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DESTINATION – LOS ANGELES SERIES 8/8 - OUR PERSONAL GUIDE TO LOS ANGELES: A CITY WITH A LEGENDARY PAST AND A LUXURIOUS PRESENT (United States)
In her final piece for our Los Angeles dedicated series, explore with Asia the luxury, culture, and unforgettable experiences that define Los Angeles today. |
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DESTINATION – LOS ANGELES SERIES 8/8 - OUR PERSONAL GUIDE TO LOS ANGELES: A CITY WITH A LEGENDARY PAST AND A LUXURIOUS PRESENT (United States)
In her final piece for our Los Angeles dedicated series, explore with Asia the luxury, culture, and unforgettable experiences that define Los Angeles today. |
Category: Worldwide - United States - Industry economy
- Tourism
Article written by Asia Abadie on 2025-05-05
 The Santa Monica Pier
Photo credit © Asia Abadie
Having spent a year living in Los Angeles during my university studies, I came to know its sights, culture, and rhythm intimately—this guide reflects that personal journey through the city of dreams.
In 2025, Los Angeles stands tall as a top-tier destination for the luxury traveller, combining rich history with cutting-edge experiences, five-star hospitality, and a culture that balances laid-back lifestyle with high glamour.
A storied city of stars and spirit
The story of Los Angeles begins in 1781, when a group of settlers founded El Pueblo de Nuestra Señora la Reina de los Ángeles. From these humble beginnings, the city expanded rapidly in the late 19th and early 20th centuries, propelled by the arrival of the railroad, oil booms, and the film industry.
By the 1920s, Hollywood had become synonymous with the movie business, attracting stars and dreamers from around the world. Grand hotels like the Millennium Biltmore (opened in 1923) and the Beverly Hills Hotel (opened in 1912) became gathering places for royalty, movie moguls, and international travellers. The golden age of cinema helped shape LA’s global image: glamorous, sun-kissed, and eternally youthful.
Mid-century brought waves of architectural innovation and cultural change. From the sleek lines of John Lautner’s modernist homes to the birth of car culture and Sunset Strip nightlife, Los Angeles continued to embrace progress. At the same time, the city nurtured a deep artistic and musical heritage, giving rise to everything from the Laurel Canyon folk-rock scene to world-class institutions like the Getty Centre and LACMA.
Modern LA: The epicentre of experiential luxury
Today, Los Angeles offers travellers far more than celebrity sightings and beachfront brunches, though both remain delightful perks. It’s a sprawling city of cities, each with its own distinct identity: the bohemian energy of Venice, the design-savvy calm of Silver Lake, the heritage charm of Pasadena, and the vibrant pulse of Downtown LA.
Wellness seekers practice sound baths in Topanga Canyon or book private Reiki sessions in Beverly Hills. Art lovers attend immersive exhibits in the Arts District and exclusive gallery previews in West Hollywood. High fashion and high dining converge in areas like Melrose Place and Robertson Boulevard, where concept stores sit beside intimate Michelin-starred kitchens.
West Hollywood: Legacy, liberty, and style
West Hollywood, just four-square kilometres in size, has long played an outsized role in shaping LA’s cultural identity. Known for its vibrant nightlife and rich history, dating back to the Rat Pack days when stars like Frank Sinatra flocked to its clubs, it became a beacon of freedom and creativity. Today, it’s a trailblazer in LGBTQ+ advocacy, wellness, and design. Rooftop bars like Harriet’s, boutique hotels, cutting-edge fitness studios like Dogpound, and trendsetting restaurants define the local experience. The storied Sunset Strip and stylish streets are lined with fashion and art.
Beverly Hills: The heart of Hollywood glamour
No visit to Los Angeles is complete without a taste of Beverly Hills. Synonymous with opulence, the city boasts palm-lined streets, couture flagships on Rodeo Drive, and world-class dining. From the legendary Beverly Hills Hotel to L’Ermitage to the Maybourne Beverly Hills, the area blends heritage with refinement. Visitors can explore lush gardens at Greystone Mansion, sip handcrafted cocktails at chic rooftop lounges, and spot celebrities during shopping excursions. Beverly Hills continues to epitomise timeless luxury and modern elegance.
Santa Monica: Coastal sophistication
Santa Monica is a refined yet relaxed coastal haven where the Pacific meets cosmopolitan cool. Travellers can bike the beach path, enjoy oceanfront yoga or enjoy the pier. The opening of Regent Santa Monica Beach has redefined beachfront luxury, offering sweeping views and elevated service. Artisanal boutiques, the Third Street Promenade, and nearby Malibu hikes make Santa Monica a perfect blend of nature, design, and high-end leisure.
Venice: Bohemian chic by the sea
With its colourful boardwalk, iconic canals, and eclectic spirit, Venice remains one of LA’s most distinctive enclaves. Once a haven for artists, surfers, and counterculture icons, Venice has evolved into a fusion of edgy cool and upscale sophistication. Visitors can browse the various boutiques or watch skaters and street performers on the legendary Ocean Front Walk. Art galleries, beach yoga sessions, and pop-up wellness events reflect the neighbourhood’s creative, free-spirited ethos, making Venice an essential stop on any luxury itinerary.
Renting a bike by the E-line metro station in Santa Monica allows you to cycle on the footpath on the sand to Venice Beach – the best time to cycle from one to the other is sunset to take in the views. After looking around, you can grab a bite at Belles Beach House – I recommend the bao buns.
Luxury Hospitality: A Renaissance of Five-Star Hotels
Los Angeles’ hospitality scene is experiencing an unprecedented renaissance, with several major openings and re-openings that reflect the city’s evolving identity as a luxury capital.
After a $2.5 billion renovation, this iconic property is a crown jewel of Century City. The hotel blends mid-century architecture with contemporary interiors, a luxurious spa, and an elegant brasserie, Lumière.
Marking Regent’s return to North America, this new beachfront property opened in October 2024 with suites overlooking the Pacific Ocean, a state-of-the-art wellness retreat, and curated culinary programs celebrating coastal California ingredients.
Nestled in the heart of the Sunset Strip, Pendry West Hollywood is a sophisticated blend of modern luxury and vibrant design. Offering sweeping views of the city skyline, this five-star hotel features spacious rooms, a rooftop pool, and renowned dining options. With its stylish interiors and a curated mix of contemporary art, Pendry West Hollywood captures the essence of the city's dynamic culture. A destination for those seeking refinement, the hotel also boasts a spa, multiple lounges, and a bowling alley, ensuring guests can indulge in relaxation and entertainment in one of LA's most iconic neighbourhoods.
This discreet all-suite property reopened after a complete transformation. It now includes Costa Covo Osteria, a rooftop lounge, and luxury spa partnerships including Joanna Czech and Ricari Studios, making it a sanctuary for travellers seeking refined privacy.
Located in the heart of Beverly Hills, The Maybourne brings European sophistication and contemporary comfort to Rodeo Drive. With its refined interiors, rooftop pool, and celebrated spa, the hotel caters to discerning travellers seeking privacy, elegance, and exceptional service.
A true Hollywood landmark, The Beverly Hills Hotel—known as the "Pink Palace"—has hosted stars and royalty for over a century. The hotel remains a symbol of timeless glamour and classic California luxury, surrounded by lush gardens and offering legendary service.
Tucked away in a canyon just minutes from Beverly Hills, Hotel Bel-Air is a secluded oasis known for its understated elegance and serene ambience. With swan-filled ponds, tranquil gardens, and a world-class spa, the property continues to attract celebrities and connoisseurs of quiet sophistication.
Opened in early 2025, the Whisky Hotel is a distinctive new addition to Hollywood’s luxury scene. Celebrating the golden age of speakeasies with a contemporary twist, the hotel offers whiskey tastings, vintage design details, and exclusive rooftop views of the city. It brings a blend of character and indulgence to the heart of LA.
What’s on in LA: Spring 2025 highlights
This season, Los Angeles is buzzing with cultural energy, offering immersive art installations and exclusive gatherings that capture the city’s creative spirit.
Mr. Brainwash’s “Life is Beautiful” on Rodeo Drive
From now through June 11, 2025, Beverly Hills' iconic Rodeo Drive transforms into an open-air gallery with Mr. Brainwash’s interactive installation, Life is Beautiful. Featuring 16 uniquely designed frames, visitors are invited to step into the art, becoming part of the exhibit themselves. This vibrant display builds upon the immersive experiences of his Beverly Hills museum. It's a must-visit for art enthusiasts and those seeking a unique photo opportunity in the heart of the city.
Afternoon tea at The Maybourne Beverly Hills
Prêt-à-Portea: The Red Carpet Collection brings the beloved haute couture afternoon tea from London’s The Berkeley to The Maybourne Beverly Hills. In the newly christened Terrace Tea Room, Executive Pastry Chef Brooke Martin transforms red carpet fashion into edible art — nine stunning desserts that pay homage to icons like Taylor Swift, Björk, and Zendaya. The experience includes couture-inspired pâtisserie, classic tea sandwiches, scones, and a glass of champagne, all served in an atmosphere as glamorous as the ensembles themselves. Seatings are available Friday through Sunday at 2:00 pm and 3:00 pm.
My final insider tips to the city of stars
During my time living in Los Angeles, I discovered a mix of places that really captured the city’s unique rhythm and personality. I loved hunting for vintage finds at the Silverlake Flea Market and Melrose Trading Post and escaping to nature with horseback rides at Sunset Ranch Hollywood or hikes to the Hollywood Reservoir and city watching at night at the Griffith Observatory.
Some of my favourite afternoons were spent browsing the shelves at The Last Bookstore or grabbing bites at Grand Central Market and Café Fig downtown. I’d often unwind over dinner at Casablanca Moroccan Kitchens or Bacari W. 3rd.
My favourite place was and remains Hermosa Beach, which some will recognise from the movie Lalaland. I would often have a pizza at Bonaparte Bistro, which felt like home when discussing with the French owners and staff, or grab a hot chocolate and croissant at the Cafe Bonaparte across the pier. My friends and I spent multitudes of afternoons at Hermosa Pier enjoying the sun and wandering around the boutiques.
Whether I was strolling through LACMA, watching the sunset in Hermosa, or people-watching at The Grove and its farmers market, these were the places that made Los Angeles feel personal—and unforgettable.
Why Los Angeles now?
Luxury in Los Angeles is no longer defined solely by exclusivity—it’s shaped by authenticity, individuality, and access to the extraordinary. Travellers come not just for five-star accommodations, but for transformative experiences as layered as the city itself.
Where else can you start your morning with a private surf lesson in Malibu, shop vintage haute couture on Melrose, take a helicopter ride to a vineyard in Santa Ynez for lunch, attend a film premiere in the evening, and unwind in a rooftop spa under the stars—all in the same day?
From its roots as a pueblo to its position today as a cultural and luxury powerhouse, Los Angeles remains, above all, a city of dreams—now polished to perfection for the sophisticated traveller.
 The Hollywood Reservoir
Photo credit © Asia Abadie
 Hermosa Beach
Photo credit © Asia Abadie
 The famous Venice Beach skatepark
Photo credit © Asia Abadie
 Photo credit © Asia Abadie
 Horseback riding hike with Sunset Ranch Hollywood
Photo credit © Asia Abadie
 Surf session at Santa Monica Beach
Photo credit © Asia Abadie
 Rodeo Drive
Photo credit © Asia Abadie
 Photo credit © Asia Abadie
 The Urban Lights at LACMA
Photo credit © Asia Abadie
 The Bonaparte Bistro at Hermosa Beach
Photo credit © Asia Abadie
 Rosie's dog beach at Long Beach
Photo credit © Asia Abadie
 The pier at Hermosa Beach
Photo credit © Asia Abadie
 Photo credit © Asia Abadie
 Naples at Long Beach
Photo credit © Asia Abadie
 Photo credit © Asia Abadie
 Hermosa Beach
Photo credit © Asia Abadie
 The Bel-Air Hotel pool by night
Photo credit © Asia Abadie
 Photo credit © Asia Abadie
 The Griffith Observatory
Photo credit © Asia Abadie
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