Where to Have the Ultimate Staycation in L.A.

Los Angeles offers all the right amenities for a splurge-worthy vacation. Discerning locals stay grounded for ultra-high-end weekends, whether checking into a fashion icon-designed presidential suite or helicoptering out to a private vineyard. Here are the most elaborate ways A-listers spend on a proper, luxe-drenched staycation in L.A. 

Read more Summer Getaways: 5 Luxe Spas to Check Out Now

BEVERLY HILLS

Stay: Penthouse at Four Seasons Los Angeles at Beverly Hills

Pampering amenities aplenty at the penthouse at Four Seasons Los Angeles at Beverly Hills. For $12,000 a night, guests sprawl out in 3,235 square feet on the 16th floor. The suite is highly touted by Gen Hershey, owner of Beverly Hills-based Genuine Access. “There are eight balconies and an amazing walk-in rain shower that doubles as a steam room. The suite also has a state-of-the-art Bulthaup kitchen with a convection oven and wine storage for up to 75 bottles. It’s a perfect place to have a private chef come prepare a gourmet meal for you during your staycation.” Guests booking the suite also have their choice of a luxury vehicle — Bentley, Ferrari, Lamborghini, Mercedes, Porsche or Rolls-Royce — that’s included during their stay. 

Master bedroom in the Presidential Suite at the Four Seasons Beverly Hills

Shop: The House of Bijan

Considered the most expensive store in the U.S., The House of Bijan on Rodeo Drive is appointment-only, and shopping sprees are upward of $100,000. “It’s originally known for dressing the presidents and the world’s most elite government officials,” says Jon Goss, senior vp at Quintessentially Group, based in West Hollywood. “It’s the most exclusive clothing store in the world and hence why it retains some of the most significant celebrity and super-premium clients.”

See more 10 Ways to Splurge This Summer

Dine: Baltaire

Open since March, Baltaire has been the go-to for A-list couples like Judd Apatow and Leslie Mann and Fergie and Josh Duhamel. An intimate dining room with French oak flooring is flooded with natural light from the skylight ceiling, while furnishings — brass-foot chairs and custom copper hoods suspended over white marble countertops — are midcentury modern inspired. Executive chef Travis Strickland hails from Cut in Chicago and Blackberry Farms in Tennessee, serving up top-notch prime steaks (from $42) and various dishes like a Dover sole, prepared tableside. 

Baltaire’s main dining room

12 oz. center cut filet from Baltaire

Spa: La Prairie Spa

“If you are a spa junkie, you have to try La Prairie Spa,” says Gen. Tucked away inside Hotel Bel-Air, La Prairie Spa features luxurious spa treatments, many that utilize caviar, known to significantly reduce the effects of aging. Caviar Luxury includes a 60-minute massage followed by a 90-minute caviar firming facial ($475). The spa recently partnered with intuitive guru to the stars, Susan King, for personal intuitive counseling that helps refresh and reduce stress ($500 per 60-minute session).

90-minute caviar firming facial at La Prairie Spa

Drink: £10 Bar

There’s secret entrances to this exclusive scotch bar tucked away at Montage Beverly Hills, where top industry folk like to mingle over rare Macallan drams (from $58 to $3,360). A new cocktail menu includes Blood & Sand (fine oak 17, blood orange juice, dolin sweet vermouth, luxardo liqeur, angostura bitters) for $72.

The £10 bar at the Montage Beverly Hills

WEST HOLLYWOOD

Stay: Penthouse Suite at The London West Hollywood

Opened last month, the new penthouse suite at The London West Hollywood was designed by fashion icon Vivienne Westwood. For $25,000 a night, the massive11,000-square-foot space is furnished with a full kitchen, sleek California-cool interiors (blue and teal tones), innovative touches like mirror-backed bookcases and a separate 5,000-square-foot rooftop deck with 360-degree views of the city. “To create the perfect penthouse suite,” says Jon Goss, “a hotel must satisfy three criteria: location, view and style. The only way to make one penthouse suite better than another is its size and/or amenities. The new Penthouse Suite at the London is astonishing.” The penthouse suite now officially is the largest in Los Angeles. 

The view from the roof of The London West Hollywood’s penthouse 

Dine: Craig’s

A casual yet high-end WeHo spot that feeds the A-list like Lana Del Rey and Joan Collins, Craig’s LA is run by Craig Susser, former manager of celebrity joint Dan Tana’s. He opened in 2011, and faithful celebrity diners followed. Gen says: “Craig’s is always on the itinerary for my high-end clients because I know Craig and his staff will make sure everyone is taken care of …  not to mention the food is awesome.”  She recommends popular dishes include the spaghetti squash primavera ($26) and the chocolate bread pudding ($13). 

Drink: The Nice Guy

This exclusive lounge opened by H.Wood Group feels like a private member’s club (you have to know someone to get in). Inside, master mixologist Kris Doyle stirs up creative cocktails for $15 (or, for large groups, punch bowls for $250). H.Wood lounges have a cult celebrity following, and regulars include Kate Hudson, Kate Beckinsale and Drake. Co-founder John Terzian says, “I wanted The Nice Guy to feel like another home to my clients, where they feel welcome, warm and secure. The lounge fills a void in the L.A. social scene in that it’s a mix between a nightclub and a lounge.” H.Wood recently opened Blind Dragon, an upscale, glammy karaoke lounge on Sunset Boulevard (Rihanna and Rita Ora already have been spotted). The Asian-themed lounge has become the stomping ground for Hollywood elite. Reservations are required at both.

Interior of The Nice Guy

The Spicy Siena cocktail from The Nice Guy

 

SANTA MONICA/MALIBU

Stay: Shutters on the Beach

One of few hotels along the California coast that’s directly on the sand, Shutters on the Beach is beachfront paradise for VIPs (like Brad Pitt and Jennifer Lawrence). The presidential suite ($4,500 a night) features the best views from the seventh floor and include fireplaces and large terraces. The five-star hotel is walking distance to major attractions and just a stone’s throw from high-end boutiques on Montana Avenue. “Their lobby bar is always a great scene,” says Terrie Hansen,  senior vp marketing at Virtuoso. “Be sure to order their renowned lobster BLT … you’ll thank me later.” Clients of Virtuoso receive upgrades, spa credits and early check-in/checkout based on availability.

Wine: Malibu Rocky Oaks Estate Vineyard

Only the privileged have access to the 1,000-acre privately owned wine estate that’s wooed celebs like the Kardashians. The hilltop views are unbeatable, and the wines are just as major. “Grapes are handpicked, and the estate is meticulously maintained by the same team of professionals since conception in 2003,” says Jon. Quintessentially arranges private tastings including a helicopter charter (starting at $16,000) that lands directly onto the property. 

Aerial view of the Malibu Rocky Oaks Estate

Play: Yacht cruise the Pacific

For the day, travelers can book a yacht charter (starting from $50,000) with Tour du Jour in partnership with Virtuoso. “On this cruise, guests will sail around beautiful Marina Del Rey, one of the largest man-made small-ship harbors in the world,” says Hansen. Guests can choose from a restored wooden sailing vessel to a mega yacht of any size, all of which are staffed with personal guide and crew.