards and luxury hotels. A little treasure is Marina Del Rey with its pretty harbour and popular food scene, and not forgetting Malibu for those wishing to escape the hubbub.
SAN DIEGO
California’s second-largest city has many highlights for families to enjoy including the world-famous San Diego Zoo in Balboa Park, LEGOLAND California and Wild Animal Park. The area
There are number of must-visit cultural neighbourhoods; the lively Gaslamp Quarter known for its cocktail bars and nightlife, Little Italy with its quaint piazzas, restaurants and upscale boutiques, and Coronado known for its surf beach.
Escape the city and head for the Anza Borrego Desert State Park where you can enjoy hiking, biking, fishing and wildlife watching.
my FAVOURITE HOTELS
Here are just some of the four- and five-star hotels I love and work with in California.
RITZ CARLTON
With Union Square and Nob Hill within walking distance, the Ritz Carlton is an ideal base from which to explore the city. The hotel features stylish modern-classic rooms and suites boasting downtown and or bay views, three restaurants and an exclusive Club Lounge.
ARGONAUT HOTEL
Housed within Fisherman’s Wharf historic Haslett Warehouse building, the Argonaut hotel is full of character, with a nautical design staying true to its past. Wake to views of the Golden Gate Bridge, Alcatraz and bay before venturing to Ghirardelli Square & Hyde Street Pier nearby.
MEADOWOOD NAPA VALLEY
Awarded a five-star status by Forbes and three michelin stars for its restaurant, Meadowood is one of the most luxurious hotels in the Napa Valley area. Enjoy a game of golf or croquet, relax in the award-winning spa or take a stroll around the beautiful country grounds.
THE REDWOODS
The Redwoods is home to over 120 vacation rental homes in the historic area of Wawona, a small town at the base of Chilnualna Falls, and surrounded by the majesty of Yosemite National Park. Each property has a unique design and level of luxury, and range from 1 to 7+ bedrooms.
TENAYA LODGE
This award-winning resort, located near to Yosemite’s south entrance, is much more than a hotel. It’s a destination, with a variety of rooms, suites, lodges and cabins to choose from, alongside multiple restaurants, a fantastic spa, indoor & outdoor pools and activities to enjoy.
PORTOLA HOTEL AND SPA
Overlooking a pretty harbour, Portola Hotel and Spa is surrounded by sought-after shopping and fine dining destinations, spectacular coastal trails and beautiful beaches. This waterfront hotel is also close to the Monterey Bay Aquarium and Cannery Row.
INTERCONTINENTAL CLEM.
Enjoy panoramic ocean views and radiant sunrises over the bay from the Intercontinental St. Clement in Cannery Row. You’ll be just a few steps from many boutiques, eateries, galleries, attractions and beaches, whilst being able to explore the surrounding, beautiful coastline.
ROSEWOOD CORDEVALLE
Tucked in the foothills of the Santa Cruz mountains, this hidden gem offers country club charm with its luxurious accommodation, idyllic private golf resort and on-site winery and spa; all just fifty minutes from the popular amenities of Monterey and Cannery Row.
LOEWS HOLLYWOOD HOTEL
Perfectly situated in the heart of Hollywood, next door to the Dolby Theatre, this luxurious hotel boasts contemporary rooms with both city and Hollywood sign views. Relax by the rooftop pool in the day, do some shopping in the afternoon and then soak up the nightlife.
BEVERLY WILSHIRE
This Four Seasons hotel in the heart of Beverly Hills is a landmark of history and glamour, just steps from Rodeo Drive. It’s proven very popular with celebrities, royalty and the international elite alike, thanks to its collection of 395 luxurious rooms, suites and penthouses.
SHUTTERS ON THE BEACH
Set on a pristine stretch of beach in Santa Monica, Shutters is a luxury hotel that blends modern comfort with the ambience of a classic South Californian retreat, quintessential 'New England’ interiors, a sun-drenched pool deck and wellness spa for your indulgence.
US GRANT SAN DIEGO
In the heart of the popular Gaslamp Quarter in Downtown San Diego, the US Grant embraces timeless luxury and enduring sophistication with its collection of stylish rooms and suites. It’s the perfect place from which to explore the many attractions nearby including San Diego Zoo.
