For most of us, just the name Beverly Hills conjures up a plethora of images, many of which are courtesy of both the big screen (think: Pretty Woman) and the small screen (think: Beverly Hills 90210). It’s the famed heart of La-La-Land and it’s perhaps the one place on earth where stargazers are practically guaranteed a celebrity sighting.

But it’s not all hustle and bustle and life in these parts isn’t always whirring by at warp speed. If you’re planning a visit, choose your accommodations carefully and discover an equilibrium that makes for the perfect getaway.

Where? The Four Seasons Hotel Los Angeles at Beverly Hills, which has recently undergone a $33 million renovation. Situated on a pretty, tree-lined street, guests immediately feel welcome by the warm reception from staff. The grand marble lobby is impressive and inviting and from the moment you step foot inside, you know you’re in for a treat. If you’re looking to relax, the hotel grounds, pool and spa are the perfect places to bliss out. But when you’re ready to explore, the world famous Rodeo Drive is just around the corner. (Be sure to enjoy the hotel’s complimentary car service, which will take you anywhere within a two-mile radius of the hotel.)
Open the door to any one of the rooms inside the Four Seasons Los Angeles at Beverly Hills and you’ll be greeted by the warmth of the California sun streaming in. With a nod to old Hollywood glamour, the rooms have been exquisitely designed by SFA Design. Updating the formerly traditional rooms to spaces that are warm, welcoming and modern, the new rooms have a clean, Southern-California style at their core, evoking a feeling that’s simultaneously luxurious and simple. The warm tones, from the carpet and accessories to the woods used throughout, make each of the hotel’s 285 spacious guest rooms a welcome retreat. Each suite features beautiful French doors which lead to a step-out balcony, providing views of the gardens, the Hollywood Hills, Los Angeles or Beverly Hills, depending on which direction the room faces. All rooms feature a tastefully simple decor and just the right amount of technology (a large flatscreen television and a Bose radio with an iPod docking station), to make your time spent indoors anything but dull.

Chic. Cosmopolitan. Elegant. Modern. These are just a few of the words that’ll leap to mind when you enter Culina, Modern Italian, the hotel’s wonderful new restaurant. Becoming a destination unto itself, frequented by diners of all kinds, not just hotel guests, the restaurant features impeccable design and a menu that offers interesting and unexpected twists on traditional Italian cuisine.

“Culina was inspired by Italian enotecas or wine-tasting bars; typically these are intimate, urban, neighborhood spots that feature local, artisanal ingredients and Italian wines,” says Jennifer Johanson, lead designer and principal of EDG Interior Architecture + Design. "Clean lines and modern, leather-upholstered furnishings add to a mood that is elegant, understated, and authentic, while a touch of cut crystal and blown glass in signature lighting adds sparkle and glow," she says. "Rustic modern tables signal informality, and the absence of tablecloths is a welcoming gesture, though stylish table settings and rich fabrics let you know that the experience will be special. The design interweaves spaces from public to private, offering opportunities for social interaction and intimacy where desired, including private and semi-private rooms and a VIP lounge that can be sequestered from the paparazzi.  Both the bar and dining areas cascade out into the garden, which captures California living with trellises, a gorgeous 'living wall' of succulents and a new modern fountain that incorporates a 'floating' fireplace."

Looking for a private, exclusive spa experience? The spa at the Four Seasons Los Angeles at Beverly Hills is private … and then some. Frequently servicing celebrity guests, the spa offers an atmosphere that feels so exclusive, you’ll feel like a celebrity yourself. Try: The Manipura Experience. This 90-minute treatment commences with a Himalayan crystal scrub created to purify, detoxify and stimulate the lymphatic system. The Manipura massage that follows is divine and the entire treatment will leave your skin softer than it’s ever been. It’s a treatment that’s as delicious for your mind and spirit as it is for your body.
Sitting poolside has never felt so glamorous. Note: Oversized sunglasses and a stylish beach tote are a must! Situated outdoors on the hotel’s fourth floor terrace, guests are treated to elevated views of the city below. After taking a dip in the warm water, enjoy lunch or refreshments al fresco.