Hotel Bel Air and Beverly Hills Hotel – Sanity Staycation!

Hungering for human connection and needing fresh outlooks from home gardens, may I suggest the private suites and bungalows at Hotel Bel Air and Beverly Hills Hotel? Let me share a hospitality secret: The Dorchester Collection properties are one of the few firms who have retained and paid their entire staff, your first escape should not be to a downsized property which is now trying to open up, it results in too many people wearing too many hats… i.e. is the bellman also subbing as a housekeeper? Social Distancing was invented here long before the pandemic Bungalows and Suites ooze privacy and seclusion.

Beverly Hills Hotel Pool

Guaranteed five-star ambience and in a sheltered environment, a stay is enhanced with our Diamond Club Membership amenities. Guaranteed one category upgrade at time of booking for rooms, one category upgraded at time of arrival for junior suites (subject to availability). $100 hotel credit per stay for suites. Daily Full breakfast for two.

Hotel Bel Air Pool

Just weeks before the pandemic closures, I had business and client meetings in Beverly Hills and during that all too brief superb sojourn, I plotted a Hotel Lifestyle for myself. One of my dearest local clients strolled across the bridge over Swan Lake at the Hotel Bel Air, she exclaimed: I’ve crossed into the portal of happiness and enchantment, relaxation and calm! We chatted this morning and agreed the cozy private booths at Wolfgang Puck could easily be safe for a long evening of scrumptious food and rose bubbly. Or, assuming I stay in my sumptuous pool suite, we could carefully catch up across the loungers under the swaying palms.

Presidential Suite Hotel bel Air Private pool
Bungalow Bath Beverly Hills Hotel

Staycation – Just a short distance from breathtaking mountain ranges and sun-drenched beaches, it’s the ideal destination when you need a change of scenery and to take a break from it all. Whether you prefer the glamour and glitz of The Beverly Hills Hotel or the exclusivity of Hotel Bel-Air, both properties feature luxurious accommodations steeped in comfort and privacy. Acres of gardens, many suites with private pools, seclusion in plush surroundings.

Secluded dining at The Beverly Hills Hotel

Dorchester Collection Let us look after your safety – a long list of safety procedures for your stay. https://www.dorchestercollection.com/en/looking-after-your-safety/

An hour south by air to the tiny, ease in, ease out, Burbank Airport and you always guaranteed sunshine. One of the most luxurious, if not the most iconic 5-star luxury hotels in Los Angeles – the home of royalty past and present is royally perched on Sunset Boulevard. The Beverly Hills Hotel has years of narrative legends are stored in the vaults, most will tell you a side street is the main entrance – no bungalow visitor of importance ever strolls the iconic red-carpet hotel entrance. Power lunches or al fresco poolside dining on a pink lounger, 80-year-old palm trees swaying gracefully in the background. Suites with patios, enjoy a mini sunbath outdoors. The rooms are flooded with sunshine and plush furnishings. Bathrooms are old school, i.e. huge stylish spaces with enough room to practice your Oscar speech in front of the wall of mirrors. Comfort comes in the form of huge fluffy towels, a beautifully deep soaking tub and separate shower. Your suite is surrounded by twelve acres of tropical gardens and exotic flowers. The famed bungalows, if these walls could talk! Originally added to the gardens for families who wanted to bring their own staff, the bungalows now celebrate a legendary heritage. Sounds like a familiar situation, pack the kiddos, reject the daily routines and give everyone a reason to celebrate being alive and well.

Dessert Beverly Hills Hotel

The West Coast sisters in the Dorchester Collection of lovely hotels reside in a small pocket of Beverly Hills – like sisters, they each exude unique personalities. I happened to visit both in February. Equally enjoy them for innumerable reasons.


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. Suites with garden patios, private plunge pools are enchanting. Move up to the hillside rooms and relish the sweeping views of the canyon from your secluded plunge pool and deck. 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. On my last visit, yes, I escape here as often as possible, 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.

The Dorchester team is passionate about creating the exceptional moments that turn into lasting memories. To add a special touch to your stay, staff can prepare a bespoke picnic basket, bring the spa to you with an indulgent bath or even give you the ingredients to mix up your own cocktails. This is your chance to escape from it all, without ever leaving the hotel. All experiences can be booked prior to arrival or arranged anytime during your stay.

A brief menu of personal individually priced options: Let us bring the bar to you with everything you need to shake up your own cocktails. It’s a chance to channel your inner mixologist and create our signature Pepino’s Revenge. Served alongside fresh house-made tortilla chips, salsa and guacamole. Picnic on your Patio – Experience the delight of dining al fresco with a delicious picnic from Wolfgang Puck on your private guestroom patio. Our menu includes your choiceof a bottle of white wine or champagne, artisanal cheese and charcuterie, a Mediterranean mezze platter, Santa Monica farmers’ market crudités, plus a selection of sandwiches and sweet treats.
Yoga in your room – For a welcome dose of workout motivation,we’ll bring yoga to your room at any time that suits. Fresh juice and healthy snacks are the perfect post-yoga treat.
All employees and guests are required to wear face masks or face coverings and maintain a minimum of 6-feet distance when interacting with anyone while on property. If you need a face mask, the hotel will provide them upon request.

To comply with social distancing guidelines, the following are open with limited occupancy: Polo Lounge, The Cabana Cafe, The Beverly Hills Hotel pool, Wolfgang Puck at Hotel Bel-Air, the Hotel Bel-Air spa and the Hotel Bel-Air pool.

Private pool at Beverly Hills Hotel Bungalow

This is an especially stressful time, why not indulge in pampering and escape from the frenzy? Hotel Bel-Air and The Beverly Hills Hotel, two scrumptious properties, Five Star Luxury! Consider a dash away to the extraordinary, far from typical, Dorchester Sister hotels. A quick bay area/Burbank or LAX flight, the perfect mini escape, disappear and catch your breath for a few days, order in, hole up in a bungalow or suite or pony up for the grand Presidential Suite with pool, avoid the hysteria in superb comfort!

Wolfgang Puck restaurant at Hotel Bel-Air | Dorchester Collection
Wolfgang Puck, Hotel Bel air
Wolfgang Puck restaurant at Hotel Bel-Air | Dorchester Collection
Social Distancing has always been in place at Hotel Bel Air!

I am actually considering a partial hotel lifestyle, once we enter into ‘normal’ life again. A la Heloise, Elaine Stritch and Howard Hughes, who had a fondness for Bungalow 3 at The Beverly Hills Hotel, a 30-year fondness, in fact!

Call us for all the generous amenities bestowed! Admit it, you need and deserve a papering safe escape!

Sunday Brunch for two at Wolfgang Puck at Hotel Bel-Air
Swan Lake Hotel Bel Air

Safe Travel – State of Emergency Isolate in Five-Star Luxury Soon!

Suitcase at the front door has always been my mantra. Written before our current Shelter in Place Order in the Bay Area. We still have quite a few trips in a state of hold for summer – the airlines are never friendly about cancels, i.e. they will provide vouchers, but never refunds, hotels have lenient cancel policies, we are watching day by day. I’m the eternal, hopeful, flute glass overfilled optimist, always have been!

Hotel Bel Air, Beverly Hills

This is the time of year when our clients are jetting off to Sakura – Cherry Blossom Season in Japan. Maybe a few last runs on wintery slopes and flying south to the enticing sun and surf in Punta Mita or Cabo for spring break. In a matter of ten weeks our Journey has been completely disrupted, the world as we know it has been upended. The climate changes every minute; however, we hope that once we get to the other side, travelers may be comfortable thinking about a fling at small resorts with private Cabanas and Villas – baby steps to isolate in luxury. Day by day.

You might consider this path. Two weeks ago, before the travel edict, I embarked at the Top – Hotel Bel Air and the Beverly Hills Hotel, with numerous isolated bungalows and suites. Our Diamond Club Membership assures best of stay amenities ! https://www.gwenbooks.com/2020/03/state-of-emergency-why-not-stay-awhile/

Malibu Beach Inn

Moving north up the California coast from Beverly Hills.
Malibu Beach Inn – while it doesn’t offer bungalows, the sea air, delicious farm to table dining and beach walks are guaranteed to provide a stress-free escape. I’ve stayed several times and absolutely adore this sweet property. The Northwest corner room has divine views, one-bedroom suite is a bit larger, but all rooms are simply scrumptious – take me to the beach! If you drive, make it a coastal drive from the bay area and stop in Ojai and Montecito.
https://www.gwenbooks.com/2019/10/malibu-beach-inn/

Ojai Valley Inn – Bound to be warm in April/May, I recall 85-degree days at the annual Tennis Tournament during my childhood, the oldest Tennis Tournament in the U.S. We were released from Catholic girls school if we volunteered to squeeze and serve orange juice – this will reveal my birthdate, but, I believe age is in the mind…we watched the awesome Arthur Ashe, swooned over the VV good-looking and excellent player, Charlie Passarelle and envied Billie Jean Moffitt King’s splendid shots and basked in 80-degree weather. The Ojai Valley Inn has numerous cottages, a private villa and great golf and an innovative Farmhouse program. https://www.gwenbooks.com/2019/05/ojai-valley-inn-classes/

Montecito – Santa Barbara. Four Seasons Resort The Biltmore Santa Barbara, an enchanting escape, the divine combination of secluded garden casitas and the Coral Casino pool complex will surely suffice on a toasty sunny day. Oh, and the recently opened Ty Warner Villa – unique beachfront hideaway! Within the main building, we recently reserved the best ocean view rooms, 702 and 703. Our darling British clients raved about the comfort and the views, ‘brilliant and immensely happy’ was their actual description! Tucked between the Pacific and the Santa Ynez Mountains, a historic hideaway on the American Riviera. Set within 22 lush acres, woven with secluded courtyards, fountains and sun-dappled, red-brick pathways lit by gas lanterns, our Spanish Colonial villas and bungalows invoke the same casual glamour that first delighted Hollywood’s power players in the 1930. Particular suites include access to the famed Coral Casino Club. Think South of France setting, take a dip in one of the largest hotel swimming pools in the world – or just sunbathe beside it, overlooking the Pacific Ocean and Channel Islands from the second-story, peninsula sundeck. Sip a cocktail up in the Crow’s Nest, enjoy a soak in the oceanfront whirlpool, then walk down to Butterfly Beach through the Club’s private, gated stairway.

Four Seasons Biltmore Resort Room 702

Coastal escape just south of Carmel, Post Ranch Inn. Extraordinary setting, small and intimate – clients stayed last week: We had a wonderful weekend at Post Ranch. Thank you for your help in organizing a perfect escape. We called it our “Ocean House West,” since it reminded of us our annual summer stay at Ocean House in Watch Hill, RI.

Four Seasons Biltmore Resort, Ty Warner Villa

South of Los Angeles in Rancho Santa Fe, we absolutely adore Rancho Valencia. Perfectly isolated casitas with outdoor fireplace, private patios, a blissful oasis in usually warm weather! Who knew such an indulgence existed, just an hour flight away and a few miles from the surf and sandy beach?  But why leave when you have the amenities of a Forbes Five Star Resort? Clients have raved about Rancho Valencia Resort, I needed to mosey down the sunny coast and see for myself. In the cozy hamlet of Rancho Santa Fe, exactly 32 minutes from the San Diego airport, Rancho Valencia is tucked into a canyon on 40 manicured acres of gentle undulating hills, citrus trees and tropical jungle landscaping. I loved my visit, an oasis! .https://www.gwenbooks.com/2019/06/staycation-rancho-valencia-resort-for-serious-consideration/

Rancho Valencia – a private oasis

Moving to Utah – Our absolute favorite, Amangiri. In the desert, fly private or drive and revel in the never ending vistas of the desert expanse surrounding one of the most gorgeous properties in the universe! Amangiri is a remote hideaway tucked within the luminous canyons of the American Southwest. Located in a protected valley with sweeping views, the resort offers both adrenaline-fueled adventure and a peaceful retreat. Set in the heart of the Grand Circle, the largest concentration of national parks in the United States, Amangiri is well located for explorations of the region’s rugged beauty. Panoramas stretch across the 810-acre estate. Amangiri’s geometric planes are hued with ocher, yellow and pink to blend with the cliff curve it sits within. Each Suite features a large living area that opens onto a terrace offering views that change color by the hour. Aman will add luxury tent accommodations to its Amangiri resort in Utah this April. Camp Sarika will have 10 ‘tented pavilions’ fully contained in 135 acres of wilderness. Located a five-minute drive from the resort in Canyon Point. The Camp Sarika accommodations will include five one-bedroom units and five two-bedroom units, with each tent outfitted with a living area, dining area, bar, terrace, fire pit and private heated plunge pool. One-bedroom tented pavilions will span 1,883 square feet, while two-bedroom tented pavilions will cover 2,820 square feet.  Camp Sarika’s main pavilion will house a restaurant, with indoor and outdoor seating. The venue’s culinary offerings will change daily, with the menu showcasing local produce and both vegan and vegetarian options. Restaurant access will be reserved for camp guests during the day, though guests staying at Amangiri will be able to opt for dinner at Camp Sarika with advance booking.
https://www.gwenbooks.com/2017/02/desert-sojourns-amangiri/

Views of undulating dunes and plateaus with private swimming pool and large terraces.

Mexico – multiple options for private Villas on the beach.
Rosewood Las Ventanas has many private villas on the beach, some of the finest in Cabo – however, no ocean swimming here. https://www.gwenbooks.com/2016/10/las-ventanas-al-paraiso-rosewood-resort/

Las Ventanas Private beach front Villa

One & Only Palmilla has two splendid private Villas – we frequently reserve Villa Cortez and it can sleep about 8 + guests. Cocoon here with private pool and beach – never see another soul! https://www.gwenbooks.com/2016/10/one-only-palmilla-san-jose-del-cabo/

Auberge Las Ventas has many Bungalow private options, and delicious fresh dining. And one of the most congenial dedicated GM’s in the industry, Marc Rodriguez – he kept us alive during hurricane Newton! Set at the very tip of the Baja Peninsula, between two massive bluffs, and only a few miles from Cabo San Lucas, Esperanza provides stunning views of both the Sea of Cortez and Punta Ballena – Whale Point – lounge in winter and tally the humpback’s passing and breaching. https://www.gwenbooks.com/2016/11/esperanza-an-auberge-resort/https://www.gwenbooks.com/2013/04/welcome-esperanza-resort-cabo-san-lucas/

Four Seasons Los Cabos Resort at Costa Palmas
– Villas aren’t finished yet, however the beach front rooms are very private. From my beach lounger under a massive white umbrella, the view of the Sea of Cortez was enhanced by the enveloping backdrop of the Sierra de la Laguna mountain range and a few small islands off in the distance. In the winter, a breeze blows most days, keeping you cool and creating a few waves in the sea. Spring and summer, the breeze dissipates, which might make the days feel a bit warmer. It was the perfect combination for endless days of chaise reading.  Clients who recently returned enjoyed the golf course and loved dining at Limon.

https://www.gwenbooks.com/2020/01/four-seasons-los-cabo-resort-at-costa-palmas-2/

Punta Mita – Four Seasons Resort at Punta Mita has many private suite and villa options – our clients love it here and we reserve frequently. Another amazing GM, I can confirm some GM’s don’t have the hospitality gene – but John O’Sullivan who has opened many Four Seasons properties and steers the tiller in Punta Mita and other resorts – oozes hospitality! With a superb team, paradise is achieved in Punta Mita! The Four Seasons Resort Punta Mita is a luxurious family-friendly resort hotel with excellent facilities on a 1,500-acre nature reserve on the northern tip of Bahia de Banderas, one of the world’s largest natural bays. Fringed by palms, sandy beaches and a backdrop of jungle clad mountains. Paradise Indeed! 
https://www.gwenbooks.com/2018/10/four-seasons-paradise-in-punta-mita/
https://www.gwenbooks.com/2016/03/four-seasons-punta-mita/

Four Seasons Resort Punta Mita Presidential Suite pool
Four Seasons Resort Punta Mita

Next week on our radar:
Inn at Five Graces, Santa Fe, NM, a charmer! https://www.gwenbooks.com/2018/05/inn-of-the-five-graces-santa-fe-new-mexico/Ranch at Rock Creek, Montana – Ultimate Dude Ranch https://www.gwenbooks.com/2018/10/summer-at-the-ranch-at-rock-creek/

Triple Creek Ranch, Montana, Adult Dude Ranch–
https://www.gwenbooks.com/2017/09/triple-creek-ranch-montana-luxury/ https://www.gwenbooks.com/2018/04/triple-creek-ranch-activities/

AND – for the definitive sanctuary, we have multiple VV private self-contained villas in Aspen, and a few other high-touch properties in relatively remote locations at Santa Fe, Jackson Hole, Telluride, Big Sky and The Bahamas, etc. as safe havens. Truly remote and isolated.

I am still the evangelist for Egypt & Jordan, my enchanting Journey will pick up again soon, when it’s safe to fly across the world in comfort!.

Stay well, there is an enormous world to discover and we are here to help you plot and curate the ultimate Journey! I still believe if you introduce your children to other cultures, we may achieve world peace. Travel broadens the horizons, nourishes the soul and truly provides a magical global mosaic.

There’s hope! Four Seasons Resort Punta Mita

Useful sites for staying tuned in to Corona Virus:

https://www.cdc.gov/quarantine/quarantineisolation.html

https://www.npr.org/

https://travel.state.gov/content/travel.html

https://twitter.com/TravelGov