Hotel Bel-Air, Los Angeles, USA

The location is special: this may be an LA hotel, but the large grounds and seclusion make you feel like you're away from the busy traffic and city.

The hotel is tucked away in the exclusive Bel Air neighbourbood, a residential area to the west of LA in the foothills of the Santa Monica mountains.
By plane: flights to Los Angeles from London take 11 hours. The hotel is a 35-minute drive from LAX airport. Parking costs $55 per day. skyscanner.net

This is an hotel that attracts wealthy, discerning guests wanting seclusion and tranquility. There are numerous restful public areas, with Italianate piazzas and gardens, and comfortable lounge areas in the interior.

The oval-shaped pool, in its peaceful setting lined by palm trees, is a delightful place to spend a sunny afternoon.

• Bar
• Restaurant
• Gardens
• Swimming pool
• Cycling
• Fitness centre
• Beauty treatments
• Spa and wellness centre
• Paid parking
• Free Wi-Fi

The suites feel secluded and are particularly plush and spacious, with every comfort from large flatscreen TVs to fireplaces, and marble vanities and rain showers in the bathrooms. The large, comfortable beds with high-quality Fili d'Oro Egyptian cotton linens ensure a good night's sleep too.

Superior, Deluxe, Grand Deluxe, Loft Studio, Canyon Studio, Junior Pool Suite, Bel-Air Suite, Canyon Suite, Two Bedroom Bel-Air Suite, Premier Canyon Suite, Grand Suite, Signature Suite
Facilities include: ensuite bathroom, free toiletries, desk, TV, free Wi-Fi

Dining at the Wolfgang Puck Restaurant, with its glamorous clientele, feels like an event and adds to the overall enjoyment of stay here. We love the steak and chips, which is impeccably cooked and presented with style.

Wolfgang Puck: locally sourced ingredients, fine dining. Open daily for breakfast, lunch and dinner, and Sunday brunch.
Bar & Lounge: cocktails, light meals. Open Sun-Thurs 3-10pm, weekends 3pm-midnight. Mains from $28.