Hotel Bel-Air Brief Break

Slaves to the Ordinary. From Cecil Beaton: Be daring, be different, be impractical, be anything that will assert integrity of purpose and imaginative vision against the play-it-safers, the creatures of the commonplace, the slaves of the ordinary. Take a look at our Client Compliments and you won’t find an ordinary soul on the list. We’ve been introduced to a few stars who really tried to make us like their box office draw, but  I have to say working with our brilliant roster of clients suits us just fine! Similar to a sojourn at the Hotel Bel-Air, which is an exceptional experience and far from ordinary.

Consider a dash away to the extraordinary, far from typical, Hotel Bel-Air. A quick bay area/LAX flight, the perfect mini escape, disappear and catch your breath for a few days, paparazzi free zone!

Hotel Bel-Air Plunge Beverly Hills

The West Coast sisters in the Dorchester Collection of lovely hotels reside in a small pocket of Beverly Hills – like interesting sisters, they each exude unique personalities. I’ve stayed at both The Beverly Hills Hotel and Hotel Bel-Air and love each for innumerable reasons.

Hotel Bel-Air Wolfgang Puck Restaurant Beverly Hills

Hotel Bel-Air, despite the close proximity to downtown Beverly Hills shopping and culture, is surrounded by twelve acres of lush gardens and tucked into a pocket-sized canyon. Amid towering palm and silver leafed eucalyptus trees, the Spanish Colonial design is subtle and elegant. A hidden sanctuary amongst the wooded hills, untouched by the clamor of life beyond the gates of Bel-Air. The most quintessentially private and exclusive hotel, delivering low-key elegance since 1946. Suites with garden patios, private plunge pools are enchanting. Move up to the canyon rooms and relish the sweeping views of the canyon from your secluded plunge pool and deck. A bit of spring mist kept the fireplace in my suite crackling most of the day, a cozy enclave where I cocooned and worked in between meals with my clients.

Hotel Bel-Air Suite Beverly Hills

An extended list of swells have been long term hotel residents, among them Howard Hughes at The Beverly Hills Hotel, Coco Chanel at The Ritz in Paris, Playwright Tennessee Williams lived in Manhattan’s Hotel Elysée for 15 years. One story circulates that guests would complain to the front desk about the constant tap tap tapping of a typewriter. According to Wikipedia: “They knew right away who the culprit was, but they couldn’t very well ask Mr. Williams to stop playwriting, so we simply moved the guest to another room.”

After a few days dining, languishing and working at Hotel Bel-Air, I can easily imagine moving into a hotel. A simple elegant lifestyle might be envisioned by my days here…amble down the hill to Wolfgang Puck restaurant; dine and catch up with friends, idly observe the fascinating locals, picking up on idiosyncrasies and imagine their story. One evening I used the hotel car to make my way to The Polo Lounge at The Beverly Hills Hotel for dinner wth friends and clients. Leisurely life here in the hills, both properties diminish travel stress. Plan your meetings or entertainment  between both hotels and I guarantee you will wonder why didn’t I do this before! Need a staycation, ultimate luxury, rooms comfy and cozy, don’t even venture farther than the spa!

Hotel Bel-Air Suite with Pool Beverly Hills

Mosey to the gym followed by a massage, return to your perfectly made up room…what’s not to like, Eloise?

Wolfgang Puck restaurant resides in a Spanish inspired courtyard, hide away in a corner booth while enjoying the delicious contemporary Mediterranean cuisine. The celebrated hotel bar feels like a glamorous private club, afternoon tea or chic cocktails by the roaring fire is where you will find me entertaining my clients and friends. One of my dearest local clients came for dinner, we curled up in our half moon shaped banquette and traded ‘table confidential’ stories for over three hours – we just didn’t want the evening of giggles and delectable dining to end! Gracious waiters never even hinted we should depart after three hours!

La Prairie Spa and fitness center. Lounge at the oval shaped heated pool surrounded by drooping palms and flowering blossoms.

Combined with the typical casual Southern California sensibilities, the luxe eras of the 1930’s, 40’s and 50’s are a mainstay of this classic property.

When was the last time you escaped for weekend therapy in a chic five star property? The Dorchester properties spoil our guests!

Hotel Bel-Air Hillside Suite Beverly Hills

Cheers to living a life a lot less ordinary, never settle!  Let us know when you need pampering and an escape from the frenzy of life!  Hotel Bel-Air and The Beverly Hills Hotel two scrumptious properties, Five Star Luxury!

 

Are we there yet? Scheduling Summer, an Epic Greek Odyssey

Mykonos Mirage?  Two Relais & Châteaux Stunners – Myconian Utopia Resort on the aqua marine Aegean. Arrive by boat or at the hotel’s helipad to indulge in the resort’s luxurious spa. Whitewashed blocs clinging to the rock above Elia Beach, offer stunning views down over the sea and distant islands. This ‘place of perfection’, with its traditional architecture, modern materials, original artwork and contemporary furniture, invites you to enjoy the best that Mykonos has to offer: water sports on the private beach, lounging beside the infinity pool, which appears as if suspended over the sea, or relaxation on the terrace. All hotel guest rooms boast stunning sea views. And a regular shuttle to the picturesque port of Mykonos offers you the opportunity to enjoy island life.

Myconian Utopia Resort, Mykonos Greece

Myconian Korali Mykonos, Greece

Myconian Korali – A bright new star in the constellation of Myconian Collection luxury hotels, Korali Relais & Châteaux enjoys the best of both worlds. Perched on the hills above the historic harbour, it is a coveted haven minutes away from the cafés of Little Venice, boutiques, tavernas and famously alluring nightlife of Mykonos Town. The elegance of simple lines, espoused in both architectural structure and detailing, lends added impact to the vibrant touches of signature yellow and touches of red and orange that will get your first three chakras humming. Its contemporary spaces come alive with the best of international design that lends an unmistakable air of sophistication to complement the gracious hospitality, haute cuisine and exceptional views which celebrate the ethos of excellence and savoir faire that defines a Relais & Châteaux retreat.

Athens – Ancient wonders abound in Athens, this graceful city has been drawing visitors for years and it’s time to revisit.  For nearly 140 years, the Hotel Grande Bretagne has been recognized as the “Royal Box” of Athens. Occupying the most prestigious block of the city’s center, the Hotel Grande Bretagne stands across from Constitution Square, the House of Parliament and the National Gardens. Ideally located within short walking distance of exclusive shopping areas, restaurants, open-air cafes, museums and the business district, the hotel has hosted countless heads of state and international celebrities.

Hotel Grande Bretagne, Athens Greece

Newly restored with meticulous attention to detail, the 320 rooms and suites marry charming old-world elegance with state-of-the-art facilities. Luxurious rooms with sweeping views over the Hellenic Parliament and Acropolis, this five-star oasis in the city is a must-stop for any visit to Athens.

Amanzoe, a recent Aman junkie destination, is the perfect place to plop after you’ve enjoyed the marvels of Athens. A mere two hours’ drive down the stunning coastline, head south down the Argolid Peninsula.

Or if you prefer, an 18 minute heli-jaunt from Athens. Situated on a gentle rise surrounded by undulating olive groves, Amanzoe’s 360-degree views take in the Peloponnese countryside and rocky coves. The luxury resort with 38 pavilions is within easy reach of a wealth of Greek archaeological sites and bustling Porto Heli. Dotted across the hillside, Amanzoe’s Pavilions and Villas are classically inspired and contemporary in attitude. Amanzoe’s private Beach Club is set on a scenic bay beside the azure waters of the Aegean Sea. Activities include trips to the islands of Spetses and Hydra. Or step aboard one of Amanzoe’s boats for a Greek cruise and watch the sunset from the water.

Follow me to glamorous Mykonos in heart of the Cyclades then down the ancient steps of the Parthenon in Athens and to the ancient Peloponnese hills above the Aegean Sea.

Postcards Soon!