The Great Escape

Photos Courtesy of Figlewicz Photography (Terranea Resort), Nick Simonite (Hotel San Cristóbal), Sanctuary Camelback Mountain, Parker Palm Springs, Waldorf Astoria Las Vegas, Catalina Island Company, Dream Inn Santa Cruz

Hotel Atwater

Avalon, Catalina Island

There are a lot of magical things about living in L.A., but my newfound favorite is jumping on a fast ferry for the quick 70-minute ride–accompanied by schools of dancing dolphins and the occasional whale sighting–to arrive at the craggy shore of the paradise that is Santa Catalina Island–without leaving Los Angeles County.

On my recent trip with the Catalina Island Company, run by the storied Wrigley family (yes, Doublemint gum and the Chicago Cubs), we disembarked in the charming town of Avalon with its commanding view of the world-famous Catalina casino. We then walked over to Hotel Atwater; a resort steeped in history that makes the island a world-class destination. The charming 95-room hotel was built in 1920, a year after the Wrigley family took control of most of it, and named after Helen Atwater Wrigley, one of a long line of businesswomen in the dynasty that fought to keep Catalina Island in its pristine natural state. To preserve the 42,000 acres of land framed by 60 miles of rugged shoreline, the Wrigley’s created a nonprofit to maintain the “interior” of the island, where wild bison roam. Producers of a silent movie left them behind on the island–one of the many imprints Hollywood has made on Catalina.

A hidden treasure in Catalina’s wild landscape is the El Rancho Escondido, where the Wrigley family maintained a stable of Arabian horses. Now, for the first time, the family is offering tours of the hidden ranch–and it is a sight to behold. visitcatalinaisland.com

– Michele McPhee

Dream Inn Santa Cruz

Next to the historic Beach Boardwalk, Dream Inn Santa Cruz is the only beachfront hotel in Santa Cruz. Featuring a California retro surf-inspired vibe, all rooms and suites offer private balconies or patios with views of Monterey Bay. The hotel is within walking distance to the city’s center and local sites, including the Beach Boardwalk, a seaside amusement park with over 40 rides and attractions; Santa Cruz Municipal Wharf, which offers everything from whale watching tours to pier fishing; the Surfing Museum in a former lighthouse that showcases over 100 years of local surf history; and various restaurants and shops in downtown Santa Cruz.

The newly renovated pool area includes a heated outdoor swimming pool, hot tub, cabana beds, and the Shorebreak Pool Bar that serves an assortment of snacks, main dishes, and cocktails. Guests can stay cozy by the fire pits with lounge seating or head via direct stairway access to Cowell Beach, home to Steamer Lane, a famous surf spot.

Helmed by executive chef Gus Trejo, Jack O’Neill Restaurant & Lounge pays tribute to the late legendary surf icon. Influenced by the seaside, the comfortable space overlooks the beach and the menu features ingredients sourced from area farmers and local partners, fresh-caught seafood, seasonal coastal bites, and signature cocktails. Enjoy live music entertainment from some of the area’s best musicians on select nights of the week. dreaminnsantacruz.com

–Kamala Kirk

Parker Palm Springs

With its wide-open skies and clear air, the Coachella Valley has long called to Angelenos seeking a respite from the asphalt jungle. The Parker Palm Springs, a five-star mid-century-style hideaway tucked away on East Palm Canyon Drive, is the epitome of tranquility. Whether pampering yourself at the property’s decadent spa, playing a round of tennis on its red clay courts, or indulging in a leisurely swim in one of its three pools, the Parker lures those angling to relax, rejuvenate, and soak up sunny desert rays. Book a posh junior suite or a private one-bedroom villa. Ours was decorated with vintage black-and-white photos of John F. Kennedy Jr., gold Moroccan poufs, and included a complementary poolside cabana, where I sipped a tart iced tea garnished with a fresh wedge of lemon.

A renowned haunt for celebrities aching to maintain a low-profile—namely during the annual Palm Springs International Film Festival—the Parker is also home to its flagship restaurant, Mr. Parker’s, an intimate, dimly lit eatery (jackets and collared shirts required for gentlemen) serving delectable victuals such as caviar, filet mignon, and spiced Muscovy duck breast. Norma’s, an open-air terrace restaurant, features an all-day menu with everything from lox and eggs to gluten-free pancakes. Counter Reformation, reserved for those 21 years and up, recalls a Parisian wine bar, with a slate of appetizers ranging from olives and almonds to escargot smothered in herb garlic butter. My favorite: Parker’s Lemonade Stand. With its yellow-and-white striped awning and perched near the resort’s pétanque court, order a citron pressé and recline poolside. You’ll feel you are in the French Riviera. parkerpalmsprings.com

-Malina Saval

Sanctuary Camelback Mountain, A Gurney’s Resort & Spa

Scottsdale, Arizona

Nestled within 53 acres and set against the dramatic Camelback Mountains, Sanctuary at Camelback Mountain, A Gurney’s Resort & Spa, is the ultimate luxury desert retreat with lush, manicured grounds and award-winning facilities. The pet-friendly property’s accommodations include 110 chic casitas and suites and eight private mountainside villas.

Amenities include a modern, state-of-the-art fitness center that offers a schedule of daily group and individual wellness classes, as well as unique offerings such as aerial yoga with sound meditation or paddleboard yoga. Hike on a variety of trails or play a game of tennis or pickleball. Private lessons and group clinics are also available. The infinity pool features stunning mountain views and has cabanas and a poolside menu where you can order light bites and cocktails.

Relax at Sanctuary Spa, a 12,000-square-foot tranquil oasis with a Watsu pool and Zen garden that takes guests on Asian-inspired rejuvenation journeys. Besides traditional treatments, the spa offers specialized services such as acupuncture, Thai massage, Reiki energy healing, and Luk Pra Kope, where an herbal poultice with organically grown herbs is steamed, rolled, and pressed along the body’s energy pathways.

Dining offerings focus on creative seasonal menus with an emphasis on fresh, local ingredients. Enjoy wraparound desert views of Paradise Valley while indulging in American cuisine with Asian accents at Elements, the resort’s upscale restaurant with seasonal menus that incorporate sustainable seafood and organic produce. gurneysresorts.com/scottsdale

–Kamala Kirk

Hotel San Cristobal Baja

Todos Santos, Baja California Sur, Mexico

The laid-back former fishing village of Todos Santos has long drawn bohemian-spirited tourists to its historic cobblestone streets, art galleries, colonial architecture and deserted beaches known for their surf.

The city’s Hotel San Cristobal Baja is a great home base for a trip to the region. Designed by renowned Texas architecture firm Lake | Flato, the 32-room boutique property recently unveiled new oceanfront rooms overlooking Punta Lobos beach that feature patios with private saltwater plunge pools and outdoor seating for watching the crashing waves if you can tear yourself away from the vibrant interiors that pop with pink and yellow bedspreads and colorful ceramic tile work.

The property has also launched a new dining experience, Cosecha (“harvest” in Spanish). The eatery’s farm-to-table menu serves up fresh salads and cocktails and whole cooked fish caught off the hotel’s beach.

There are plenty of nooks to get lost in at Hotel San Cristobal, including the library and chapel. Named after Saint Christopher, patron of travelers, 1970s-era ceramic light fixtures and custom-designed furniture from Guadalajara inspired the property’s decor. The hotel also has a retail store with a mix of beachwear, jewelry, Mexican blankets, and locally crafted home goods.

The hotel can arrange a multitude of activities, from guided hikes to mezcal tastings. It’s conveniently connected to a three-mile-long bike path that leads to San Cristobal’s charming town square. bunkhousehotels.com/hotel-san-cristobal

–Carole Dixon

Terranea Resort

Rancho Palos Verdes

A Mediterranean-inspired coastal getaway on 102 acres of the Palos Verdes Peninsula, Terranea Resort is a family-friendly property with panoramic views, luxurious accommodations, and a variety of immersive experiences. The 582 spacious guestrooms and suites have a coastal Mediterranean aesthetic and feature private balconies overlooking lush gardens, the Pacific Ocean, and Catalina Island. Residential-style casitas can accommodate larger groups, as they have gourmet kitchens and great rooms. Private villas overlook the resort’s golf course and have up to four bedrooms, and bungalows near the spa include comfortable living areas, fireplaces, and patios with fire pits. Pets are welcome, there are designated pet areas throughout the property, and they can join their owners on hikes on the public trails.

Amenities include four heated swimming pools, including the adults-only Cielo pool, and the Resort pool for families. Tee off at Terranea’s oceanfront nine-hole, par-3 golf course or choose from a selection of outdoor activities including archery, guided hikes, nature excursions, kayaking, and paddle boarding. Terranea Kids Club keeps young guests entertained with outdoor games and sports, crafts, science-based learning, and other fun activities. There are 288 fire pits and fireplaces throughout the property — perfect for watching the sunset and making s’mores.

Unwind at the 50,000-square-foot spa and fitness center that includes 25 treatment rooms and an oceanfront movement studio where guests can sign up for an array of classes including yoga, Pilates, and water aerobics. The Spa at Terranea offers skincare treatments, body rituals, and massages, in addition to wellness journeys that capture the essence of the oceanfront setting. terranea.com

–Kamala Kirk

Waldorf Astoria

Las Vegas

Love Vegas, but traveling with the under-21 set? Look no further than the Waldorf Astoria, the luxurious family-friendly base camp in the famed Sin City. Located right on the Strip in the heart of all the action, the Waldorf– sans casino and no smoking allowed–boasts the upscale amenities of a high-end Vegas hotel–including a deluxe spa and eighth-floor outdoor pool–without the city’s unseemly signature elements in the way of cigarettes, sauced tourists, and slot machines. It’s also quiet. My 15-year-old daughter and I had the soundest sleep of our lives during our weekend at the five-star resort, which recently underwent a multi-million-dollar remodel. The beds in our adjoining rooms–King for me, two Queens for her–were as soft as cotton-candy clouds.

We did venture off the property. After avoiding it for nearly two decades, I caved and booked a ride on the Venetian Hotel’s gondola. While I’ve been to the real Venice, the 10-minute ride through the resort’s faux canals with a singing gondolier was charming and fun, and a perfect social media photo op for my kid.

Mostly, though, we didn’t want to leave the Waldorf. It’s Vegas for those who don’t particularly like Vegas—warm and cozy and set apart from the chaotic frenzy of craps tables and Blackjack. It also has one of my all-time favorite restaurants, Zen Kitchen, where we ate four meals in a row. Breakfast standouts were the egg white frittata with pesto and mozzarella, and the bagel and smoked salmon (I had mine on an everything bagel with tomatoes, capers, and red onion). My daughter has not stopped raving about the potato puree, which she ordered at both lunch and dinner. And do not miss the Maguro tuna, miso-cured halibut, and Japanese Caesar salad. It’s a meal that tastes better than any casino win ever could. hilton.com/en/hotels/laswdwa-waldorf-astoria-las-vegas

–Malina Saval