As we wrap up our ten months on the road we wanted to end our USA road trip with a bang. We thought that two nights spent in total indulgence and non-stop pampering would be a great way to end an epic journey while also allowing us to decompress from all the moving around and to calmly mentally prepare for the major changes coming our way in our new lives in San Diego.
Booking a stay at The Four Seasons Hotel Westlake Village was time and money well spent. This is one of the nicest properties you will encounter. The staff here is trained to deliver exceptional customer service and make guests feel like VIPs at every turn. In truly remarkable Four Seasons style, the decor is impeccable and no detail is overlooked. Is it possible to relocate to this property instead of San Diego?
The sprawling grounds are breathless with infinite nooks to relax and rejuvenate. Some of the decadent offerings are the adults-only outdoor pool, a Japanese-inspired lawn, an indoor heated pool, a fully-equipped arcade room that is booked for private usage, an award-winning restaurant, a full-service coffee bar, waterfalls, a rose garden complete with a walking trail, and the most luxuries spa you could ever dream of.
The rooms are spacious and immaculate. This was the first time on our entire road trip that I allowed myself to sleep in and awoke to an 8:00 am alarm. I could have easily wasted the morning away dreaming with the luxurious linens wrapped around me but alas, there was too much to enjoy and experience so I eagerly pulled myself out of bed.
Private Cabanas
We have yet to see cabanas of this caliber at any property that we have visited during our many travels. The hotel offers two exclusive full-serviced cabanas with the utmost privacy. Lounge chairs, a bed, a private plunge pool, a screen tv, and a dining table await those who seek the ultimate luxury experience. There is a call button to beckon the dotting staff who will refill your glasses with the complimentary bottle of champagne or cheerfully serve the food you order off the healthy menu. There is even a "do not disturb" sign letting them know you seek more privacy than already granted. We gulped up our four hours of bliss here. They passed too quickly.
Coin & Candor
Dining in a gorgeous setting absolutely makes everything taste better although Coin & Candor needs no assistance in the fantastic flavor department. Their menu is chock-full of the freshest ingredients combined to deliver a healthy, innovative approach to California cuisine. We couldn't help but eat here for snacks, breakfasts, and one dinner too. Each meal was truly memorable.
101 North Eatery & Bar
Westlake Village is just a three-minute drive from the hotel property. Interestingly enough, the town barely dodges the Los Angeles County border and successfully skirted the indoor mask mandate imposed within the LA borders. It was interesting to witness such a change in Covid culture just moments away. Westlake is an adorable little town packed with high-end restaurants and upscale retail shops. We enjoyed a lovely dinner at 101 North Eatery & Bar which proudly whips up dishes inspired by the Los Angeles food scene and touts their usage of seasonal ingredients. Their falafel sliders and fried chicken sliders appeal to most diets and are delicious. Their pizzas happen to be fantastic too. If you're looking for a lively atmosphere, great service, and a solid dining experience, you will not be disappointed making a reservation here.
Malibu Cafe at Calamigos Ranch
Our friends who live in Malibu recommended that we meet them at this spot for drinks and to catch up on all of our mutual life adventures. This hard-to-find haven is well worth the effort for those seeking crafted cocktails in a beautiful environment that happens to be really fun too! The grassy lower level of Malibu Cafe calls on both adults and children to play on the lawn filled with outdoor games and even a bar. The upper deck holds more of a trendy atmosphere, yet it's still casual. For a great taste of Malibu's laid-back scene, this is a wonderful place to visit.
Stonehaus Winery
I can't imagine a better place for wining and dining than at Stonehaus Winery in Westlake Village. The expansive outdoor patio is packed with picnic tables that create a warm communal feel bringing people together around their common love for great wine. Guests seat themselves and place their orders at one of the bars, there is no table service here, making for a very casual experience. This is the kind of place I would visit over and over again.
Our two nights in Westlake Village were truly the best way to end ten months of constant moving around while exploring the country. I can't believe our road trip has come to an end. I can't believe we are moving to a new city. I know that once I sit still for hours on end this incredible experience will begin to really soak in. I am still processing everything my family has learned on the road, the wonderful adventures that we shared together, and all the changes that have resulted from getting in our car and just driving endlessly. We will be parking our car for a while, although I have a feeling it won't be for as long as you'd think.