Lifestyle Expert Christine Lusita Shares the Most Popular Celebrity Getaway Destinations in SoCal, Mexico, More

 

 

 

Whether you’re searching for a romantic getaway or the perfect spot for a girls’ weekend, Bon Voyaged has got you covered. Here, lifestyle expert Christine Lusita breaks down the most popular celebrity destinations, frequented by Kim Kardashian, Gwyneth Paltrow and more.

 

Terranea

Terranea Resort serves as the ultimate luxury oceanfront destination, rich in Hollywood history as both a Southern California filming destination and celebrity getaway. Past guests include Paul Rudd, Leslie Mann, Orlando Bloom, Julia Garner, Selma Blair, Mariah Carey, Gwyneth Paltrow and more.

 

With sweeping views of the Pacific Ocean, the 102-acre getaway is the ideal holiday travel destination to feel a world away without having to travel far. Terranea offers guests a truly transformative and premier setting to discover a variety of spacious guestrooms and suites, distinct dining, spa and fitness center, award-winning golf course, four swimming pools, adventures by sea, and more. With unparalleled service and coastal curated offerings for every guest, discover a truly unforgettable experience and immersive sense of wonder along the scenic Palos Verdes Peninsula at Terranea Resort.

 

“This oceanfront hidden gem on the Pacific coast of Southern California is home to some of our favorite Hollywood A-listers and films,” Lusita exclusively tells Us. “From Michelin cuisine to archery, water sports and a serene spa overlooking the ocean, this remote getaway has something for everyone in the family.”

 

La Cantera Resort & Spa

Want to relax like your favorite Housewives?

 

Set atop the highest elevation point in San Antonio, sophistication and relaxation come together at La Cantera Resort & Spa, a pristine getaway immersed in nature and the stunning vistas of the Texas Hill Country. The resort offers something for all guests from rounds of golf on an 18-hole championship course to delectable cuisine at 10 unique dining venues, including the award-winning Signature Restaurant. Wide open spaces await at Loma Vida Spa and Wellness and its 25,000 square feet of bliss including Sky Loft treatment rooms with an outdoor shower or soaking tubs that overlook nature. Five pools around the resort, heated year-round include Topaz, the adults-only pool which pairs extraordinarily well with accommodations on SEVEN, a dedicated floor of the hotel for those 21 and up, with a separate check-in and evening reception area. Families and large groups enjoy the Villas, 34 individual accommodations nestled in the trees and each room comes with a golf cart to scoot around the resort to daily activities. It’s here that celebrities, including Real Housewives of New York City’s Sonja Morgan and the San Antonio Spurs, come to unwind.

 

“A tranquil oasis set just outside the cultural riches of San Antonio, La Cantera offers the most intimate experience with unspoiled views of nature from every direction,” the Right Fit Formula author explains. “It’s my favorite place to look up and see the Texas stars shining bright at night.”

 

LaBelle Winery

What do Adam Sandler, Seth Meyers and Sarah Silverman have in common? They are all natives of New Hampshire, home to the majestic LaBelle Winery.

 

LaBelle Winery’s 20,000-square-foot, state-of-the-art flagship site is located in Amherst, New Hampshire. It’s one of the top dream wedding destinations in the U.S. It houses the winery’s production facility, The Bistro restaurant, a tasting room, and a wine and gift shop where you can find one of your favorite housewives or Boston Red Sox at any given time.

 

Nestled in scenic New Hampshire countryside, the Amherst site is part of the fabric of the local community, a philanthropic destination having helped over 2,000 charities since they opened the doors nearly 11 years ago. LaBelle Winery has provided guests with award-winning wines since its founding in 2005, as well as outstanding cuisine, entertainment, and event venues for corporate, social, and weddings. In demand, this unique destination has something special every.

 

LaBelle’s Derry winery — their second location — opened in 2021. The Derry property is home to Americus Restaurant, golf and mini-golf courses, an event center, and a market offering prepared food and beverages. A tasting room and a sparkling wine production facility opened in Derry in May 2022. Both LaBelle locations provide the picture-perfect New England backdrop for every season.

 

LaBelle Winery was the vision of founder Amy LaBelle, who is one of the few female wine makers worldwide and has garnered multiple awards as a result of her innovation and dedication. “This is one of my favorite places ever especially during this time of year,” Lusita explains. “There’s nothing like sipping and spilling amongst your friends with award winning wine and cuisine and the most majestic atmosphere. The light show is spectacular!”

 

Baccarat Hotel New York

Vacay in style like Kim Kardashian, Cara Delevingne and Serena Williams at Baccarat Hotel New York, the first hotel and global flagship for the more-than-a-quarter-century-old Baccarat crystal brand. Directly across the street from the Museum of Modern Art and steps away from Fifth Avenue’s legendary shopping, the 114 exquisitely appointed guest rooms & suites designed by Paris-based, luxury design team Gilles & Boissier delight the senses with lavish finishes and artisanal attention to detail.

 

Generous amenities include stunning salon-style spaces where guests may enjoy all-day dining menus created by the hotel’s two Michelin-starred Culinary Director Chef Gabriel Kreuther, as well as afternoon tea; a beautiful barrel-vaulted bar featuring a kaleidoscope of Baccarat crystal stemware; a soothing Spa de La Mer, the first of its kind in the United States and a 55-foot sunken marble swimming pool complete with daybeds reminiscent of La Côte d’Azur.

 

Baccarat Hotel New York has earned the prestigious Forbes Five Star and AAA (American Automobile Association) Five Diamond Awards. The hotel’s interiors combine the classic elegance of a Parisian hôtel particulier with the contemporary aesthetic of its midtown New York City location. The design includes several never-before-seen works from the Baccarat factories. Classic pieces were also curated from the brands’ archival and contemporary collections for the public spaces and rooms.

 

Additional features include: the beautiful parquet wood flooring; woven rugs; hand-pleated silk wall coverings and stainless ribbed ceilings; mica-coated ceilings and mirror and marble wall treatments. Seventeen custom chandeliers hang throughout the property – many suspended by rough cord rope – while one stand-out chandelier is made exclusively out of wood and hangs in the second-floor bar.

 

“There’s nothing more magical than NYC at the holiday time and their holiday tea is my absolute favorite thing to do with my family,” the health and lifestyle expert tells Us, adding: “We’ve made so many memories that I’ll cherish forever.”

 

Conrad Punta de Mita

Situated among Riviera Nayarit’s natural, lush landscapes and cerulean waters alongside Mexico’s Pacific Coast, the new-build Conrad Punta de Mita provides the perfect backdrop for an inspired beach vacation.

 

Part of Conrad Hotels & Resorts, one of Hilton’s three distinct luxury brands, the refined 324-key property recently played host to the 18th season of The Bachelorette with Michelle Young for a few episodes where she continued to capture the hearts of viewers around the globe. Offering the ideal locale for a celebrity-inspired vacation, Conrad Punta de Mita is located about 45 minutes from Puerto Vallarta International Airport.

 

Drawing influence from Mexico’s rich history and unique culture coupled with the resort’s exceptional amenities, the property offers a sense of barefoot resort elegance. Spacious rooms and suites feature a private balcony boasting views of the Pacific Ocean with oceanfront suites offering patios, plunge pools and more. All feature coastal-inspired décor, indigenous artwork, elevated amenities and more offering a sanctuary for relaxation.

 

Curated culinary offerings from Director of Food and Beverage Erwan Le Mentec and Executive Chef Pedro Joaquin Arceyut celebrate the hotel’s commitment to the traditions of the diverse regional flavors of Mexico. Dining outlets include Mezquite, Arbol, Paleta and the new signature restaurant Codex, nestled in a private enclave at the edge of the resort where the jungle meets the ocean. Tucked away in the mangroves, Codex takes guests on a guided culinary journey from start to finish with traditional Huichol cultural rituals throughout the experience. An intimate spirits experience awaits at the Agave Studio featuring tequilas, mezcales, raicillas, sotoles and bacanoras from across Mexico.

 

For enriching relaxation, the Conrad Spa serves as a refuge with a unique indoor-outdoor design and traditional Temazcal spread across 10,000-square-feet. For off-property exploration, guests can embark on off-site activities including zip-lining, seasonal whale watching, golfing at the Greg Norman-designed Higuera Golf Club 18-hole course or shopping in neighboring Sayulita. Conrad Punta De Mita is part of Hilton Honors, the award-winning guest loyalty program for Hilton’s 18 distinct hotel brands. For reservations, guests can visit www.conradpuntademita.com.

 

“The beauty of this space and hotel transforms you,” Lusita gushes. “If you’re looking to unplug and unwind, the spa is the most incredible experience you’ll ever have!”

 

Conrad Los Angeles

Surrounded by iconic art, theater, and music institutions, one of California’s newest luxury hotels, Conrad Los Angeles channels the bold originality, creative innovation and dynamic energy that fuels Downtown L.A.’s newest cultural corridor at The Grand LA.

 

As Conrad Hotels & Resorts’ first California hotel, the property offers convenient access to some of the city’s most important cultural institutions including Grand Park, the Music Center, the Museum of Contemporary Art and The Broad with stunning views overlooking Walt Disney Concert Hall. Heralded by the vision of legendary architect Frank Gehry and featuring interior design from world-renowned Tara Bernerd & Partners, the 305-room luxury hotel is an elegant destination for vibrant social events, remarkable gatherings with indoor and outdoor meeting space and curated dining experiences and offers a sanctuary in downtown Los Angeles fit for a celebrity.

 

Throughout the 10th floor, guests can find curated artwork from prominent local artists in collaboration with Tatar Art Projects. Here, guests can discover original dining concepts from award-winning chef and humanitarian José Andrés and ThinkFoodGroup. Located on the property’s 10th floor, culinary aficionados can indulge in signature restaurant, San Laurel, which takes guests on a tour of flavors that find their roots in Spain but take their cues from California by highlighting the fresh, local ingredients from the Golden State. At Agua Viva, visitors and locals alike will find Latin and Asian flavors in a chic, open-air rooftop concept with panoramic views of the city. The sophisticated property also features SED, Airlight and The Beaudry Room featuring cocktails that celebrate the Californian spirit mixed with light Spanish influences.

 

When guests aren’t relaxing in the hotel’s spacious accommodations or sipping cocktails at the hotel’s expansive pool deck, guests can find refuge at Conrad Spa Los Angeles. The 7,000 square foot spa is home to advanced skin care techniques, a curated wellness bar featuring quality body care and recovery products, an enlightenment lounge, infrared sauna and more that provide the perfect sanctuary for that pre-red carpet look. Product lines range from cult-favorite Augustinus Bader to renowned Angeleno, Angela Caglia.

 

“This place is one of the coolest and trending places in L.A.,” Lusita explains. “The food is the most delicious food with an incredible atmosphere — one of the best places to visit in Los Angeles.”

 

Hotel del Coronado

As a National Historic Landmark, the legendary Hotel del Coronado, part of Curio Collection by Hilton, has long been celebrated as one of the most iconic and storied hotels in Southern California. Blending nostalgia with contemporary, coastal living, the property has played host to a number of celebrities throughout the years including, Marilyn Monroe, where the hotel served as the location for one of her most classic films, Some Like it Hot. Guests can book a stay at the iconic hotel that boasts the same recognizable white and red beachside exterior and fans can walk the same grounds she walked in.

 

Building on the hotel’s legacy, the property recently completed a multi-year, $400 million renovation — with the debut of Shore House at The Del, the resort’s newest oceanfront luxury hotel. Shore House at The Del features 75 one-, two- and three-bedroom residential-style seaside offerings, in a bright, modern beach house setting that encourages connection in an elevated neighborhood atmosphere. Following the hotel’s debut, Hotel del Coronado is now home to five distinct and authentic resort experiences including Beach Village, The Cabanas, The Views and The Victorian neighborhood. Experience the magic of this incredible hotel year-round.

 

Hotel del Coronado’s recent significant restorations embrace its former glory while catering to meet the needs of today’s travelers from the lobby to the Instagram-worthy font porch veranda. Perfect for travelers of all ages, Hotel del Coronado features a variety of activities and amenities to keep every member of the family entertained. From an array of beachfront dining options to water and beach activities including the resort’s new Ocean Explorers program for children ages 5-12, there is no shortage of fun at Hotel del Coronado. Guests can also enjoy the holiday season at The Del as the legendary resort transforms into a mesmerizing Frosted by the Sea winter wonderland complete with thousands of sparkling lights, an oceanfront ice rink, lavish holiday dining experiences, and so much more.

 

“If you’re looking for the best of the California beach, iconic history and delicious cuisine and cocktails, Hotel Del is a must visit,” Lusita tells Us. “I go at least two times a year with my family — I love that they have activities for everyone in your family!”

 

The Estate Yountville

Set on 22 acres in the heart of Napa Valley, the Estate Yountville is an inviting retreat and ideal getaway during the bustling holiday season. Curl up in front of in-room fireplaces or relax in a deep soaking tub, and enjoy a complimentary box of nostalgic treats alongside a glass of wine, as you soak in Cabernet Season in the region.

 

Located in the center of the charming town of Yountville, the Estate is within walking distance to Michelin-starred restaurants including the French Laundry, Bistro Jeanty and Bouchon Bistro, as well as a number of tasting rooms allowing guests a world-class visit without ever having to stray too far from the property.

 

Find sanctuary at The Spa, outfitted with indoor and outdoor soaking tubs, Napa Valley’s first HydraFacial Syndeo service, steam/sauna, and separate patio areas equipped with plunge pools. Or retreat to the property’s guestrooms and suites with streamlined fireplaces, stellar baths and soaking tubs and sun-tapped terraces for a lavish wine country escape. Arnold Schwarzenegger and Nicole Scherzinger have been known to frequent the property.

 

“If you’re looking for the most perfect romantic backdrop with bike rides through the beautiful vineyards … and the most relaxing and scenic spa’s ever, The Estate Yountville won’t disappoint,” Lusita says.

 

MacArthur Place Hotel & Spa

Sonoma’s iconic MacArthur Place Hotel & Spa, a luxury boutique 64-room hotel, offers guests an intimate escape to natural luxury in the heart of California Wine Country.

 

The 64 guest rooms showcase custom-designed furnishings, luxurious bathrooms with select rooms featuring a cozy fireplace, outdoor showers and/or bathtubs. Throughout the lush six-acre property, guests can experience a full-service spa with seasonal treatments, Chef’s Garden, mid-century pool, along with three culinary outlets, Layla — a Mediterranean-meets-Sonoma inspired restaurant — the cocktail-forward Bar at MacArthur and The Porch coffee shop.

 

The property is also home to an expansive art collection, featuring over 100 pieces from independent artists around the country in partnership with Uprise Art and AERENA Galleries. Returning this holiday season, MacArthur Place will be launching its 12 Nights of Marvel, a series spotlighting wonder-filled moments locals and guests alike can enjoy. A favorite of John Mayer, Olivia Culpo, Erin Foster and more.

 

“Talk about breathtaking! It’s the perfect everything vacay from the most luxurious rooms — the garden shower room is the best room I’ve ever stayed in — to the dreamiest day at the spa, the best wellness and relaxation escape in California,” Lusita says, adding: “If you’re planning a trip down the aisle … put this on the top of your list!”

 

Alisal Ranch

Alisal Ranch is a luxury guest ranch and resort just two hours north of L.A. nestled in the Santa Ynez Mountains. Located in the heart of Santa Barbara wine country in Solvang, Alisal Ranch is 10,500 acres of rolling hills, expansive horizons and pastoral way of life perfect for a unique and relaxing vacation with a wide range of all-inclusive amenities and activities.

 

The ranch is home to horseback riding, two 18-hole championship golf courses, six tennis courts, lake activities including fishing, paddle boarding, kayaking and canoeing, archery, pickleball, 50 miles of cycling routes, barnyard animals, and a spa and fitness center. Alisal Ranch is also known for its traditional Santa Maria-style barbecue and culinary programming throughout the year, hosting guest chefs from around the country and serving up delicious, inventive barbecued delights.

 

Alisal Ranch and acclaimed interior designer and author Nathan Turner are back together again to kick off the holiday season with a holiday workshop held from November 30 through December 2, 2022. Nathan Turner — who completed a redesign of the property’s namesake Turner House in 2019 — is hosting another California-inspired soiree complete with a packed itinerary of holiday entertaining workshops, dinners, and holiday cocktails, all inspired by his beloved California country ranch style. As a jumpstart to the holiday season, the three-day, two-night experience includes an in-room welcome amenity customized by Turner, daily breakfast, dinner, and drinks, a holiday luncheon and wreath-making demonstration, two cocktail receptions, a yoga and wellness session, dinner with Turner, complimentary wine tastings at nearby winery and tasting room destinations, and plenty of take-home gifts.

 

Way back in the day, Clark Gable married Lady Silvia in the Alisal’s old library, Doris Day while on one of her regular visits to Alisal Ranch. More recently, Cobie Smulders and Taran Killam tied the knot at Alisal Ranch, and Pink loves to visit.

 

“There is no place like this in the world. This is the ultimate luxury dude ranch experience — yeehaw!” Lusita says. “The perfect place to connect with nature, enjoy most incredible horse ride experiences as well as enjoy so many fun activities for the whole family especially during the holidays.”

 

Beverly Hilton Hotel

For over 65 years, the Beverly Hilton has remained one of Beverly Hills’ most iconic landmarks – a place where guests enjoy a time well spent and where “Anything Is Possible.” Opened in 1955 by distinguished hotelier Conrad Hilton, The Beverly Hilton has been a staple of Los Angeles’ hospitality scene for decades, welcoming Hollywood’s most illustrious names for countless esteemed galas and events.

 

The renowned International Ballroom hosts a number of glamorous red carpet events such as the annual Golden Globe Awards, Oscar Nominee Luncheon and the pre-Grammys gala. Nestled at the crossroads of the famed Wilshire and Santa Monica Boulevards, the hotel offers panoramic views of the city skyline and the sweeping hills, combining the distinctive spirit of California leisure with quintessential Hollywood glamour.

 

The hotel’s legendary Aqua Star Pool is Beverly Hills’ largest pool and the setting for numerous recognizable photo and film shoots. The hotel’s celebrated health and fitness facility, Upgrade Labs, delivers more than 20 different technologies dedicated to improving mental and physical performance and recovery. Bellezza Salon provides innovative, full service treatments, embracing Hollywood beauty secrets. The Beverly Hilton’s dining concepts include CIRCA 55 restaurant, enticing guests with locally-sourced Italian cuisine in a stylish, mid-century modern setting overlooking the pool, and the rooftop restaurant, Sant’olina, serving Mediterranean fare with a Southern California twist, backdropped by breathtaking views of the Los Angeles skyline.

 

The Beverly Hilton — which has accommodated stars including Paris Hilton, Kerry Washington and nearly every icon from the 1950s to today — shines brighter than ever following a $35 million renovation. The renovation encompassed all 566 elegant guest rooms, including nine private Presidential and Penthouse Suites – as well as all public spaces to include the lobby and meeting spaces – blending a modern take on classic Hollywood Regency style while complementing the hotel’s original Mid-Century modern architecture with modern fixtures, furniture, design accents and more.

 

“One of the most iconic and stargazing places to stay in Los Angeles,” Lusita says. “From the legendary charm and the fabulous ambience to the decadent food … and if you want to glow like your fave celeb-highly recommend their signature facial!”

 

Hyatt Regency Aruba

Located on 12 acres of magnificent beachfront property on Aruba’s world-renowned Palm Beach, Hyatt Regency Aruba Resort Spa & Casino is a year-round resort with a reputation for refined hospitality. The hotel delivers a sense of authentic island chic with an emphasis on unique architecture that includes an open-air lobby, natural stone floors and colorful Caribbean accents.

 

While vacationing at Hyatt Regency Aruba, guests will also be able to enjoy a variety of experiences to help fully unwind. The adults-only pool, Trankilo, features 10 spacious and private cabanas including private showers, smart TVs, Bose Bluetooth sound systems, minibars stocked with water, sodas, local beers and wine, crudités, aloe products, lounge chairs and sofas. Travelers can utilize the private butler that solely caters to visitors who are renting the cabanas and they can receive spa treatments in select cabanas as well.

 

Other recreational facilities are abundant and include a three-level pool complex complete with a two-story waterslide, tennis courts, Camp Hyatt for kids with a game room, and a lively Hyatt Regency Casino. The newly enhanced casino has 44 new state-of-the-art slot machines all strategically placed throughout the venue. The non-smoking casino also offers additional slot machines, gaming tables and video poker machines. The hotel is also home to the ZoiA Spa that encourages guests to find balance through the Spa’s emphasis on energy, purity, serenity and devotion. It is the ideal place to unwind and take part in self-care. The hotel’s fitness center is located in the spa as well. Guests can choose from ten delectable food and beverage options, including the resort’s signature restaurants Ruinas del Mar and Mexicado.

 

After the sun sets, travelers can enjoy live entertainment throughout the hotel and a locally made Balashi Chill beer at Piet’s Pier Bar. Hyatt Regency Aruba Resort Spa & Casino is truly the perfect Caribbean getaway for individuals of all ages and vacation types.

 

Past celebrity guests include The Bachelorette’s Brendan Morais and Pieper James and actress Jena Sims. “This is ultimate island getaway and the perfect spot to unplug, delete your apps and enjoy the local cuisine, activities and quiet time with your fam and loved ones,” Lusita tells Us.

 

The Resort at Paws Up

At the Resort at Paws Up, guests — which have included Gwyneth Paltrow, Leonardo DiCaprio and The Rolling Stones — will feel like they’re at their own private national park, with 37,000 acres of fun at their fingertips. In the winter months, visitors have their choice of winter adventures including horseback rides, snowmobiling, sleigh rides, dog sledding with a team of Alaskan Huskies, ice skating, snow tubing, snow-shoeing, cross-country skiing, and this season guests can try the resort’s newest activity, Moon Bikes.

 

“The great thing about Paws Up is that there are countless thrills to enjoy by day, and then you can cozy up by the fireplace in one of the luxury estates or climb into the hot tub on your private deck,” the TV host says.