California Archives - A Luxury Travel Blog : A Luxury Travel Blog

California luxury: Santa Barbara bliss

By Kim Robertson on Apr 21, 2018 in Accommodation, Attractions, California, Food and Drink, Going Out, Hotels, North America, Regions, Resorts, Travel Miscellany, USA

I am sure we don’t need too much introduction to California, with it’s incredible diversity and 1200 odd miles coastline. It is a great state for a road trip, and a popular stop on any California Road Trip is Santa Barbara, situated on the sunny California Coast, about 100 miles north of LA. It is […]

Photograph of the week: San Francisco at night

By Paul Johnson on Feb 21, 2018 in California, North America, Regions, USA

San Francisco is a vibrant city that, despite its growth, remains a city of neighborhoods. Whether it’s the museums of SoMa, the nightclubs of the Mission District or North Beach shopping, there’s an endless list of things to see, do and eat. The Northern California destination is also a foodie heaven with a range of […]

7 great California beaches

By Kim Robertson on Feb 14, 2018 in Attractions, California, Going Out, Leisure Travel, North America, Regions, Speciality Travel, USA

Holidays on the beach are lovely, but holidays on a Californian beach… oh wow. California do beaches like no other; not only are the landscapes, the sunsets and the backdrops absolutely stunning, but the diversity of ‘vibes’; from relaxed to high energy make this a wonderful State to spend some time at the beach. And […]

10 of the most exciting new luxury hotel openings of 2018

By Paul Johnson on Feb 10, 2018 in Accommodation, Alaska, California, Canada, Colorado, Europe, Featured, Florida, Hotels, Italy, North America, Oregon, Resorts, United Kingdom, USA, Western Europe

The luxury travel industry is booming, with surveys suggesting that travellers are keen to explore more and willing to pay a little extra when indulging on their travel experiences. This growing demand is reflected by a number of exciting new luxury hotel openings across the globe. Here are just 10 of the many to look […]

Top 5 luxury ski destinations in the USA

By Craig Burton on Jan 07, 2018 in California, Colorado, Featured, Leisure Travel, North America, Regions, Speciality Travel, USA, Utah

A country where mountains are impressively huge, snowfall is pristine and champagne powder is de rigueur: the USA certainly has sublime ski territory. We’ve chosen our favourite spots for a truly indulgent trip to the slopes. Aspen, Colorado Aspen has four spectacular mountains to choose from: Snowmass – home to the largest lift-served vertical descent […]

Top Californian desert escapes

By Kim Robertson on Nov 10, 2017 in Accommodation, California, Hotels, North America, Regions, Resorts, USA

If you are seeking some serious self-indulgence in the Californian desert, then look no further. California’s desert resorts know how to do luxury. With dramatic backdrops, from the towering mountains and manicured lawns of the Joshua Tree National Park to the harsh environment of Death Valley, relaxation comes with the territory in the heat of […]

Top 6 luxury lodgings around Lake Tahoe

By Kim Robertson on Oct 15, 2017 in Accommodation, California, Hotels, Nevada, North America, Regions, USA

Lake Tahoe is one of my favourite places on the planet. And I’m not alone. Mark Twain author of Huckleberry Finn – wrote this about that view: “…at last the Lake burst upon us—a noble sheet of blue water lifted six thousand three hundred feet above the level of the sea… As it lay there […]

Luxury experiences in California that are not to be missed

By Sandra Potter on Sep 26, 2017 in Attractions, California, Food and Drink, Going Out, Leisure Travel, North America, Regions, Road Travel, Speciality Travel, Travel Miscellany, USA

California, home to the stars and to some of the best natural wonders, food and wine in the world as well. You can think of Hollywood, Yosemite National Park, the Redwoods and the wineries. But how best to see and better still experience these glories. Here are some of my favourite ways to spend a […]

Top 5 sustainable hotels around the world

By Tom Marchant on Sep 14, 2017 in Accommodation, Asia, Australia, Belize, California, Cambodia, Central America, Europe, Hotels, Iceland, North America, Oceania, Regions, USA, Western Europe, Worldwide

Travel sees a plethora of trends which come and go, but one that’s firmly here to stay is sustainable tourism. More than ever before, travellers are seeking hotels that are fully conscious of their impact on their surroundings. From guest experiences that protect local wildlife and celebrate indigenous culture, to ‘green’ operations or fostering ties […]

California – a bucket list for the Golden State

By Kim Robertson on Sep 11, 2017 in Attractions, California, Food and Drink, Going Out, North America, Regions, Travel Miscellany, USA

California, my personal favourite destination in the USA, possibly offers the widest diversity of anywhere on the planet, let alone any other US State, both in terms of its geographical make up and its man-made attractions. Where else can you find warm beaches, stunning sunsets, huge mountain ranges, visit iconic cities, harvest great wines and […]

5 eating experiences in the Napa Valley you must try

By Amanda O'Brien on Aug 21, 2017 in California, Food and Drink, Going Out, North America, Regions, Restaurants, Travel Miscellany, USA

The Napa Valley is an absolutely stunning area – and it is food and wine heaven! I have been obsessed with California Chardonnays since leaving there – and before I went, I thought that I didn’t like Californian wine! These days Napa Valley food receives as much attention as their amazing wineries. A few tips […]

Ride the open roads of the US and Canada

By Sandra Potter on Aug 16, 2017 in California, Canada, Colorado, Events, Leisure Travel, Montana, Nevada, North America, Regions, Road Travel, Speciality Travel, Travel Miscellany, USA, Wyoming

What better way to explore the open roads of the US and Canada than on a motor bike? Imagine the curves in the Rocky Mountains, the long straight sections of Route 66, or biking the Big Sur on the Californian Coast. There are three ways to organise this. You can rent a motorcycle and head off […]

5 must dos on the Napa Valley wine train

By Amanda O'Brien on Jul 16, 2017 in California, Food and Drink, North America, Rail Travel, Regions, Speciality Travel, Travel Miscellany, USA

I was absolutely delighted when I heard that the Napa Valley had its very own wine train and that it utilized classic Pullman carriages! What a fabulous way to spend a day in the stunning Napa Valley! The wine train offers a range of different journeys from evening to day, themed to unthemed, with and […]

6 of the world’s most spectacular sunsets

By Rob Stross on May 13, 2017 in Africa, Asia, Australia, California, Cambodia, Chile, Europe, Kenya, North America, Norway, Oceania, Regions, South America, USA, Western Europe, Worldwide

There are few things in life as simultaneously relaxing, exhilarating and life-affirming as watching a magnificent sunset. That small period of time when day turns into night provides so many special travelling moments. But these sunsets rise above the rest. They’re bona fide bucket-list material. How many have you been to? Would you recommend any […]

California dreamin’

By James Bell on May 08, 2017 in Attractions, California, Food and Drink, Going Out, North America, Regions, Travel Miscellany, USA

Few destinations summon as many daydreams as California, the breathtakingly gorgeous West Coast state with its impressive blend of landscapes… from beaches and vineyards to mountains and deserts. Birthplace of the road trip, the rewards as you explore this Golden State are abundant and immediate, with swathes of sandy beaches along the Pacific Coast; the […]

Springtime and flowers: gardens to visit in North America

By Sandra Potter on Apr 30, 2017 in Attractions, California, Canada, Going Out, North America, Regions, Rhode Island, USA

Springtime in England means blossom on our trees and flowers in our gardens; it also turns our minds to holidays and for the gardeners among us, perhaps the need for inspiration from gardens around the world. Here are some ideas of gardens to visit in North America. The Butchart Gardens in Victoria BC are for […]

Category: California