ROYAL EXPERIENCES IN CALIFORNIA

A world of regally luxurious experiences that can make anyone feel like a king (or a queen) await you in California

Imagine waking up to the sound of waves and starting your day with an exotic breakfast in a plush bed. Then, imagine continuing the day at a similar leisurely pace with a walk in vineyards, tasting the most exquisite wines that make your palate pop with a burst of flavours, dining out in the open in landscaped gardens, luxuriating in an exotic spa...relax and recharge with these unmatched experiences in California.

RELAX

California’s all about living the high life, whether it’s in sky-high penthouse suites or at the vineyards of the Napa and Sonoma valleys. Stay at a Private Maison at Auberge du Soleil (aubergedusoleil.aubergeresorts. com), a 5-star resort on the Silverado Trail. The Frenchthemed cottage features an outdoor tub with room for two, in which you can soak and sip on bubbly. Luxury textiles, a private pool and majestic views of the San Jacinto Mountains from the glass-walled living room make the already très-exclusive Residence at L’horizon in Palm Springs (www.lhorizonpalmsprings.com) the perfect location for a romantic getaway. If you’re in San Diego, Rancho Valencia Resort and Spa (www. ranchovalencia.com) is about 25 miles away. A Spanishstyle paradise, the resort offers the Private Hacienda Home, which has a private pool, three bedrooms, an outdoor jacuzzi and five fireplaces! Château du Sureau (www.chateausureau.com), nestled in the foothills of Yosemite National Park, is a must-visit. Stay in one of the 10 exclusive rooms, relax in the bathing tub, by the fireplace or on the four-poster bed, and experience the divine ‘Elderberry Facial’ at the luxurious Spa du

Sureau here. The celeb-friendly Ojai Valley Inn (www.ojaivalleyinn.com) offers a host of unmatched experiences, including a private yoga lesson under a 200-year-old oak tree, a championship golf course and freshly baked goodies from the on-site bakery.

For a taste of city life, experience transatlantic luxury in the largest suite in Los Angeles, the VivienneWestwood-inspired London Penthouse at The London West Hollywood (www.thelondonwesthollywood.com). The two-storey suite also comes with an hour of private shopping at the designer’s boutique. The Penthouse Suite at Fairmont San Francisco (www. fairmont.com), with its three bedrooms, two-storey library, spacious formal dining room, and Persian-tiled billiard room, has a secret passageway that just adds to it’s allure. Bask in its opulent glory and you’ll have something in common with The Prince of Wales!

RECHARGE

Self-care is the go-to word in The Golden State. A variety of wellness activities that recharge and rejuvenate can be experienced at a royally languid pace. Yoga away stress at Y7 Studio (www.y7-studio.com), and Hot 8 (www.hot8yoga.com), where celebs and royals alike posture away. Choose from a variety of guided classes, including everything from breath work and sensory deprivation to Reiki and sound bath healing at The Den (www. denmeditation.com) and Unplug (www.unplug.com). For a calming experience, enjoy a eucalyptus sauna, or relish a lavender sea salt scrub at The Ritz-carlton Bacara (www. ritzcarlton.com) in Santa Barbara.

Get away from the cityscape and head down to the white sandy beaches that inspire tranquillity at Carmelby-the-sea; stay at the Horizon Inn and Ocean View Lodge (www. horizoninncarmel.com). Encouraging mindful vacationing, the lodge offers scenic hikes, health-based retreats, and meditation bonfires for its guests. Along the same coast, about 3 kilometres away, Casa Palmero is perfect for those who love cooking; it offers hands-on demos with fresh seafood from the Pacific Ocean. Nearby, the rolling greens at Spyglass Hill Golf Course invite you for a lovely game of golf. Treat your senses at Spa at Pebble Beach (www.pebblebeach.com), which offers body treatments with local Monterey Peninsula herbs and minerals. With mellow desert vibes, Miramonte Indian Wells Resort & Spa (www.miramonteresort.com) by Greater Palm Springs offers a pleasant stay. Try the ‘Lost at Sea’ package here; it has a rejuvenating seaweed wrap and hydrating facial. Couples are in for a fun charade with the ‘Body Canvas Party’, in which they paint each other with colourful clay! Have a hearty meal at Chez Panisse (www.chezpanisse. com) at Jordan Vineyard and Winery (www.jordanwinery.com) in Sonoma Wine County. Wondering where to shop? Get your retail therapy right in San Francisco; shop for chic dresses at Aritzia, or classic footwear at Birdies.

Next in line to the throne or not, you can still pamper yourself regally with magnificent resorts, relaxing spas, delectable dining options and delightful shopping while in California.

For further information, please visit www.visitcalifornia.in