Summer Time in SoCal
Earlier this month I boarded the plane and set out for LA. The week was filled with press and media tour excitement. Having been to the LA area many times, I was especially looking forward to this trip as I got the chance to stay in a few different places than normal. Between the blissful business, it was great to stay in beautiful and relaxing hotels to rest and recuperate each night.
The first was the Marina Del Rey hotel. This gorgeous hotel overlooked the marina and provided a wonderful view of sailboats and still blue waters. A highlight of the Marina Del Rey hotel was definitely their restaurant, Salt. The last thing I want to do after a long day is leave the hotel for dinner. Salt was close and encompassed beautiful indoor/outdoor atmosphere as well as delicious food. The fresh, hot baguettes of French bread were an absolute highlight of my trip. I am still thinking about the warm French butter that glides across the fresh slices. I tend to judge a restaurant by their bread, so this was a big win in my book. The room was cozy and fit in with the nautical theme perfectly. Waking up to the site of sailboats was a wonderful, new experience that I would love to revisit.
The next stop was a stay at the Ayres hotel. Ayres was closer to the city-life of LA, but did not feel like it. Stepping onto the grounds was an entrance into beautiful architecture and boutique atmosphere. The structure is Italian Renaissance inspired and it definitely made me feel like I stepped into a little piece of Italy. It was a unique experience that will not soon be forgotten.
After the stay at the Ayres hotel, the work week was done and it was time for something that I do not often get the chance to do: vacation. And where else would I choose to vacation but Newport Beach, AKA Fashion Island? I have always wanted to visit and was not disappointed. The hotel is in the middle of the best shopping, dining and entertainment in the area. We were put in a put in a huge one bedroom, gorgeously appointed suite with a separate dressing area that I set up as my vanity, and two balconies with amazing panoramic views of the pool and the shops. If that weren’t enough, the in-house spa was luxurious and exactly what I needed after the long week. I got a hydra facial there which left my face exceptionally cleansed and soft. I didn’t need to wear makeup for days after, and felt confident and radiant in my glowing, rejuvenated skin. We were also given access to the club lounge and it’s one of the best I’ve ever visited, with great food, coffee, soda, and alcohol options thought most of the day. From the lavish pool, to the delightful food and wine, I never wanted my time at the Fashion Island hotel to end. I will definitely be returning there, and encourage anyone wanting a luxurious time away to choose this radiant hotel. It was the perfect ending to a great trip.
*I was hosted at each hotel in exchange for media coverage. All thoughts and opinions are my own*
