LA Luxury Travel Examiner

Napa Valley Wine Train autumn slideshow

Tue, 17 Nov 2009 14:19:05 -0700

After the harvest of Napa Valley grapes, there is still much to see from the comfort of a vintage Pullman car as the Napa Valley Wine Train makes its way through the golden autumn countryside of California's wine country.

A landmark is reborn in Andaz Hotel West Hollywood

Tue, 13 Oct 2009 16:06:31 -0700

Andaz Hotel West Hollywood sits on the Sunset Strip. Photo courtesy of Hyatt Corp. Andaz Hotel in West Hollywood is a new and refreshing change in the world of hospitality. It’s chic, but not trendy. It’s posh, but not pretentious. It c...

Make history in South Beach during Sleepless Night

Thu, 01 Oct 2009 10:34:07 -0700

Thousands of Americans head to Florida this time of year. Angelenos don't need to flee the cold like most of the snowbirds who migrate south, and we certainly have a vibrant arts and entertainment culture outside our front door. Yet, sometimes an ev...

Voluntourism opportunities around the world

Tue, 29 Sep 2009 14:16:53 -0700

It's not luxury, but its the trip of a lifetime. A trip that will build more than just memories. Habitat for Humanity's Global Village trips take you to places around the world where you help build the homes of other people's dreams. These ...

Celebrate Mid-Century Architecture at Free LA Event

Mon, 28 Sep 2009 17:06:20 -0700

The 60s turn 50 is the theme for the Los Angeles Conservancy's new architectural preservation program. If you're a fan of the 1960s and/or architecture, why not attend a free event to celebrate, discuss and debate the influence of mid-century design ...

Find treasures and pleasures all year long on Catalina Island

Wed, 22 Jul 2009 10:28:27 -0700

Catalina Island is California's most beloved getaway, an island of our own fewer than 30 miles from Los Angeles. Thanks to the efforts of the Catalina Island Conservancy and the Santa Catalina Company, it's a magica...

Catalina Island is the perfect Southern California getaway

Tue, 21 Jul 2009 20:46:35 -0700

The chimes begin ringing over Avalon at precisely 8 a.m. and will ring on the quarter hour throughout the day before going silent again at 8 p.m. They have done this every day for more than 80 years.Click here to see more beautiful photos of Catalina...

Betsy Hotel in South Beach blends the old and the new

Thu, 25 Jun 2009 10:35:02 -0700

By Carolyn Burns BassAnd the living and the past give to one another.There is no door between them. They pass freelyOut of themselves; becoming one another.~Hyam Plutzik, “Sprig of Lilac” The living and the past com...

The Grand Del Mar: A new-world realization of old-world grace and beauty

Sat, 13 Jun 2009 20:30:12 -0700

You wouldn’t stumble across this beautiful place just driving through North San Diego. It’s not on the coast like most of San Diego’s popular resorts and it’s completely hidden from the highway. Sprawling like an old-world pal...

Fun in Acapulco

Mon, 25 May 2009 06:58:21 -0700

Long before Cancun and Cabo had their first hotel, back before Elizabeth Taylor and Richard Burton built their love nest in Puerto Vallarta, Acapulco was the place for fun in the sun in Mexico. The original Tarzan film actor, Johnny Weissm...

Getaway to Santa Barbara for romance of many kinds

Sat, 11 Apr 2009 11:32:54 -0700

Oceanfront dining on the terrace at Bella Vista at the Four Seasons Santa Barbara Biltmore. Photo: Carolyn Burns Bass.Santa Barbara is one of the most romantic cities in America. With miles of white sand beaches for strolling hand in hand, quaint bis...

Spend St. Patrick's Day in an Irish Castle

Wed, 11 Mar 2009 10:41:39 -0700

Travel to Ireland has never been more attractive than now. Wise booking through experienced tour operators can have you toasting and feasting St. Patrick right there in the Emerald Isles for less than you think. Imagine seven days of accommodations i...

The Resort at Pelican Hill brings understated elegance to the OC

Tue, 10 Mar 2009 13:31:35 -0700

Looking across the Colesium Pool to the main lobby of the Resort at Pelican Hill. Photo: Carolyn Burns BassThere’s something to be said about a coastal resort that’s invisible from the coast. If you know where to look as you’re driv...

Top-10 Luxurious Valentine's Day Getaways in SoCal

Sat, 07 Feb 2009 18:18:59 -0700

Gathered among a growing list of posh properties, when it comes to romance and beauty, these are among my favorite resorts.Hotel Del Coronado, San DiegoHotel del Coronado radiates with romantic Victorian splendor. Imagine strolling down the boardwalk...

Revival of the red casino at Encore Las Vegas

Mon, 02 Feb 2009 09:53:23 -0700

Twin sisters, Encore and Wynn sit side by side, connected by a shopping promenade called the Esplanade. Photo: Barbara KraftA new hotel tower lit up the Las Vegas skyline just a few days before Christmas last. Encore joined Wynn, the twin tower acros...

Fly to Super Bowl in private luxury jet

Mon, 19 Jan 2009 12:38:24 -0700

Tampa's Raymond James Stadium, site of Super Bowl XLIII. (AP Photo/Chris O'Meara)The teams have been chosen and the venue is set. February 1 is the date when Super Bowl XLIII takes place in Tampa. Are you ready to for the football...

Treat Yourself to Afternoon Tea at Peninsula Beverly Hills

Thu, 15 Jan 2009 11:16:58 -0700

Afternoon tea at the Penninsula Beverly Hills has been a luxe treat since the posh hotel opened 15 years ago. Always looking for new ways to distinguish itself from other luxury properties in LA, the Penninsula has introduced “cap cakes” ...

Glitz and glamour revive the Riviera Hotel and Spa in Palm Springs

Sun, 11 Jan 2009 22:08:02 -0700

One the first things I spied as we drove down Palm Canyon Drive in Palm Springs was a blazing white, Rolls Royce Phantom, so new it still bore paper plates. Palm Springs may not be the playground of the Hollywood elite as it was in the 1950s and 1960...

All-inclusive resorts offer vacation bliss

Fri, 09 Jan 2009 20:30:45 -0700

One of the reasons people love cruises is the simplicity and service. Show up on the ship and most things are already taken care of for you and you’re not pulling out your wallet over and over for pricey treats, meals and entertainment. En...

New coastal resort set to open in June

Wed, 07 Jan 2009 22:08:22 -0700

Los Angeles has many beautiful hotels, but it doesn't have a luxury coastal resort. Terranea Resort aims to change that when it opens in June.Set on the Palos Verdes Penninsula and overlooking the Pacific, Terranea has spect...