Close to Home
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Driving through the front gates of The Langham Huntington already feels like an occasion, but you are only 10 minutes from the bustle of Old Pasadena shopping. Whether you plan to visit for a weekend or just a day, the Chuan Spa is a great place to reboot.
For well-being and relaxation, book the Chuan Balancing massage or the Chuan Harmony, designed to stimulate meridian harmony with acupressure and various relaxation massage techniques, inducing a deep sense of calm.
Pro tip: Add hot stones, CBD oil, or aromatherapy for an enhanced experience.
Since early 2020, the hotel has had a major refresh. All public corridors on the main level were replaced with white marble imported from Portugal and Spain to enhance the classic beauty of the property. Renovations also took place in all the dining outlets from the Lobby Lounge to The Royce Wood-Fired Steakhouse and the Tap Room. Stop for lunch at The Hideaway and order the Winter Market Greens Salad, a gluten-free, vegan, and dairy-free option. The Terrace is open for breakfast and dinner with good vegan/vegetarian options, from a Greek Yogurt Bowl to Vegan Meatloaf with garlic jasmine rice and root vegetables.
If you decide to make a night or weekend of it, suite options for couples include the Huntington Suite for the views, Ford Cottage for a more private getaway, or, for a true splurge, the Tournament of Roses Suite, which offers vistas of the San Gabriel Mountains on one side and the Horseshoe Garden and San Marino on the other.
Malibu Mountain Retreat
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Tucked away in the mountains of Malibu Canyon, Calamigos Ranch and Beach Club is somewhat of a local secret. Known for wedding receptions on the grounds, it also houses a rustic-chic hotel, spa, and multiple restaurants. The better-known Malibu Café is where you’ll find one of the best black Tuscan kale Caesar salads in California. For something a little fancier, head to The Ranch Club for the wild-caught Barramundi with baby root veggies and tomato broth.
Pro tip: For a romantic retreat, book one of the double bungalows, with a deep soaking tub on a patio that is surrounded by nature. You’re also near a hiking trail on the grounds if you want to venture out.
During the day you can also enjoy yoga on the lawn or visit the spa for a treatment—including a massage among the Malibu vineyards. The property can also whisk guests down to its Beach Club for sunbathing or paddleboarding, and be sure to check out the grab-and-go menu of snacks, sandwiches, and salads for a picnic by the shore.
Vegas, Baby, Vegas
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Las Vegas might not be the first place that comes to mind for a wellness escape, but Resorts World Las Vegas has a spa that is a wellness haven, with rituals from around the globe.
Awana Spa offers the first and only Art of Aufguss treatment in the U.S. This experience features a theater-inspired heated room with aromatherapy, choreographed music, lighting, and even dancing towels. It might sound bizarre, but this avant-garde, social experience is meant to relax, invigorate, and inspire playfulness as each sauna meister curates a 30-minute themed program.
If six vitality pools are more your speed, try the Fountain of Youth, which also houses a heated crystal laconium room, tepidarium chairs, and the experiential Rain Walk. LED screens transport guests to various picturesque destinations. You can book a “passport” for a two-hour exploration.
Pro tip: If traveling with a group, look into the Foot Spa Lounge, which can be reserved for up to 20 people. The therapies concentrate on specific ailments, such as jet lag, sleep health, and muscle recovery.
The property has some of the most beloved dining concepts from L.A., including Wally’s, Craig’s vegan ice cream, Mulberry Street Pizza, and chef Ray Garcia’s ¡Viva!—and you can shop at Fred Segal to boot.
The hotel recently added plane-charter services as part of its new Boeing 787-8 private transportation fleet, opening up new opportunities for large groups to travel together nonstop to Sin City. Options include a Bombardier Express XRS jet designed to comfortably accommodate 12 guests.
Drink Wine in Santa Rosa
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Speaking of easy flights, you can go direct from Burbank airport and, in less than an hour, land in the northern Bay Area at the quaint Charles Schultz Airport in Santa Rosa. From there, it’s a short, 13-mile drive to the newly refurbished, mid-century Flamingo Resort.
Located close to downtown, the hotel has been a cornerstone of the community for 60 years and features 170 rooms and 14 spacious poolside suites spread out over 10 acres. There is also a 20,000-square-foot, full-service health club, spa, and fitness center. Private poolside cabanas and tennis and pickleball courts are just a few of the outdoor offerings. Book outdoor yoga classes with sound baths for your next special occasion.
Pro tip: Sunday through Thursday, 4–6 p.m., is Golden Hour, with delicious Mediterranean bites and drink specials from the signature Lazeaway Club.
When it’s time to venture out, plan a visit to The Barlow outdoor artisan marketplace in Sebastopol. This is a great option if you don’t feel like traipsing to a bunch of different wineries. Region, a one-stop tasting room, showcases the best wines from 14 appellations—by the taste, glass, or bottle with more than 50 options. Opt for a full-service tasting experience from winemakers or the self-serve wine station. Or head to newly opened Abbot’s Passage Winery and Mercantile in Glen Ellen for shopping and lunch amid the vines.
