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| Beach Village at The Del in Coronado boasts oceanfront suites. |
John Clifford, president of International Travel Management, and our cover subject in January, revealed the following hideaways for A-listers:
“Southern California boasts some of the most iconic, luxurious and historical properties in the U.S. Over the past decade many of these Grande Dames have been masterfully restored, preserving their history and style. Here is my pick of some of the very best of the best.”
San Diego (Coronado) Beach Village at The Del, Coronado
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| The camellia suite at Belmond El Encanto is nestled amidst lush camellias and equipped with modern amenities. |
One of California’s, if not the nation’s, most iconic hotels, this Grande Dame is where Marilyn Monroe filmed her “Some Like It Hot” photo shoot in 1959.
The recently renovated resort has a new Beach Village with oceanfront suites with up to three bedrooms and a one-of-a-kind Cottage Horizon Suite that boasts a private study, balcony and oceanfront, private day tub.
Santa Barbara
Belmond El Encanto
Fresh off a seven-year, $134 million renovation, this Belmond gem sets the standard for iconic, coastal, California resorts amongst an impressive seven acres.
Built in 1918 and frequented by Hollywood elite, the restored 92 bungalows have all the new modern amenities. Top picks here are the three Specialty Suites, 900 to 1,100 square feet in size.
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| Cliff House at the Post Ranch Inn has a secluded, glass-walled bedroom with custom-built furniture and a wood-burning fireplace. |
The Camellia is nestled amongst the camellias; Oak Tree was inspired by the trees around the property with a garden courtyard and the Wishing Well Suite is where dreams have been made (and granted).
Ayse Boykin, luxury travel planner with TravelStore Presidents Club, gives us her perspective:
“Here are the four most amazing hotels and my favorite suites in them. They are not necessarily the most expensive or the largest — they simply have the best setting in the city or area they represent for an amazing honeymoon, romantic getaway or relaxation.”
Big Sur
Cliff House at the Post Ranch Inn
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| The oriental suite at the Mandarin Oriental has an 800-square-foot terrace overlooking San Francisco Bay. |
With a deck suspended over the cliffs, this extraordinary, free-standing structure seems to soar. Enter through an enclosed garden courtyard into 960 square feet of luxurious indoor and outdoor space.
The secluded, glass-walled bedroom features custom-built furniture, a wood-burning fireplace and radiant-heated floors.
San Francisco
Mandarin Oriental
The Oriental Suite at the Mandarin Oriental in San Francisco has a spectacular 800-square-foot terrace that will provide the biggest talking point. Overlooking the bay, it offers the perfect spot for al fresco cocktails and dining, relaxing or simply taking in the breathtaking view.
San Diego
Rancho Valencia Resort & Spa
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| The Premier Canyon Suite at Hotel Bel-Air comes with a pool and offers sweeping canyon views. |
The Hacienda at Rancho Valencia in San Diego is nestled in a perfectly private setting. This magnificent, 5,000-square-foot adobe home represents the finest in San Diego accommodations. Well-suited for an intimate honeymoon hideaway or small-group retreat, The Hacienda offers a full kitchen, wood-burning fireplaces in almost every room and three separate bedroom suites, each with a deluxe private bath.
Los Angeles
Hotel Bel-Air
The Premier Canyon Suite at the iconic Hotel Bel-Air in Los Angeles has sweeping views of the canyon and of the very exclusive neighborhood of Bel-Air.
If I were coming to Los Angeles for my honeymoon, this is where I would go.