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Tucked into the Santa Monica mountains, an ideal location just forty minutes from Los Angeles and a stone’s throw inland from the beaches of Malibu, sits a contemporary hotel that exudes wellness – the Four Seasons Hotel Westlake Village. This property, which offers several different room categories from stunning suites to well-appointed guest rooms, is an unexpected surprise waiting to be discovered. If you’ve been to L.A. and want a more calm and cool environment to hang your hat while in town, look no further than Westlake Village. Here you can base yourself close to it all, yet feel a world apart in a cocoon of socially-distanced luxury.
I stayed at the property for two nights recently and absolutely loved it. In true Four Seasons style, a warm welcome greeted me upon check-in. New safety measures and Four Seasons’ branded “Lead with Care” initiative ensures that all guests feel safe and are protected during very uncertain times. Upon entering the hotel temperature checks are in place and the ability to sanitize is literally everywhere, while being seamlessly integrated into the California-Asian inspired decor.
The Four Seasons Westlake Village checked-me-in promptly and I was shown to a beautiful suite with views over the lawns and the iconic waterfall which takes center stage in the rear of the property. looking-out over the pink-hued mountains gave a total sense of peace and tranquility. And, part of tranquility for me is trying innovative and delicious cuisine. While on property I was fortunate to try the incredible food that the hotel is known for.
The property offers everything you can imagine in culinary excellence. Coin and Candor is just off the lobby and invites guests to enjoy hearty breakfasts, brunches and more elevated yet casual fare that is cooked in true Californian style using locally-sourced ingredients. You can dine inside or out, I prefer out, as the views of the property are an added benefit. In the mornings, if you decide not to take advantage of in-room dining, guests can stop by Stir, which is also off the lobby, for a freshly baked pastry and artisan coffee – all of which are delicious.
If you’re in the mood for delicious Japanese-inspired cuisine, Onyx is a hit. The dining room offers wonderful tasting menus and sushi, created by true sushi masters. Poolside dining is also available in one of the private cabanas or elsewhere, so guests, especially those with children, can keep everyone fed while splashing around in the water. Over my time at the Four Seasons Westlake Village I was very impressed by the efforts made to minimize contact, emphasize social distancing and certain protocols, especially with food, designed to keep everybody safe and sound.
This hotel really focuses on wellness. Whether you’d like a daily workout in the newly created outdoor gym, a private yoga class or a guided hike in the mountains – the property lends itself to those who are looking for a little activity.
Spa services are available as well, in a modified capacity, for guests who are seeking a bit of pampering. Of course this can change with any new restrictions imposed by the state, but the Four Seasons Westlake Village keeps on top of the latest regulations and requirements of Ventura County. The spa offers indulgent massages, facials, scrubs and more.
Over my two days on site, I just fell in love with the effortlessness and ease of being here. The sounds of the waterfall, the quiet of the lawns and gardens and the beauty of the rooms. I spent a good amount of time in my room and loved the large bathrooms, ample closets, Four Seasons robes and slippers and, of course, incredibly cozy beds to watch my favorite Netflix shows in late at night.
For anyone in search of true luxury in the Los Angeles area, but looking for something new and a different area to discover, like beautiful Westlake Village, the Four Seasons is it. They help define Westlake Village as a destination unto itself and do their part to familiarize guests with all the sites and sounds that might not yet be familiar to you. Once you experience it, you’ll find that this place is really something special.
