Los Angeles has always felt like one of those destinations that blends wellness, beauty, and lifestyle so effortlessly – and experiencing it for myself completely lived up to that.
If you’re planning a trip to Los Angeles and want a mix of relaxed coastal living, beauty shopping, and iconic LA moments, this is exactly the kind of itinerary that balances it all.
From marina views to iconic wellness spots, my time in LA felt like the perfect mix of slow living and discovering some of the places you constantly see online. It’s a city that somehow feels both energising and calming at the same time.
Staying at Marina del Rey
I stayed at Marina del Rey Hotel, which sits directly on the marina, and it was one of the most peaceful places I’ve experienced in LA.
Waking up to the sound of the water and even hearing the seals on the piers made it feel like such a calm escape, especially compared to the usual fast-paced LA energy.
The location was ideal as well – close enough to everything, but still slightly removed so it felt more relaxed and considered.
One of the things I loved most was how easy it was to dip into those classic LA moments without feeling overwhelmed.
There was a Sephora within walking distance, which made it far too convenient to stock up on some US beauty finds – including Dieux skincare, which I had been wanting to try more of.
It had that very LA feel – effortless, slightly aesthetic, and centred around wellness and beauty.
Erewhon, Albert Kinney & the viral smoothie moment
A walk down Abbot Kinney Boulevard quickly turned into one of those “this is so LA” moments.
I stopped at Erewhon to try the famous Hailey Bieber “skin smoothie” – one of those viral wellness products that you see everywhere online.
It was actually really fresh and enjoyable, with a creamy strawberry flavour that reminded me of a strawberry Cornetto – just a much more elevated version.
It’s definitely one of those experiences that feels part of the LA lifestyle – wellness, beauty, and trend culture all in one place.
Whilst I was there, I also picked up a few essentials from Lululemon – mainly because the LA heat called for something a little lighter and more breathable.
It all felt very aligned with that LA routine – moving between wellness, shopping, and just enjoying the atmosphere of the city.
A stop at Le Labo
One of my favourite moments was visiting Le Labo and picking up Thé Matcha 26, which has since become one of my go-to fragrances.
It’s the kind of scent that feels calm, grounding, and effortlessly wearable – something I now reach for daily.
If you want a more in-depth breakdown, you can read my full review here.
From there, I made my way over to Venice Beach – one of those instantly recognisable LA locations.
It’s exactly what you expect in the best way – vibrant, busy, and full of character, with that slightly nostalgic, sun-soaked feel.
Walking along the beachfront and seeing the places you’ve seen so many times online (and even in films like Barbie) makes it feel strangely familiar.
The Erewhon dinner that stayed with me
I ended up going back to Erewhon for dinner, and this was honestly one of the standout meals of the trip.
I had their grass-fed steak with broccolini and Japanese sweet potatoes, and those sweet potatoes genuinely live in my mind rent free.
It was one of those meals that felt simple but done incredibly well – nourishing, balanced, and very much in line with that LA wellness lifestyle.
As it was a work trip, my days were a mix of exploring and spending time at the studio, but I made sure to balance that with slower moments.
Evenings were spent by the pool, and mornings before heading out felt calm and reset-focused – which is something I really value when travelling.
Solo travelling for work gave me the space to meet new people, take things at my own pace, and really enjoy the experience in a more intentional way.
Overall, LA felt like a perfect blend of beauty, wellness, and lifestyle – somewhere that lets you slow down whilst still feeling inspired.
It’s one of those places that stays with you – not just for what you did, but how it made you feel.
Explore more of my travel guides and posts here.
Discover more from Rosemary Helen XO
Subscribe to get the latest posts sent to your email.