A “staycation” (a portmanteau of “stay” and “vacation”), or “holistay,” is a period in which an individual or family stays home and participates in leisure activities within day-trip distance of that home without requiring overnight accommodations. In British English, the term has evolved to refer to domestic tourism – that is, taking a holiday in one’s own country as opposed to traveling abroad.
Staycations reached their apex somewhere around the financial crisis of 2007 to 2010 in the U.S., also becoming a popular phenomenon in the UK in 2009 and, of course, during the more recent COVID pandemic. But when it comes to L.A., the game has changed a bit; the part of the world we call home happens to be what people all around the globe call a vacation destination.
It’s time to start putting all that close proximity to good use and hop in the car to experience the following perfect staycation suggestions around Woodland Hills.
The Cara Hotel (Los Feliz), located at 1730 North Western Avenue in Los Angeles, offers hospitality right from the start, its staff inspired each and every day by the endless beauty that California brings. If you share this deep love for the Golden State’s nature and diversity of its people, to say nothing of its design aesthetic and warm climate, you’ll find The Cara the ultimate staycation destination when you’re looking to get away from it all…in town. A restaurant and bar/coffee station complement the lavish, memorable guest rooms here, so you’re guaranteed a one-of-a-kind experience from beginning to end.
Calamigos Guest Ranch and Beach Club, beautifully nestled at 327 South Latigo Canyon Road in Malibu, remains the only luxury destination in the area that encompasses both a private 250-acre ranch in the Malibu Wine Country as well as an exclusive waterfront Beach Club for its guests. The Chumash Indian word “Calamigos” – which means “Come as my Brother, Come as my Friend” – was the first term spoken to founder J. Grant Gerson in 1937 when he was welcomed with his young family to these same sacred grounds where Calamigos Ranch exists today; over 80 years later, five generations of the same family welcomes guests to this blessed land.
The NoMad Hotel, located at 649 South Olive and 7th Street in Los Angeles, resides in the landmark Giannini Place. Built in the 1920s as the headquarters of The Bank of Italy at the height of L.A.’s golden age, it embodies a convergence of old-world glamour and the vibrant and playful spirit of the City of Angels. Designer Jacques Garcia looked to Italy and California for inspiration when concocting the guest rooms, utilizing a vibrant color palette drawn from both the building’s fully-restored Italianate lobby ceiling and aforementioned playful spirit – but whether it’s the lavish rooms, incredible dining or overall ambiance of the property, The NoMad makes a compelling argument for being staycation destination of the year. Contact the property directly to confirm availability during COVID.
Terranea Resort, located at 100 Terranea Way in Rancho Palos Verdes, allows you and the family to enjoy more time experiencing everything the Southern California coast has to offer. From stand-up paddle boarding to hiking on the coastal trails, this resort – poised above the Pacific on the beautiful Palos Verdes Peninsula – remains a hidden gem on the L.A. coast, its 102-acre property surrounded by tranquil waves and other sights that words just can’t describe. Opened in June 2009, Terranea Resort has become the Southern California luxury property of choice, embracing the classic Mediterranean architecture that defines the area while paying homage to the rich heritage of the site through the names of many amenities such as The Catalina Room, Marineland Ballroom and The Vanderlip Suite.
The LINE L.A., located in Koreatown at 3515 Wilshire Boulevard in Los Angeles, is often referred to as a “second home for both neighbors and travelers seeking a rich experience” in one of the most diverse and vibrant neighborhoods in the City of Angels. Tucked between Hollywood and downtown, The LINE sits in the heart of Koreatown where decades of Korean, Latino and American heritage converge, embracing its mid-century bones and the many stories its walls contain – all while celebrating the culturally rich neighborhood we all call home. If your idea of a staycation is living like a celebrity for a couple of days, The LINE will not disappoint.
The Georgian Hotel, located at 1415 Ocean Avenue in Santa Monica, is one of L.A.’s most iconic properties, with history weaving throughout its restaurant and 84 guest rooms and culminating in 14 ocean-facing suites with some of the world’s best sunset views. Since 1933, The Georgian has been known as Santa Monica’s First Lady, sitting just steps from the gorgeous nearby beaches and being a quick jaunt to the great surf of Malibu – or the artisan shopping of Venice. Whatever you’re expecting out of a staycation in the Woodland Hills area, The Georgian Hotel promises you a charming stay at a beachfront resort where you can explore everything SoCal has to offer.
Everyone deserves to unwind, unplug and take a break from all their daily tasks and routine from time to time – especially in this day and age – and while you may have planned a dream vacation, factors like your career, time and money can be a hindrance in having the best getaway you have ever planned. The good news is that we live in a city known for its myriad of tourist and vacation spots, and as a Woodland Hills resident, you are very lucky to be able to experience the best staycation you ever had.
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