Synonymous with the Gold Rush, Hollywood glamor and Silicon Valley wealth, California is no stranger to luxury experiences. But there’s more to the Golden State than champagne, caviar and 500 sheets. Here, the spirit of adventure, fun lifestyle and innovation, all rooted in its spectacular natural surroundings, channel the no-frills philosophy that makes this destination so desirable. Stay at a five-star working ranch where you can meditate and enjoy the best massage of your life. Enjoy a wine tasting in a vintage Volkswagen. Spend an afternoon on the beach enjoying the company of butlers and s’mores, which are more sophisticated than many restaurants. Read on for more from two local travel advisors who share their thoughts on booking the best luxury travel experiences in California.
Take Care of Yourself in an Eco-Friendly Wellness Resort
Between The Ashram, a Calabasas resort favored by the likes of Gwyneth Paltrow and Oprah, and Two Bunch Palms, an oasis in Palm Springs, with its mineral-rich hot springs, California is home to some of the nation’s top spa and wellness programs. Melissa James, a travel consultant at Valerie Wilson Travel, a recently added new tree ranch, said the Sonoma gem is one of the state’s least known gems. “It’s only a five or seven minute drive from downtown Healdsburg, but once you get into the hotel, you feel like you’re a million miles away,” she said. Set on 120 acres of self-sufficient private farmland, guests can immerse themselves in nature while feeding pasture animals, horseback riding, forest bathing, tree planting, and enjoying massages and facials in an outdoor tent. “It’s all very interactive and eco-friendly while still being luxurious and five-star,” James said.
Enjoy VIP Treatment
One of the best ways to get around California is on a private tour, so James often works with partners to include exclusive extras in her itinerary. For example, customers who love the outdoors might enjoy a helicopter ride to Yosemite for a day trip, while those interested in a slow tour can rent a classic convertible and drive along the stunning coastline. Meanwhile, families also enjoy visiting Zaca Creek Ranch, Santa Barbara’s historic rancher, to meet local alpacas and llamas.
Savor Fresh, Award-Winning Cuisine
With more Michelin stars than any other state and the nation’s best produce, California is a food paradise. Katie Cadar, director of leisure sales and hotel partnerships at TravelStore, recommends Matsuhisa Beverly Hills, a heartwarming sushi bar run by renowned chef Nobu Matsuhisa and the restaurant of his empire. Chef Kyle Connaughton and Chief Farmer Katina Connaughton create a farm-to-table tasting menu inspired by kaiseki cuisine. In Carmel Sea, James recommended Aubergine and its impressive 3,500-bottle cellar, located in the Relais & Châteaux resort L’Auberge Carmel.
Experience the Ultimate Golf Resort
Built in 1923, Ojai Country Club was once hailed as a “golf architectural marvel” and was one of the first first-class golf courses in Southern California. Today, it remains one of the world’s top championship golf courses and is located inside the Ojai Valley Inn. “It’s a fantastic getaway for golf enthusiasts and a favorite of some of my high-end clients,” James said. If you want to practice your swing while enjoying views of the Pacific Ocean, the Dollypines Hotel in San Diego, the Ritz-Carlton, Half Moon Bay just outside San Francisco and Pebble Beach near Monterey are also good options, Kadar said.
Sip on the Goodies
To make the most of her time in Napa and Sonoma, Kadar often sends a private chauffeur for her clients to take them on personalized tours from estate to estate. If you’re visiting California’s lesser-known southern vineyards, there’s another option: Malibu Wine Hikes, a company that offers four-wheel drive and vintage Volkswagen adventure wine tours. If you want to stay put, James will love the adults-only Napa Valley Hotel Alila. “They’re right next door to Beringer Vineyards — you don’t even need to leave the land,” she says. “They have a good relationship and it’s a beautiful wine estate with a rich history and heritage.”
Live the Best Beach Life
Embrace the California dream and enjoy a full day sunbathing, surfing and swimming on the beautiful Pacific coast. If you plan correctly, you don’t need to do anything other than apply sunscreen. Kadar recommends staying at the Beach Village at Hotel del Coronado, where beach cabanas/villas feature beachfront food trucks, campfires with s’mores, luxury beach loungers, surf camps and other amenities. At Rosewood Miramar Beach, James’ favorite hotel, guests stay in beachfront villa-style rooms overlooking the waters of one of Santa Barbara’s most exclusive coastlines. Relax and let your beach butler arrange a range of activities for you, including yoga, kayaking and stand-up paddleboarding.