Honeymoon Travel Guide: Southern California

November 23, 2022

The land of movie stars, Disneyland, impressive beaches and desert escapes, California’s breath-taking diversity makes it a truly wonderful place to go on honeymoon. But where should you stay? Here are some of our favourite spots for you to stop over while you explore everything the Golden State has to offer.

IF YOU’D LIKE TO BE IN THE HEART OF HOLLYWOOD: W Hollywood, Los Angeles

W Hollywood is a modern hotel, sitting right on the lively streets of Hollywood Blvd, and puts you in the centre of top attractions like Hollywood Pantages Theatre, Walk of Fame and the Capitol Records Building. If you like to party the night away then you can’t get much better and the rooftop WET Deck is the ideal spot to soothe those hangovers in the morning!

For more details and updates follow @whollywood on Instagram.

IF YOU’RE DREAMING OF A SECLUDED DESERT RETREAT: The Bungalows by Homestead Modern, Joshua Tree

Located in Joshua Tree National Park, under 45 minutes’ drive from Palm Springs, Homestead Modern have just debuted a new hospitality project, The Bungalows. Located on the historic Joshua Tree Retreat Center campus (founded in 1941) within 130 acres of pristine desert land, it offers a secluded, self-catering accommodation, with all the mod-cons you’d expect.

Guests of The Bungalows enjoy access to the entire JTRC campus with its treasure trove of architecturally significant buildings, swimming pool, art collection and curated schedule of classes, workshops and activities.

For more info visit homesteadmodern.com

IF YOU WANT THE PERFECT PHOTO OPS: Sands Hotel & Spa, Palm Springs

Designed by renowned interior designer Martyn Lawrence Bullard, Sands Hotel & Spa is located just outside of Palm Springs itself, in the affluent Indian Wells area. The property features 46 guest rooms, the Pink Cabana restaurant and bar, full-service spa and private wedding garden. A combination of Bullard’s Moroccan-inspired influence and a mid-century vibe that is synonymous with the desert’s everlasting allure, the Sands Hotel & Spa is a luxurious adult-only hotel with an exotic and personalised take on hospitality.

Right next door you’ll also find The Nest, a restaurant and bar which is popular with the locals and has the best people watching you’ll ever experience!

Learn more at sandshotelandspa.com

IF YOU’RE LOOKING FOR SOME HISTORY BUT WITH ALL THE MODERN COMFORTS: The Brick Hotel, Oceanside

The Brick Hotel built in 1888 and owned by a family who have been in Oceanside for nearly 100 years, has recently been renovated and thoroughly modernised into a boutique vacation destination, maintaining its original masonry, exposed beams and brick accent walls. The hotel is completely self-check-in and there’s a digital concierge screen in each room which allows for easy check in/out, local recommendations and to contact hotel staff. Each of its ten rooms is uniquely designed with its own motif and various elevated amenities—some rooms have ocean views while others are pet-friendly.  

To book, head to thebrickhotel.com

IF YOU WANT A GLAMPING EXPERIENCE: El Capitan Canyon, Santa Barbara

Located on 350 acres of exceptionally beautiful natural surroundings, with amenities of a modern hotel, El Capitan Canyon creates an especially unique “glamping” experience for honeymooners. Couples up for adventure can stay in a yurt or cosy cabin, kayak the beautiful Refugio Beach coastline and hike out their backdoor at El Capitan Canyon. Unique safari tents feature willow beds, dreamy duvets, festive-printed blankets and modern furnishings. The property has access to private hiking trails (hikes to visit a nearby llama ranch are offered!) beach cruiser bicycles, wine tours, s’mores and barbecue kits, storytelling and astronomy lessons by the campfire. With grounds situated amongst undisturbed beauty, and just a half-mile walk to the Pacific Ocean, the set-up makes for an ideal romantic getaway.

Discover more at elcapitancanyon.com