insideKENT Magazine Issue 84 - March 2019 | Page 92

GETAWAYS
CALIFORNIA
DREAMIN’
IN THE FINAL INSTALLMENT OF OUR WEST COAST USA TRAVEL FEATURE,
SAMANTHA READY HAS ONE LAST NOSTALGIC STAY IN L.A. BEFORE HITTING THE
ICONIC PACIFIC COAST HIGHWAY, AND HEADING TO THE FINAL STOP ON HER WEST
COAST WHISTLE STOP TOUR: THE GLAMOUROUS YET LAID BACK SANTA BARBARA
Having exhausted as many activities and sightseeing opportunities as possible
(as well as ourselves!), there was one last iconic stay in Beverly Hills,
just enough time to shop the boutiques of Rodeo Drive resisting the urge to yell
“mistake, BIG mistake” and seek out the new must-eat brunch favourite, before
hitting the road, the road, the glorious Pacific Coast Highway.
The roof-down, wind-in-your-hair journey began passing by the hipsters and
hippies of Venice Beach, enjoying the end of Route 66 and the most amazing
sunsets on Santa Monica Pier. We took in views of the stunning houses of Malibu,
with a pitstop for smoothies on Malibu Pier, then a well worth it hike down to
the breathtaking El Matador beach and finally to slow the pace, at the de-rigueur
retreat of the West Coast elite. It was time to hit wine country, where lush green
and golden hillsides collide with the glistening ocean; history, culture and wonder
combine in an avalanche of museums, attractions and festivals, all washed
down with a glass of crisp Californian white in a place rightly coined as ‘The
American Riviera’.
Beverly Wilshire Hotel, Beverly Hills
Since opening its grand doors in 1928, the iconic
Beverly Wilshire, now a Four Seasons Hotel, has
been a firm favourite of celebrities, royalty and the
international elite, who come not only for the location,
the luxury and the service, but for the award-winning
spa, the Mediterranean-esque pool, and Michelin-
starred dining courtesy of Wolfgang Puck at the Cut.
Having been thrown into prominence from its
movie star turn, the reality is so, so much more
beautiful, elegant and indeed welcoming than its on-
screen persona. The beautiful building with its double
height columns, archways and intricate stonework
is located at the intersection of Wilshire Boulevard
and Rodeo Drive, placing it truly in the heart of
Beverly Hills. The beautiful interiors, complete with
marble columns, breathtaking chandeliers, luxurious
suites and faultless service place it firmly in the heart
of its guests.
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Arrival is friendly, courteous and efficient. Nothing
is too much trouble – there is an air of excitement
and passion that radiates from every staff member,
and before you realise, you are ensconced in the
luxurious welcoming vibe and torn between wanting
to see more and never wanting to leave.
Checked in, we were shown to the Beverly Wing,
the newer addition to the original hotel that was
built and added in 1971, to our two-bedroom Beverly
Suite. Located on the higher floors, the suite affords
not just privacy and quiet, but also the most amazing
views. Our suite was bright and airy; sliding wooden
doors separate the lounge/second bedroom which
was made into a children’s bedroom haven with full-
size bed, cot, mini bathrobes, tiny slippers and
completed with Beverly Wilshire cuddly puppies.
Our own contemporary and comfortable master
bedroom suite featured a king-size bed, down duvets
and signature Ferragamo toiletries. But the icing on
the suite cake comes from the curved floor-to-ceiling
windows and doors leading to the double-width
balconies with incredible views of the Hollywood
Hills – just breathtaking.
Continuing the breathtaking theme, we headed for
dinner at signature restaurant THE Bvld. Offering
prime views of Rodeo Drive, the 144-seat, mood-lit
dining room, complete with wow-factor bar THE
Bvld Lounge with its stunning 5.5m illuminated onyx
bar, was a hive of activity. Our windowside booth
table offered the perfect spot for a romantic night
out, our own special family meal and of course for
simply people watching.
As well as hosting breakfast daily with a great menu
of ‘the breads’, ‘the bowls’, ‘the eggs’ and ‘the bakery’,
THE Blvd proudly offers a fine dining dinner menu
bursting with local Californian fare with a heavy
Mediterranean influence.