Rodeo Drive in Beverly Hills is one of the most famous and expensive shopping streets in the world, known for its designer labels and high-end fashion brands. Rodeo Drive in Beverly Hills is one of the most famous and expensive shopping streets in the world, known for its designer labels and high-end fashion brands.

Beverly Hills
For a luxury LA experience, the only place to stay is in Beverly Hills 90210 — the post code of the rich and famous. The L’Ermitage Hotel fits the bill as a favourite among Hollywood’s A-list — in fact during our two night’s stay here we also spot Bruce Willis tucking into some breakfast and basketball star Shaquille O'Neal working out in the gym.

The stars choose the property for its understated luxury, discreet staff; and second to none service. But the location, right on the doorstep of Hollywood and a short walk to probably the most famous (and expensive) shopping street in the world — Rodeo Drive, will no doubt appeal to your clients too.

Previously owned by Raffles; management was recently taken over by the Abu-Dhabi owned Viceroy Hotel Group so the property is fully geared up for catering for Middle Eastern clientele.

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Your clients will find Beverly Hills to be a surprisingly walkable city, jam-packed with stylish restaurants and boutiques. Shopaholics will be in heaven of course; but while Rodeo Drive might be strictly for window shopping it's not all high-end.Neighbouring Beverly Drive offers plenty of affordable shopping and department stores Barneys New York and Saks Fifth Avenue are also round the corner.

A tour on the Beverly Hills Trolley will take you around the city’s landmarks, or if you want a sneak peek at how the stars live their lives, Glitterati Tours (glitteratitours.com) will point out which mega-star resides in which mega mansion, plus the Hollywood Hills and its most famous landmark, the Hollywood sign.

Attraction wise there is something different to do in LA every day, from studio tours with Paramount, Warner Bros, CBS or NBC; the Walk of Fame; Grauman's Chinese Theatre, a cruise down Sunset Strip; or football fans could visit LA Galaxy’s stadium for a chance to spot David Beckham.

Orange County
After a few days in LA we head south to Newport Beach in Orange County — the area made famous by The OC TV show, and home to one of the most spectacular stretches of coastline in the world.

For some incredible views of this coastline (as well as the driving experience of a lifetime) be sure to recommend that your clients hire a car (open-top cadillac is preferable for the full US experience) and drive the Pacific Coast Highway.

The highway, which runs along much of California's coast is one of the most famous in America and the drive is well-known for its jaw dropping vistas of the dramatic cliffs, golden beaches and the sparking blue Pacific Ocean below.

The newest and most luxurious addition to Newport's hotel scene is Pelican Hill. Set on a rolling golf-course, the resort features plush two to four bedroom villas with fully-equipped kitchens, and all the mod cons you could imagine — including a roaring fireplace that sparks to life at the flick of a switch.

The huge size of the villas make this an ideal option for families seeking a ‘home-away-from-home’ to de-camp to for an entire summer. Middle Eastern guests will be well looked too. The resort’s F&B director Khalid Mirza was previously right-hand man to Saudi Arabia's Prince Alwaleed.

The hotel offers a special halal menu and is going all out to ensure guests feel at home during the Ramadan period summer with iftar and suhour meals and coach services to the nearby Islamic centre.

While Pelican Hill itself offers plenty of activities for the whole family — from kid’s camps, golf, a spa and swimming pools — the surrounding coastline and seaside town of Newport provides even more things to do, from watersports and horse riding to shopping at Fashion Island, which has over 120 boutiques on offer.

Not to be missed is a visit to Newport Harbour. Jam-packed with yachts and sail boats bobbing about, the harbour is lined with the billionaire homes of the rich and famous. You can rent your own electric Duffy Boat to cruise around the harbour and catch a glimpse of how the other half really live.

"It is charming and it feels like paradise," summed up Saroj Sinha, Al Rostamani Travel. We couldn't agree more.

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