A truly impressive destination, ‘The Golden State’ has it all and then so much more. Whether it’s a city break or fly-drive, California holidays are full of surprises and hidden gems.
No state would be complete without a great city and San Francisco certainly does not disappoint. Home to the iconic landmarks of the Golden Gate Bridge and Alcatraz Island as well as, Alamo Square, Lombard Street and a fantastic Chinatown, San Francisco’s laidback atmosphere will leave you wanting more.
Driving only a short distance from the city, you are transported to the beautiful wine country land of Napa Valley and Sonoma County. With vineyard tours and Michelin-starred restaurants, relax and soak up the delights of this area.
Towards the border of Nevada lies pretty Lake Tahoe, a real hot spot for outdoor activities, as is Yosemite National Park. A visit to the jewel of the National Parks in California, Yosemite will quite literally take your breath away and is a must on any luxury holiday to California.
Travelling down from San Francisco on California’s Coastline passing rugged cliffs, waves lapping against the shore, beaches and redwood trees, there are plenty of reasons to pause your drive and stay for a night or two at some of the most breathtaking spots in California. With their own character and charms, the towns of Carmel, Monterey and Santa Barbara are our personal recommendations.
Towards the end of California’s coastline is Santa Monica, with its luxurious hotels, great beaches and chilled-out atmosphere, this is the perfect place from which to visit the studios and adventure parks of Los Angeles. Experience another of America’s great cities, San Diego, and explore the theme parks, quirky neighbourhoods and highly-acclaimed zoo here.

Where to go in California
This iconic and historic San Francisco hotel, built in 1907, sits on top of the affluent Nob Hill, a short cable car ride to Downtown, Union Square, Fisherman’s Wharf and the Financial District. Located at the only point in the city where all the cable car lines meet, the Fairmont San Francisco is the perfect choice for a centrally located stay in this cosmopolitan city. The hotel comprises...
Situated in La Quinta in Greater Palm Springs, at the base of the Santa Rosa Mountains, lies the long-standing La Quinta Resort & Club. Opened in 1926, this village-style resort is spread over 45 acres and has retained its feel of the Hollywood glamour era. A collection of casita style accommodations are spread throughout the pretty gardens of the property. There are a variety of accommodation sty...
The sister property of Shutters on the Beach, Casa del Mar is a Mediterranean inspired beachfront hotel occupying a brilliant location with stunning views of Santa Monica Beach and its pier. Once you step into the lobby you are treated to ocean views from the Terrazza Lounge. The bright and airy rooms and suites are exquisitely styled with a luxury beach house feel and showcase local coastal art, ...
Fairmont Miramar Hotel & Bungalows is on an elevated position offering beach and ocean views from a selection of its rooms and suites and is within easy walking distance of downtown Santa Monica. Accommodations are spread throughout the 10 story Ocean Tower offering Pacific and Santa Monica beach views and six-story Palisades Wing where traditional guest rooms are located. The hotel also has a col...
The elegant and sophisticated Maybourne Beverly Hills (formerly Montage Beverly Hills) is located in the heart of the Golden Triangle, surrounded by exclusive shopping and upscale restaurants. The architecture is reminiscent of a luxury villa, combining design aesthetics from Spain, Italy and Morocco, including grand archways and an Italian style tiled dome. The 201 rooms and suites offer modern ...
- Travel in style in the hotel's house car, a pearl white Maserati, available for complmentary journeys within a two mile radius
- The Graduate was written at the Hotel's bar
- The daily Cocktail Hour (16:00 - 19:00) offers small plates, wines by the glass and specialty cocktails
- The hotel feels more like a private residence, tucked behind a canopy of palms in a quiet residential street
Perched on the famous Newport Coast in southern California, The Resort at Pelican Hill offers exquisite style and sophistication, with expansive views across land and the Pacific Ocean. This luxurious resort offers 5* Bungalow or Villa accommodation, complimented by state-of-the-art facilities and exacting standards of service. Tucked in the terraced hillsides are 204 spacious single-story bungalo...
- Enjoy unsurpassed ocean views from this architectural marvel and one of the world’s most acclaimed resorts
- Spoil yourself with yoga, guided nature walks, forest meditation and edible tours of the Chef's garden
- Witness sunsets from your cliff-edge suite, infinity pool or while enjoying dinner at Sierra Mar
- The award-winning wine cellar houses 3,200 bottles from the Santa Lucia Highlands and Santa Cruz Mountains
Situated in the heart of Santa Barbara, just moments from buzzing State Street lies the contemporary and boutique Kimpton Canary Hotel. Special Kimpton Hotel touches include a daily hosted wine hour, a morning paper in the lobby and morning tea and coffee. Spanish touches decorate the rooms, furnished with a four-poster bed, hardwood floors, 42 inch flat screen television, bathrobes, rainforest s...
The multi-award-winning Carneros Resort & Spa is refreshingly modern in its construction and design, entirely enveloped by thriving grapevines though also offers a handful of adult-only areas such as their hilltop infinity pool and Jacuzzi; every bit the sophisticated Napa wine lodge. The décor here is unashamedly contemporary, as what could be traditional tin-roofed barns at first glance are in f...
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