Staycation at Four Seasons in LOS ANGELES

By Terena Thyne Eisner | May 4, 2014 |

Feel like you’re miles away from home without leaving LA when you check into the Four Seasons Los Angeles at Beverly Hills.

Before I had two kids, the idea of a staycation was an oddity. But with a toddler and baby, the thought of lugging everyone and everything through an airport did not sound like a vacation.Instead, my husband and I checked into the Four Seasons in Los Angeles at Beverly Hills, and it was the perfect one night retreat.

From the moment I stepped into the bustling lobby, I was on vacation mode and was whisked away to my spa treatment. The Four Seasons recently revamped its spa and the menu has a variety of treatments that go beyond a simple massage. I’ve had the good fortune of being pampered at spas around the globe, but the Honey Dream Spa Treatment transported me to a state of pure bliss. After a relaxing massage using a honey infused lotion, a warm wrap was draped over my back and feet. And that was just the beginning. Next there was a mini facial followed by a scalp massage, so it was really like three separate treatments all in one.

The hotel’s main restaurant, Culina, was our destination for dinner. Culina has replaced the old Gardens Restaurant at the hotel and offers a modern take on Italian cuisine. The brocade drapery and double tablecloths are history and Culina now showcases a bustling, open space that feels informal and stylish. The menu features antipasti, handmade pastas, thin-crusted pizzas, meat and fish, along with a ‘live action’ crudo bar at the entrance. Crudo is the Italian version of sushi with the raw seafood specialties like Cappesante (Maine scallops) with black truffle and lemon oil. I ordered the Roasted Beets with Candied Pistachios, Caprino, Citrus, Basil Oil, and Watercress for an appetizer and it was the perfect combination of savory with just a hint of sweetness with the candied pistachios. Since I have a gluten allergy, I usually can’t enjoy pastas at Italian restaurants, or if I do order a substitute it usually tastes like a bad imitation of pasta. But Culina hand makes all of its pastas daily, and they are able to substitute their gluten free variety for any of the pasta dishes. I had the rigatoni with fennel sausage, white wine, garlic, and Parmigianino reggiano and it was divine. I was blown away by the delicate flavors and couldn’t believe it was gluten free. I lived in Italy for a summer and this was by far the best pasta I’ve eaten — anywhere. My husband ordered the lamb special that was equally if not more scrumptious. For dessert the restaurant offers traditional specialties like tiramisu and panna cotta. For the health conscious LA–crowd, there are even a variety of vegan ice creams that taste too decadent to be healthy.

The property takes advantage of the sunny weather with balconies off every guest room. In 2010 each of the 285 guest rooms and luxury suites were renovated and they now feature clean, modern décor with amenities like flat-screen TVs and an iPad2 conveniently loaded with the Four Seasons Los Angeles at Beverly Hills app so you can order room service or get your car from valet with one swipe. To top off a perfect stay, I headed up to the fourth floor to catch some rays at the hotel pool, where the tropically landscaped terrace made me feel like I was anywhere but home.