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1/18/2019

#TheGirlsTripSeries: Los Angeles

Your best girls.
The perfect spot.
Indulging, experiencing + creating memories that last forever.

Welcome to #TheGirlsTripSeries: The ultimate guide to an unforgettable weekend away with your bffs.


“I hopped off the plane At LAX” Los Angeles is one of my favourite cities in the world – so it seemed fitting that I kick off the series down in California with some of my best girlfriends!

So what’s so great about it? The sunshine, palm trees, and stunning coastline bring an instant smile to my face – and this spot is a serious hub for entertainment and activity! While it’s unlikely you’ll be able to experience this entire city over the span of a weekend, it is likely you’ll fall in love with the charm and energy that LA has to offer.

Whether this is your first trip to the City of Angels or a friendly trip back to a place that’s starting to feel like home – there’s always something new to do here. Grab your girls, and let’s kick this series off.

Welcome to #TheGirlsTripSeries.  

We were so thrilled to work with the Loews Hollywood as the official hotel partner for this trip. The team was incredibly hospitable and went above and beyond to make our stay so special!


WHAT TO EXPECT

Amazing views of the hills + the Hollywood sign, rooftop pool, fitness centre, yoga studio, and 628 rooms of luxurious lifestyle.

BE SURE TO TRY

  • The heated rooftop pool.
  • Ella Yoga Studio on the 5th floor. They offer pilates, boot camps, personal training sessions and more! Did I mention pool-side yoga? Yes please.
  • H2 Kitchen and bar for happy hour (every day from 3-6 PM)
  • Breakfast in bed. The grapefruit mimosas + strawberries and waffles are a must!

GETTING AROUND
Rent A Car. Traffic is constant, but LA is a city that I love having a car in – especially when you want to hit that coastline. The Loews offers overnight parking to keep your car safe and sound!

Uber is exactly what you need for everything else – especially for those nights out.

  1. Alfred
    If you’ve followed along on my instagram stories, you know that I’m addicted to this spot and their unbelievably delicious chagaccinos. Alfred is the place I hit when I get off the plane and where I start each of my days in Los Angeles for a pick me up. I frequent the Beverly Hills and the Melrose Place locations but you can take a peek at all of their locations here.

    Must try: Iced chagaccino with almond milk + the pretzel nutella croissant.
  2. Catch LA
    Also known as patio heaven, this is hands down one of my favourite restaurants in LA and offers quite the experience. With a focus on seafood, Catch incorporates local and sustainable ingredients wherever possible as it cultivates a menu that is designed to taste and share in amongst your table. Save some room for dessert, you’ll need it. Reserve A Table

    Must try: Catch Roll, Lobster Mashed Potatoes, Sweet Potato Gnocchi.
  3. Ivory On Sunset
    Located inside the Mondrian Hotel in West Hollywood, Ivory On Sunset is the most perfect patio for mimosas and brunch while overlooking some amazing views of the city. Reserve A Table.
  4. Urth
    I’m not really sure how to describe Urth Caffe other than it being a solid choice for all-day classic meals. But if you feel like treating yourself – get the nutella stuffed french toast. There are a few locations around the city, but be prepared to expect to wait for a table. Not fussed on sitting? Order your meal to go! Find A Location Here.
  5. Gracias Madre
    Serving up incredible cocktails and vegan twist on classic Mexican dishes, this WeHo restaurant is a must. Gracias Madre serves organic, farm fresh, locally sourced food, full of flavour and love in a beautiful spot. Add this to your list of restaurants to hit on your next trip to LA.  Reserve A Table

    Must Try: street corn, coliflor frito, bbq jackfruit carnitas taco
  6. Cafe Gratitude
    While there are also a few locations of Cafe Gratitude in LA, the Beverly Hills or Larchmont location is a staple breakfast spot every time I head down to LA. I’m addicted to their “vivid” acai bowl! Their clean aesthetic and modern decor offers a zen (and v instagrammable) spot for your girls brunch.

    Something I love most about Cafe Gratitude? They strive to create a menu and environment that supports health and sustainability for both our community and the planet. Something I can definitely get behind!
  7. Upstairs @ The Ace Hotel
    A vibrant atmosphere, rooftop pool, quick bites and frozen cocktails overlooking a great view of downtown LA. This is a great spot to hang and mingle with your girlfriends. If you’re looking to grab a spot by the pool, be sure to get there early as space is limited!
  8. Joan’s On Third
    A tiny marketplace with a picnic menu. This cute spot is a great place to post up for coffee and a quick meal while also grabbing some items for your fridge at home.
  9. The Butcher’s Daughter
    Are you going to get stuck in traffic heading out to Venice? Yes? Is it worth it for this spot? Also yes. This plant-based restaurant has vibes to die for and the plate to go along with it. This is a must for your trip!
  10. Toast Bakery + Cafe
    This menu might not be the best for anyone who is indecisive – but it’s a great spot in WeHo to pop in for brunch and people watch.
  11. Pollen
    A modern Australian espresso bar specializing in breakfast & lunch in Echo Park with a serious Pinterest vibe and delicious food.

HIT THE SPA
I had the best 90 minute massage of my life over at The Spa at the Beverly Wilshire. This iconic spot is located in heart of Beverly Hills and will leave you feeling like you’ve floated right past cloud nine. It boasts a bigger price tag than some other spas – but if you’re feeling up for the splurge, you will not be disappointed. View All Treatments.

SWEAT IT OUT
Staying active while travelling makes me feel a lot better about myself (and my meals out). Equinox and SoulCycle are classic sweat spots for me in LA but you should also check out Barry’s Bootcamp, hike the Hollywood sign, hit up Runyon Canyon or go for a run at the beach!

LIFE’S A BEACH
Especially down in California. I remember being really excited to check out the iconic Santa Monica pier on my first trip down to Los Angeles. Have some fun with bird scooters along the water, or better yet, get in a car and head down the coast to Orange County. From boat trips to sea kayaking and surf lessons – there are a ton of fun activities along the coast!

MALIBU IS ALWAYS A GOOD IDEA
Driving to Malibu was my first ever taste of driving along the coast of hwy 1 and I remember being totally mind blown. Take a day trip out to El Matador State Beach. Grab a bowl at Ollo, make a reso for Nobu and fall in love with this place as much as I did.

WANT A NIGHT OUT? THESE ARE MY FAV SPOTS:
EP & LP for their rooftop bar.
The Nice Guy for delicious cocktails.
Skybar at The Mondrian for great views.
The Bungalow for a very random, but fun night out.
The Rooftop at The Standard.
Bar at Chateau Marmont for cocktails.
Poppy for a storybook adventure vibe.
Nightingale for a night out in WeHo.
TomTom for cocktails.

TAKE A ROAD TRIP
If you have the time to add a few extra days onto your trip, I highly recommend a road trip north along highway 1. With places like Big Sur that boast a coastline so stunning you’ll drop dead – it’s worth adding this road trip onto your bucketlist.

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