Off on a lark for a spur-of-the moment driving adventure, we happily landed at The Maybourne Beverly Hills, a glorious five-star hotel located at 225 North Canon Drive, just one block from Rodeo Drive. As part of the Maybourne Hotel Group—renowned for iconic London properties like Claridge’s and The Connaught—this hotel seamlessly blends European savoir faire with Southern California casual sprezzadura. How wonderful to be greeted in the lobby by the legendary, impeccably-tailored Frank Bowling who, dashing and polite as ever, welcomed us like royals. Frank serves as the aristocratic ambassador here after a long and distinguished career and there is no one more gracious in the world. 

Frank whisked us off to The Terrace overlooking the lawns of Beverly Canon Gardens and voila, we were instantly transported to a charming piazza, an oasis where fountains bubbled, flowers bloomed and native trees in giant terra cotta pots provided much-needed shade. Hummingbirds flitted about.  What an instant relief from the madness of insane shoppers madly bumping into each other on rue Rodeo.

We settled down with a glass of cool Sancerre and looked at the lively crowd around us, a pleasant mix of tanned and coiffed happy hoi polloi who were all having a very good time. We joined in the fun by ordering a proper zingy Caesar salad and a colorful roasted beet salad with dates and walnuts that looked like Cezanne had beautifully composed it. Warm sesame bread and cultured butter made a welcome cameo appearance. A plate of roasted sea scallops atop creamed corn, jalapeno ham and pickled tomatoes was divine and roasted Arctic char with a spiced fennel salad, heirloom tomatoes and asparagus was out of this world. 

Service was perfection. More wine? Or course, we did not want this day to end. Bring on the pudding and we dug into a hazelnut tiramisu with an angelic ladyfinger sponge and a nutty Frangelico mousse. Not wanting to leave, we asked for the farmer’s market berries with a heavenly blob of sweet Chantilly cream. Sunlight glistened off the raspberries, blueberries and strawberries in a magical way that Monet would have swooned over.

Dizzy with culinary exhilaration, we pondered whether to check in and spend the afternoon siesta-ing. After all, the Maybourne has an illustrious reputation for accommodations filled with valuable artwork, sumptuous bathrooms, beds built for a maharajah, and carefully-crafted mid-century furnishings. The hotel is a sanctuary brimming with bespoke experiences and possibilities, from wood-fired pizzas at Dante to the use of a BMW 17 if exploring LA by car is your idea of fun. A crystal-clear pool awaits on the rooftop where fresh-shucked oysters are served along with spritzes. And a large spa with a serene immersion pool, soaring mosaics and sky-lit ceiling is yours for rest, release and inner peace.

The Maybourne prides itself on its unwavering commitment to excellence and pinch-yourself moments and we concur, you’ll find it all here in a majestic location full of fashion and luxe. If you want an exceptional experience, be it relaxation or buzz, at an iconic palace full of cache, go now. The Maybourne, Beverly Hills, 225 N. Canon Dr., (310) 860-7800.