Los Angeles is synonymous with glitz and glamour; the place that stars including Jennifer Lawrence and Tom Cruise call home, while Brits David and Victoria Beckham have also been seduced by the laidback lifestyle and year-round sunshine. With a rich Hollywood history and temperatures that can reach up to 20⁰C even throughout the winter, it's the ideal destination for an indulgent winter getaway.
One of the most legendary places to stay is the Beverly Hills Hotel, situated at the heart of Beverly Hills. Built in 1912, this incredible hotel is the place stars come to see and be seen, with the likes of Joan Collins and Leonardo DiCaprio known to be frequent visitors to the famous Polo Lounge restaurant and bar.
Beverly Hills Hotel is one of LA's most iconic hotels
From Hollywood royalty to British royalty the 'pink palace' has played host to them all, including Prince William and the Duchess of Cambridge, née Kate Middleton, who reportedly spent a night in the Presidential Suite during their first royal tour of America in 2011. The sprawling estate was also a favourite haunt of Marilyn Monroe, who regularly frequented the bungalows at the Beverly Hills Hotel throughout her career.
When you're not star-spotting, the hotel's décor is sure to capture the attention, with signature banana leaf print wallpapers and candy pink and green stripe motifs a running theme throughout both the guest rooms and public areas. It's no surprise the hotel has become an Instagram sensation with snap-happy guests, clocking up well over 20,000 posts of the décor, dining and attention-to-detail it is known and loved for.
The hotel has a resort-feel complete with private poolside cabanas
A truly luxurious place to stay, the hotel has a relaxing resort-feel thanks to its palm tree lined swimming pool complete with private cabanas and poolside dining. However if it's Hollywood glamour you're after, check out the buzzing social scene at Bar Nineteen12 or the Polo Lounge, both lively venues within the hotel with a rich history to boot.
If a peaceful oasis away from the bright lights of Hollywood is more your thing, then Hotel Bel-Air is a great option. This five-star resort is tucked away in the hills of Bel-Air; home to Jennifer Aniston and Justin Theroux, who tied the knot in the privacy of their home in the area in August.
Hotel Bel-Air is one of Prince Charles' favourite places to stay in LA
Nestled within 12-acres of landscaped gardens, Hotel Bel-Air is within easy reach of the sights of LA but also offers peace and quiet for a romantic escape. With only 103 rooms and suites available, Hotel Bel-Air is often favoured by stars who are looking for a private yet lavish getaway.
Much like Beverly Hills Hotel, the Hotel Bel-Air has more than its fair share of high profile fans, including Prince Charles, who once said he "slept better in the Presidential Suite of the Bel-Air than in any other hotel in the world".
Celebrity chef Wolfgang Puck runs a restaurant at Hotel Bel-Air
Grace Kelly loved the hotel so much she even lived there prior to her marriage to Prince Rainier Grimaldi III and has a suite named after her, while Marilyn Monroe carried out one of her final photoshoots by the hotel's pool just six weeks before her death in 1962.
Food at the hotel comes courtesy of celebrity chef Wolfgang Puck, who offers fine dining within a stunning setting at his Hotel Bel-Air restaurant. As a chef-to-the-stars responsible for creating the Oscars menu for 21 years, Wolfgang has devised a menu of fresh and healthy cuisine that is truly fitting for the location, whether for breakfast, lunch or dinner.
One suite is named after Grace Kelly, who previously lived at the hotel
Wolfgang's menu is also available at The Bar and Lounge, where you can expect cocktails and culinary delights in a sophisticated setting, with live musicians performing each evening and iconic images from photographer Norman Seef adorning the walls.
Be sure to pay a visit to the Spa by La Prairie during your stay. Choose from their selection of La Prairie's signature treatments including facials and therapeutic massages, and prepare for ultimate relaxation at the hands of their friendly and talented beauty therapists.
The Getty Center offers incredible views across Los Angeles
Of course, Los Angeles is not all about rest and relaxation - there are a wealth of places to explore and landmarks to visit. Tick all the boxes with a private and personalised tour from Tour Du Jour, whose expert guides pick guests up directly from the hotel and show them everything their heart's desire within Los Angeles.
Celebrity fans will love seeing the homes of the rich and famous, getting a glimpse at how the Hollywood stars live and which A-Listers call each other neighbours.
Explore the sights of Los Angeles with a trip to the Hollywood Walk of Fame
Meanwhile art and architecture enthusiasts will love the Getty Center, which is situated at the top of Los Angeles with stunning views across the city. Opened only 18 years ago, this museum has already established itself as one of the must-see landmarks in LA thanks in part to its incredible design and stunning grounds, which themselves offer hours of exploration before you've even stepped foot inside.
Shop 'til you drop at The Grove and original farmer's market. Both much-loved US labels and quirky independents are available at this outdoor shopping centre and market, along with a number of restaurants and entertainment venues.
Get your shopping fix at The Grove
Last but by no means least, no trip to Los Angeles would be complete without a visit to the home of the entertainment industry – Hollywood. Take a stroll along Hollywood Boulevard to get a glimpse at the Hollywood Walk of Fame as well as the hand and footprints of some of the world's biggest stars outside the TCL Chinese Theatre.
With the Oscars venue the Dolby Theatre situated nearby as well as a viewpoint where visitors can get a glimpse at the world famous Hollywood sign, it's a must-visit during your Californian getaway.
Getting There:
Air New Zealand flies daily from London to LA. Return flights from London to Los Angeles start from £404 per person in Economy and £961 in Premium Economy. For the most up to date fares to LA please visit airnewzealand.co.uk/cheap-flights-to-los-angeles.
