What’s Haute: Los Angeles – Spa Montage, Beverly Wilshire, SLS Hotel Beverly Hills and more

Spa Montage

Spa Montage, one of only three spas to receive a five-star Mobil 2008 rating, is a stunning facility (part of the outstanding Montage Resort) that takes advantage of its superior beachfront setting. An indoor-outdoor structure and floor-to-ceiling windows that frame 160-degree views alleviate any guilt guests may feel for opting to stay in for some pampering on a sunny day. The spa’s holistic, back-to-nature approach is evident in its design, as well as in the products it uses. Custom-mixed lotions and oils blend natural ingredients, including eucalyptus, lavender, orange blossoms, and citrus. Wrap up in one of the spa’s cashmere robes and try any number of therapies, from a California citrus polish to an algae cellulite massage. And in November, the Montage Beverly Hills will open up just north of Wilshire.

30801 S. Coast Hwy
Laguna Beach
866.271.6953

Beverly Wilshire
A Four Seasons Hotel

The Beverly Wilshire is the queen of Beverly Hills hotels. This classically chic, legendary hotel stands at the intersection of Wilshire Boulevard and Rodeo Drive. The hotel exemplifies elegance, and the service here exceeds all expectations. Movie lovers will recognize the hotel’s glorious lobby and sophisticated accommodations from the film Pretty Woman, and with its prime location, refined décor, and top-notch restaurants, it’s no wonder the production company chose this spot. Like any good Beverly Hills matriarch, this hotel never tells its true age. While the look may be Old World, recent renovations have added a new see-and-be-seen steakhouse restaurant, newly designed pool area, and fantastic 8,000-square-foot spa. It’s clear that the Beverly never rests on its laurels. Divided into two wings-the historic Wilshire and the contemporary Beverly-the hotel’s accommodations offer two distinct environments. Definitively sophisticated, this hotel appeals to adults with a penchant for the finer things in life, and it’s a favorite stomping ground of world-class shoppers. It’s equally well-suited to handle couples, single travelers, small groups, and business travelers. Baby-sitting and children’s amenities are provided for even the youngest guests. It also offers complimentary chauffeur service in a stretch limo, available to guests traveling within three miles of the hotel. But in every other way, the hotel always goes the extra mile.

9500 Wilshire Blvd.
Beverly Hills
310.275.5200

SLS Hotel Beverly Hills

SBE CEO Sam Nazarian’s $230 million renovation of the former Le Meridian is slated to open at the end of October and instantly become the hottest spot on the Left Coast. It’s intended to hit the sweet spot between a trendy boutique hotel and a formal five-star establishment; along with Philippe Starck, Nazarian has enlisted a team of industry innovators to help him achieve this vision. José Andrés, Washington, D.C.’s celebrated wizard of molecular gastronomy, has developed a number of signature dishes and cocktails for the food and beverage program. Design guru Murray Moss has reinvented the hotel lobby as an innovative dining and shopping space called Bazaar. There will be a patisserie, as well as vitrines stocked with collectibles curated by Moss. Upstairs, the 297 minimalist rooms will have a palette of serene green-grays and 40-inch flat screens. Of course, it wouldn’t be Starck without some quirky touches-this time in the form of a bed that “floats” in the middle of the room and has a glass headboard backed by a desk. There’s also a rooftop pool and lounge, as well as Saam, a second super exclusive boîte behind an unmarked door. Reservations will be taken via-what else?-an unlisted number.

465 S. La Cienega Blvd.
Los Angeles
310.247.0400

The Jonathan Club

For more than a century, the tony Jonathan Club has quietly served members and guests with a unique mix of sophistication, elegance, and old-fashioned service. Like the University Club in New York, the 3,200-member Jonathan is a place for the rich and well-heeled to see and be seen, cut deals, and socialize. While members enjoy the imposing building located in the heart of the downtown Los Angeles business district, perks are also to be had at the expansive oceanfront Santa Monica Beach Club, nestled at the foot of the bluffs. Initiation, by invitation or through marriage to a member, costs $30,000, plus monthly dues. The Club offers members fine dining in beautiful surroundings, in addition to private function facilities and catering services. It also maintains a luxury box at Staples Center.

545 S. Figueroa St.
Los Angeles
213.624.0881

Mélisse

Voted best food in Los Angeles (and placing second in service) for the second year in a row in the annual Zagat survey, Mélisse is simply one of the best special occasion restaurants in Tinseltown. French for “lemon balm,” Mélisse incorporates soothing natural herbs into its innovative interpretation of traditional French-New American cuisine. Recipient of the Mobil Travel Guide Four-Star Award for eight consecutive years, Mélisse consistently delivers classic favorites ranging from an almond-crusted imported Dover sole to a dry-aged Côte de Boeuf Roti accompanied by a potato-leek torte, wild mushrooms, haricot verts, and herb jus. Delectable desserts include sticky toffee pudding and an enticing brown butter peach tart. Enjoy Chef Josiah’s artistic delicacies in one of two private dining rooms. With its roaring fireplace and sophisticated charm, The Burgundy Room creates an ideal ambiance for intimate dinner parties, while the patio, with its retractable roof, is the perfect spot to host an upscale wine and cigar party.

1104 Wilshire Blvd.
Santa Monica
310.395.3810

The Kress

Exploding onto the scene as one of the hottest spots in the country in 2008, Mike Viscuso’s newest brainchild celebrates innovation, extravagance, and the dramatic. Mixing venues with unabashed bravado, The Kress boasts an Asian-themed restaurant presided over by illustrious Chef Troy N. Thompson, a basement-level lounge as well as a third-level banquet and event center, and finally a breathtaking rooftop lounge. The Kress’ Art Deco vibe pulses with psychedelic colors beneath neon-pink floor lamps. Throughout each lounge, circular couches vary in shade from ivory to eggplant to metallic gold; these posh sofas provide intimate respite for those weary of sashaying along the Kress’ vast dance floors. If you are seeking undiluted glamour, visit The Kress and bask in its playful offering of swank diversion and design.

6608 Hollywood Blvd.
Los Angeles
213.488.0000

The Belvedere

The Belvedere is a standard entry when discussing the best hotel restaurant in America. The spacious dining room, located in the Peninsula Hotel, is dressed in cream tones, with tables topped with Villeroy & Boch china and pewter vases filled with fresh seasonal flowers. A pianist performs nightly and completes the elegant setting. Guests can also dine on the stunning sun-soaked patio, which is landscaped with beautiful greenery and flowers. The cuisine is a lively combination of heartland staples and global-accented fare-Executive Chef James Overbaugh transports you to an exotic crossing where North African spices, Japanese influences, and Indian essences intersect. Imagine the feast: cold-poached Sol Azul oysters to start, delicately paired with a vignette of kampachi and parsnip-wasabi purée; or tarragon-orange-cured squab with accompanying cherry, fennel, mulberry, and kabocha squash. Main courses range from veal osso buco caponata with Aleppo pepper risotto, to monkfish loin with roasted Jerusalem artichokes, marinated tomatoes, and sweet corn nage. Pastry chef Miguel Franco teases the taste buds with his “trio of small bites” that showcases all-time favorites like tiramisu, panna cotta, and caramel. Diners are always encouraged to create their own tasting menu with small bites, including smoked salmon and the famed mac and cheese, studded with black truffles and hen of the woods mushrooms. To wash everything down, be sure to pick the brain of longtime sommelier David Jones, who oversees a treasure trove of bottles.

9882 S. Santa Monica Blvd.
Beverly Hills
310.788.2306

Trump National

Trump National Golf Course is perched high above the jagged California cliffs, taking advantage of one of the most incredible views in the world from every hole. Noted as the most expensive golf course ever built, more than $250 million has been spent to ensure its prominence. Gleaming white sand lines the walls of the massive bunkers, expansive lakes protect tucked-away greens, and magnificent waterfalls cascade down at Trump National. The Donald J. Trump Signature Design course tempts golfers to take risks and rewards well-placed shots. The layout challenges experienced golfers and novices to the best of their abilities. Trump National stands as a testament to the greatness of golf.

One Ocean Trails Dr.
Rancho Palos Verdes
310.265.5000

Charlie Palmer

How is it that the illustrious Charlie Palmer-considered one of the best chefs in America-chose the O.C. over L.A. to open his first restaurant in Southern California? Maybe because Tiffany’s, Cartier, Rolex, Louis Vuitton, Dior, Chanel, Yves Saint Laurent, Gucci, Hermes, and Nordstrom report their locations at South Coast as having the highest sales in the United States. Charlie Palmer’s newest restaurant, all 11,000 square-gleaming-feet of it, can only be characterized as youthful and ebullient, a temperament well-suited to the master chef’s robust personality. After an exhausting day of shopping, weary feet are invited to stroll across the frosted glass floor towards an intimate sanctuary proffering restorative yet savory dishes. Palmer’s artisanal fare combines sophisticated American cooking with classic French cuisine. For starters, begin with the zesty tuna carpaccio lightly garnished with Mandarin oranges and fennel. Crisp Black Sea bass and red wine-poached beef tenderloin are often adorned by truffle potato gnocchi or coriander scented basmati rice. Whether you are famished, fatigued, or just looking for an exciting night about town, Charlie Palmer’s delivers exquisite dishes with gusto and panache.

3333 Bristol St.
Costa Mesa
714.352.2525
Ojai Valley Inn & Spa

Proud recipient of the AAA Five Diamond Award for the second consecutive year, the Ojai Valley Inn and Spa graciously offers guests the ultimate getaway vacation. Behold unparalleled views of California’s nearby mountain range from Ojai’s deluxe guestrooms, featuring private balconies and cozy fireplaces. Recreational activities range from private tennis instruction at the hands of USPTA pros to golf tournaments along Ojai’s historic 18-hole course. After an invigorating Orchard ride through lush orange groves, dine at one of Ojai’s numerous cafes. Seasonal dishes are accompanied by heirloom tomatoes, lemon grass, and edible flowers harvested from the Ojai’s herb gardens. For aficionados of both classic pastoral pastimes and haute luxury, Ojai Valley elegantly accents its earthy character with nuanced sophistication in a canny gesture to even the most capricious of travelers.

905 Country Club Rd.
Ojai
888.697.8780