DESTINATIONS — THE US
and elegant low-rise architecture. An evening cruise from the harbour is a glamorous but gentle introduction to the area. Hundreds of yachts of all sizes glide by our catamaran and I stretch out on the deck to daydream. Prices start from $27 (
sbsail.com). Suggest clients sample more
local wines at the achingly cool Santa Barbara Wine Collective before diving into the innovative restaurant scene. Book well in advance for a table at The Lark, but it’s worth it for the lemon fennel popcorn and smoked pork belly (
thelarksb.com).
l SANTA BARBARATO SANTAMONICA: 92 MILES (2 HOURS)
The last leg of the trip is the least pleasant to drive. Los Angeles is notoriously traffic-heavy with its multi-lane slalom, but I turn the radio up and take my time. The thrill of hitting Santa Monica is worth the freeway weaving, and pulling up to the Miramar makes you feel like a star. This is the end of the road, and time to celebrate with cocktails among the beautiful people at the Bungalow Lounge. After a margarita or four it may be time to change the soundtrack to Dancing in the Dark. TW
TRIED & TESTED HOTEL ZEPHYR, San Francisco
The sea views are more expensive but balconies overlooking the forest are magical. The Santa Lucia mountain range and Pacific are visible on good days, and long hikes can be taken privately on the estate. Two swimming pools and onsen-style hot tubs plus a spa and morning yoga by a crackling fire help melt away any long drives. Book it: From $480 plus tax and $35 per night resort fee
ventanainn.com
The recently renovated hotel has a playful nautical theme and plenty to keep guests entertained. Each of the 361 rooms has magnetic darts and backgammon, and there is a fully loaded games room, making it ideal for family stays. Excellent location for an overnight pitstop, but parking overnight is pricey at $49 plus tax. Book it: From $299 plus tax and fees
hotelzephyrsf.com
VENTANA INN & SPA, Big Sur
Charming waterfront cottages sit on a bluff overlooking the sea. The real selling point is the sound of the waves shushing guests to sleep, and the ocean views from the windows. Each of the 80 rooms has a fireplace adding a real cosiness when the June gloom kicks in. Book it: $126 plus tax and fees
pacificahotels.com
This luxury hilltop retreat is surrounded by seriously beautiful scenery. Fifty-nine capacious and impeccably designed wood cabins offer privacy and calm, most have wood fires, and private hot tubs are available.
48 •
travelweekly.co.uk — 2 July 2015
HARBOR VIEW INN, Santa Barbara The clue is in the title with this airy boutique hotel. Minutes away from the broad beaches and mast-filled harbour of Santa Barbara, it features 115 rooms built around a courtyard garden and swimming pool. Perfectly placed
COTTAGE INNBYTHE SEA, Pismo Beach
Bungalow Lounge
for meandering down to State Street for holiday shopping, where local artisan wine and food shops are flanked by designer and high street stores along long stretches of wide palm-lined streets. Book it: $250 plus tax and fees
harborviewinnsb.com
FAIRMONTMIRAMAR HOTEL & BUNGALOWS, Santa Monica
This hotel has been offering high-octane glamour since 1921. Marilyn Monroe, JFK and Steven Spielberg all stayed here; Greta Garbo lived here for more than four years. Choose from 302 rooms and bungalows surrounded by tropical gardens sitting behind truly iconic beach scenes. Santa Monica Pier, with its giant ferris wheel and Venice Beach are easily reached from the hotel. Book it: From $399 plus taxes and fees
fairmont.com
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