Located less than 35 miles from iconic Los Angeles hot spots such as Hollywood, Beverly Hills and Malibu, the 269-room Four Seasons Hotel Westlake Village is close enough to take advantage of everything L.A. has to offer, yet far enough away to feel quiet and secluded. In fact, during my recent visit, I felt as if I had traveled to a remote resort destination despite being only 20 minutes from home.
Wellness and Outdoor Activities
Clients who prefer not to venture off-property can participate in curated workshops and classes through the hotel’s renowned Center for Health and Wellbeing, relax in the full-service spa and visit the 24-hour fitness center with a dedicated yoga and Pilates studio.
The Center for Health and Wellbeing offers wellness classes.
Credit: 2024 Four Seasons Hotel Westlake Village
In addition, outdoor activities take advantage of the sunny Southern California weather, including horseback riding, surfing, mountain biking, rock climbing and golf at nearby premier courses.
All-Ages Focus
Through Dec. 7, the hotel is partnering with Los Angeles-based artisanal stationery designer Soolip for a series of creative arts workshops for all ages. Focused on the art of living with mindfulness, creativity and paper, classes include copperplate calligraphy, collage, gift-wrapping, journal-making and creating an enchanted fairy house.
Families can also participate in the brand’s complimentary Kids for All Seasons program and enjoy a children's activity room, a teen lounge and a lawn with a putting green and croquet. If a theme park day is in order, Universal Studios Hollywood is just 30 miles away.
The 3 Pools
Four Seasons Westlake features three swimming pools: the family-friendly glass-enclosed indoor pool, the adults-only outdoor Serenity Pool (located within the 40,000-square-foot spa) and The Cove, a new 2-acre palm-shaded pool area that opened last November.
The family-friendly indoor pool
Credit: 2024 Four Seasons Hotel Westlake VillageThe Cove features terraced lounge chairs, private daybeds available for rent, hammocks, three jetted spas, a bocce ball court and a Baja California and Mediterranean-inspired alfresco restaurant and bar — all with a backdrop of the Santa Monica Mountains.
During my pool day, I enjoyed complimentary sparkling water and a fresh seasonal fruit plate included with the daybed rental. I also indulged in a crunchy cucumber salad with yuzu vinaigrette, chamoy, red onion and mint, along with The Baja pizza, which is topped with chorizo, fontina cheese, red onion, fennel and tomato.
According to executive chef Jesus Medina, the unique poolside menu at The Cove Pool, Kitchen & Bar “embodies the very best of the coast, plus fresh flavors from around the globe.”
It’s all about the little things we offer and taking care of every single detail.
"The Cove Pool changes the way guests experience our best-in-class urban retreat hotel,” said Robert Cima, regional vice president and general manager for Four Seasons Westlake. “It is our hope that when guests journey to us, they find an idyllic life, full of character and personality — a warm and welcoming environment to relax and celebrate in a one-of-a-kind SoCal setting.”
Delicious Dining
Medina — along with executive pastry chef Patrick Fahy — has also developed the menu for California brasserie Coin & Candor (open for breakfast, lunch and dinner) to showcase seasonal ingredients that are either sourced from within 100 miles or grown in the resort’s on-site culinary gardens and greenhouse. The hotel’s second signature restaurant, Onyx (open for dinner only) serves modern Japanese cuisine and sushi.
Stir coffee shop in the lobby, meanwhile, features local brews, house-made pastries, salads, sandwiches and pressed juices for a quick coffee or snack. I also picked up a fresh-baked loaf of Fahy’s signature whole grain red fife sourdough here after ordering (and dreaming about) it at Coin & Candor the night before.
Also off the lobby is the Prosperous Penny speakeasy, featuring artisanal cocktails and small bites from 6 p.m. to midnight Thursday through Sunday.
“It’s all about the little things we offer and taking care of every single detail,” general manager Cima said. “Four Seasons Westlake is in the midst of a very exciting time, with new outlets, renovations and on-property experiences on the horizon.”
When clients plan a visit to L.A., they're probably thinking of the city’s well-known urban hubs. But consider suggesting they also try an oasis of peaceful luxury that provides easy access to many of Southern California's interesting places: Four Seasons Westlake.
