Canadians have long flocked to California to escape the snowy winters, often drawn by the glamour of Hollywood, the luxury of Rodeo Drive and the allure of Disneyland. But for your next visit, consider a wellness-focused weekend in the Beach Cities instead.
Embrace the laid-back charm of the coast, where each community brings its own distinct personality. Manhattan Beach radiates sophistication with boutique shopping and fine dining, while Hermosa Beach pulses with youthful, artsy energy, thanks to its live music scene. Just down the coast, Marina del Rey boasts North America’s largest man-made marina, with ultra-luxe yachts gliding across sparkling waters. If you’re ready to unwind, here’s where to stay, eat and play for the ultimate beachside escape. —Vivian Chung
Where to Stay
The Ritz-Carlton, Marina del Rey
For the ultimate wellness retreat, check into The Ritz-Carlton, Marina del Rey, a luxe escape between Venice Beach and Playa del Rey. This five-star, 304-room property isn’t just close to the water, it’s the closest any Ritz-Carlton in the U.S. gets. Whether you’re unwinding with beachside yoga or chasing adventure with stand-up paddleboarding and e-biking along the scenic Marvin Braude Bike Trail, this spot makes it easy to embrace coastal living.
Inside, the guestrooms blend classic elegance with bold personality, featuring rich orange and gold accents, dark wood furnishings and marble-clad bathrooms. Each room comes with a private balcony overlooking either the marina or the city skyline. If you’re an art lover, Andy Warhol pieces line the walls of the hallways. And yes, they’re for sale. Onsite, challenge your friends to a game of pickleball on one of three courts, sink into the heated saltwater pool with plush loungers and indulge in farm-to-table dining at Cast + Plow.
Where to Eat
A Manhattan Beach staple since 2011, this sleek, glass-walled restaurant is all about epic ocean views and a menu that celebrates Southern California’s fresh seafood and year-round bounty. Must-try dishes include the citrus ahi tuna salad and the ever-changing daily ceviche selection, both bursting with bold and zesty flavors. Save room for their house-made glazed donuts, which come in signature flavours like Tahitian vanilla bean, chocolate crunch and birthday cake.
Since 2017, this all-day café has been dishing out fresh takes on American classics, from stacked burgers and hearty sandwiches to perfectly charred Neapolitan-style pizzas. Aside from the comfort food, this spot’s also known for its Instagram-famous blue smoothie bowl made with blue algae, a nutrient-packed way to start your day. With three locations across the city, the Venice Beach outpost sits just steps from the iconic Venice sign, offering outdoor picnic tables and oversized umbrellas, perfect for soaking in that laid-back California vibe.
Pronounced “river,” this intimate izakaya on Abbot Kinney serves Japanese comfort food, like grilled skewers, crispy gyoza and steaming bowls of ramen. Whether you’re nestled into a booth, sharing bites at the 10-seat communal table or perched at the L-shaped bar, you’ll have a view of the open kitchen, where chefs expertly stuff handrolls with avocado and kimchi, natto and pork belly and roast miso-cured salmon to perfection.
What to Do
Beach Yoga with Beach Yoga SoCal
There’s no better way to start your day on a wellness getaway than with a beachside yoga session on Santa Monica Beach. With the salty breeze in the air and the rhythmic sound of waves rolling in, you’ll feel instantly grounded as you sink your toes into the sand. Sign up for a session with Beach Yoga SoCal, which offers flow classes for all levels and is led by certified and skilled instructors. It’s yoga, but with an unbeatable oceanfront view and a little extra zen.
Experience the picturesque Los Angeles coastline from the water on a sailing session with Naos Yachts. Whether on a sleek monohull sailboat or a spacious catamaran, glide past the colourful Fisherman’s Village, a charmingly kitschy stretch of candy-coloured cottages, quirky gift shops and waterfront restaurants, while keeping an eye out for dolphins at play. For an afternoon escape, set sail for Catalina Island, or for something shorter but just as spectacular, chart your course toward Malibu and watch the sun dip below the horizon from the deck.
Nestled inside The Ritz-Carlton, Marina del Rey, this is the only West Coast outpost of this ultra-luxe French skincare brand, and it’s the ideal place to unwind after a day of exploring. Known for its phytotherapy-based approach to beauty, the spa’s menu is packed with plant-powered treatments using high-quality botanical extracts and essential oils. For a glowing, refreshed complexion, book the Phyto-Aromatic Facial, or if you’re in the mood for full-body relaxation, indulge in the Sisleÿa Relaxing Phyto-Aromatic Body Treatment, designed to soothe and restore.
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