LA, Santa Monica and Ojai

Pink Moments... and Orange Sunsets

Head to the City of Angels, Santa Monica Beach & Ojai Mountains

"I travelled to Los Angeles in November to visit a friend and despite January’s wildfires, which affected just 2% of this enormous city that thrives on tourism, it’s business as usual. The show must go on. After all, as Sebastian, played by Ryan Gosling, says in LA LA Land: “I’m a phoenix rising from the ashes.” 

Head to LA for a city break, beach walks, hiking and pink mountains. On the long-haul flight to see the Hollywood stars, celebrity aesthetician Sadaf Jaffari recommends using a Charlotte Tilbury Facial Dry Sheet Mask. It’s a half-hour drive to AC Hotel Downtown Los Angeles from the airport. Neon billboards cast pink shadows and skyscraper windows reflect the beautiful golden LA light as we approach this striking 37-story L-shaped tower. Modern serene rooms are well-designed with super comfy beds and floor-to-ceiling windows overlooking an ever-changing cityscape of LA for epic elevated views - we could even see the Hollywood sign! 

Korres products are in the shower and there’s a giant vending machine for anything you forgot to pack. Or walk to Sephora to stock up on your favourite beauty brands. I pack a Glow Recipe Watermelon Glow Pink Juice Moisturiser and M&S Orange Body Butter. We catch a stunning orange sunset from La Lo La Rooftop on the 34th floor. Vermilion to orange dissolves into slate blue sky as rows of car headlights snake around the city. 

We enter Level 8 with its eight dining, drinking and entertainment venues: Mr Wanderlust is a piano bar and jazz lounge. Lucky Mizu waves you in with beckoning Japanese cat figurines. Opulent dark corridors with modern Tiffany-style glass lampshades lead to Qué Barbaro. This South American fire grill restaurant, serving steak and seafood, opens onto poolside Golden Hour. Red lights surround the cobalt swimming pool casting a pink glow on the fire dancer, and an illuminated fairground carousel bar. Enjoy a cocktail at the alfresco oyster and ceviche bar Mother of Pearl and The Brown Sheep food truck is on the terrace. Sinners y Santos is a cathedral-inspired nightclub with a speakeasy entrance for drinks and a dance. 

The morning after the night before we enjoy the buffet breakfast of champions at the AC Bar & Lounge so much that we go round twice! LA is large so grab an Uber or book a driverless Waymo taxi - very futuristic if a little unnerving as you watch the steering wheel turn in a ghostly fashion. For a fashion fix go shopping at beautifully curated lifestyle boutiques at The Row, DTLA.

For sightseeing, I style a Nobody’s Child blouse with my favourite Whistles jeans and trainers. The Broad is a contemporary art museum, next to the impressive Walt Disney Concert Hall. Take charming funicular Angels Flight Railway to grab a bite inside Grand Central Market, then check out The Last Bookstore. At Downtown LA Proper we enjoy rooftop cocktails by the firepit with incredible views of skyscrapers at Cara Cara.

Hike up the hill to the Griffith Park Observatory for great views of the city. Lollipop silhouettes of palm trees punctuate the horizon. A helicopter rattles overhead as crows caw. Cars glitter like shards of glass in the sun. My diamanté Guess sunglasses sparkle against the backdrop of the iconic Hollywood sign. Stargaze in the observatory. We spot hawks and woodpeckers as we walk pink-faced down the dusty slope. 

Listen to the roar of the ocean at Santa Monica beach. Glassy green waves tumble into frothy white. Pelicans glide in a triangle formation. A kaleidoscope of colours on the big wheel of the Santa Monica Pier as the sun sets orange on skaters and cyclists along the Venice Boardwalk.

Drive to rural Ojai valley, ringed with spectacular mountains. Ojai is known for spiritual retreats, a great art scene, and hiking trails. Pausing for lunch at organic café Farmer and the Cook, we chat with local sculptor Ted Gall. Bart’s Books open-air courtyard has books of all kinds - everything under the sun! Hop aboard the Ojai trolley to see village landmarks; Ojai Valley Museum, Post Office bell tower and Libbey Park. Cute boutique stores include Heavenly Honey, bohemian store Kariella, Ova Arts gallery artworks include Ted Gall’s sculptures, and Ojai Ice Cream.

At luxury Ojai Valley Inn we wander through impeccable grounds as rabbits bound past this stunning hacienda. Sip a drink by the fire pit and soak in the picturesque view. The sky turns pastel shades, with the majestic oak tree silhouetted. The Topa Topa mountains turn pink at sunset, delightfully known as ‘Pink Moments’. Dreamy."

Written by Crystal McClory

To book contact Abbotts Travel on 020 8989 9445 or email info@abbottstravel.com

See Travel editorial on page 82-83 in the May issue of Absolutely West Essex and Essex magazines.

Our thoughts go to those affected by the LA fires in the Pacific Palisades and Eaton. You can help by visiting LA to support businesses, or donate to organisations like California Community Foundation, GoFundMe, California Fire Foundation, and GiveDirectly. All helping residents rebuild from the ashes.