WHAT’S HAUTE : The Best Cultural Sites, Hotels, Restaurants and more of West Hollywood

Best Fitness

Cycle House

624 N La Cienega Boulevard, West Hollywood, CA 90069

(310) 358-0888, www.cyclehousela.com

If your body is a temple, then Cycle House: the newest, luxury indoor cycling studio to hit Los Angeles, is where you worship. With sought-after instructors and state of the art equipment, this house attracts the likes of Nicole Kidman and Charlize Theron just to name a few. The entire process of a Cycle House class incorporates different elements that engage the core, shoulders, back and arms, all condensed into 45-50 minute full-body workouts. While the spin classes leave you feeling great, each class purchased at Cycle House translates into two meals feeding the nation’s hungry. Members have the ability to track their donations in their personal profiles and book classes online. In addition, a state-of-the-art water filtration system gives clients the purest water available without the waste of plastic and paper bottles. After each ride, cool eucalyptus towels and fresh fruit are provided as a way of replenishing and refreshing the body. “We wanted it to feel like a spin gym meets luxury spa,” says owner Lara Gillman. This is one haute house that certainly makes us feel at home.

Best Shopping


Maxfield

8825 Melrose Avenue, Los Angeles, CA 90069 (310) 274-8800

Spot a celebrity shopping in Los Angeles and odds are, it’s at Maxfield, where the wealthy and well dressed come for quality avant-garde designs by Yamamoto, Comme des Garcons, Dolce & Gabbana, Jil Sander and beyond.  The hand-selected men’s and women’s collections including one of a kind vintage pieces by the likes of Hermès and stand-out window displays have made this high-end haven a home to the who’s who of West Hollywood.

Westime

For new store location and details: www.westime.com

Westime has long been Southern California’s ultimate retail destination specializing in extraordinary watches. In celebration of the store’s 24th anniversary, Sunset Boulevard will welcome a new and impressive 6,600 square foot location in the heart of Sunset Plaza- a top destination for all things haute. Showcasing over 50 Swiss watch brands that represent the best of traditional watchmaking, limited editions, one-of-a-kind watches, trend-setting timepieces and precious accessories, it’s about time Westime hit West Hollywood.

Best Property

Villa Allegra

1754 Sunset Plaza Drive

Los Angeles, CA 90069

For more information contact Ambra Bisconti (310) 858-5496

Priced at $8,995,000, Villa Allegra is built with elegance and integrity, using the finest materials, finishes and custom design. With hand-crafted ceilings, an elevator, ballroom, state-of-the-art screening room and city lights views, this one-of-a-kind home is considered real-estate royalty. The master suite with its private boudoir, features dual baths and closets and disappearing glass doors, which open to one of the two fabulous pools (one infinity and one indoor/outdoor pool). In addition, this 6 bedroom, 12 bathroom home has 2 gourmet kitchens, staff quarters with separate access and an office which could also function as a second screening room, wine room or humidor. The gated entry from Viewmont opens to a long driveway, which leads to an 8-car motor court. This amazing home won’t be on the market for long.

Best Restaurant

Cecconi’s West Hollywood

8764 Melrose Avenue, Los Angeles, CA 90069, (310) 432-2000

Cecconi’s offers the perfect balance of Northern Italian comfort food with fresh, healthy Californian fare housed in an iconic location. With a focus on sourcing the finest quality ingredients, Cecconi’s West Hollywood features a menu of simply prepared, Venetian influenced food and drink, with signature dishes that include: grilled octopus, lemon, capers & olives; beef tartare, quail egg and black truffle; Spaghetti lobster; prawns “Al Peperoncino” and veal ossobuco, gremolata and mashed potatoes to name a few. Cecconi’s signature wood burning oven and charcoal grills reflect the regional cuisine of Piedmont, Italy.

The Ivy

113 N Robertson Boulevard

Los Angeles, CA 90048

(310) 274-8303

Although The Ivy owners are low-key and as sweet as can be, their neighborhood restaurant is as famous for its delectable dishes as it is for the clientele that dines there.  The ivy-clad patio is a paparazzi favorite, but inside the who’s who of Hollywood enjoy one-of-a-kind fresh food and great music in the sun-drenched rose garden. Loyal clientele can’t get enough of the grilled vegetable salad or the fresh lobster hash and home baked brioche fresh toast.  An added bonus–everything is served with their hot-from-the-oven homemade currant scones and fresh raspberry jam.

Best Nightlife

Soho House

9200 Sunset Boulevard

West Hollywood, CA 90069

(310) 432-9200

Opened in spring 2010, Soho House West Hollywood occupies the top two floors of the 14-story, 9200 Sunset Boulevard. The Sitting Room offers 180 degree views over Los Angeles, while the terrace garden dining area is lined with olive trees and covered by a retractable roof. There is a state-of-the-art screening room and a private dining and bar area for members’ events. The reclaimed parquet floors, vintage furniture and booths set the scene, making the 30-foot long Club Bar an ideal spot to relax and unwind for drinks and socializing with the who’s who of Los Angeles.

The Best of MarinCounty

Just a short ride from San Francisco and right next door to the vineyards of Napa and Sonoma, Marin County has often been called one of the most beautiful corners of California, with lush parks and waterfront views. With an air of casual elegance and laid-back luxury, Marin offers fresh fare, fine wine and an abundance of local arts and culture. From the Michelin-rated restaurants  to the shopping on antique row, with an eye for what’s haute, we’ve narrowed down the best of Marin County.