journeyPod is your guide to luxury travel around the world.  We give you VIP access to the hippest hotels, hottest nightlife and coolest restaurants.

With a rich history of surfing, Strand bicycle cruising, and plain old sun-worshipping, Manhattan Beach has always been an exclusive spot to relax and unwind for visitors from around the world.  And we cannot forget about beach volleyball -- the city hosts every August the Manhattan Beach Open, the oldest, most prestigious professional volleyball tournament.

Manhattan Beach epitomizes the Southern California beach life, with fashionable bars, restaurants, spas, and shopping only a short walk from the ocean.

Stop by Manhattan Beach Brewing Company for a lovely chocolate porter, or dine at Towne, where they have a pumpkin tortellini that is to die for. The journeyPod pick for place to eat is none other than Rock'n Fish.  After you have made a reservation (the line, according to the owner, is usually just under a two hour wait), we suggest the blackened halibut with sticky rice and oak-grilled veggies.  Those veggies are worth the trip alone! And be sure to leave room for the sticky toffee pudding.  It is difficult to describe, but so easy to eat. 

When you are ready to unwind and relax, head for the journeyPod pick (and Conde Nast Hot List 2007 Winner), Shade Hotel. This hotel has hosted celebrities like Kate Hudson, Bruce Willis, and Johnny Depp.

The sun loves to shine on Manhattan Beach. Do not forget your flip-flops. And while you are at it, enjoy the cool sounds of The Reverse Engineers and their song, Sunshine with the Shade.

 

journeyPod is your guide to luxury travel around the world.  We give you VIP access to the hippest hotels, hottest nighlife and coolest restaurants.

Santa Catalina island, often called Catalina Island, or just Catalina, is a rocky island off the coast of California.  The 75 square-mile island is located about 26 miles southwest of San Pedro.

The only island resort destination in California, Catalina offers endless options for luxury travelers to enjoy.

Getting to Catalina Island is half the fun! journeyPod's pick for transportation to Catalina Island is Catalina Express. The one hour boat ride from Long Beach, San Pedro, or Dana Point is relaxing and breezy.

journeyPod's pick for a place to lay your head is The Inn on Mt. Ada. It is perched high atop a hill overlooking Avalon, Catalina's only city.  The Inn has six guest rooms, each with a magnificent view of the harbour or ocean.

For the past 15 years in a row, the Inn has been awarded the Mobil Travel Guide 4-Star rating, a rating awarded to only the top 2% of lodging properties in the USA.

Enjoy the unique sounds from Blackboard Jungle and their song, "California."

journeyPod is your guide to luxury travel around the world.  We give you VIP access to the hippest hotels, hottest nightlife, and coolest restaurants.

Only in Hollywood will you find the legendary Sunset Strip, and Hollywood Blvd, home to unparalleledd nightlife, innovative dining, and world-class shopping.  And in what other 1.9 square mile city will you find 14 distinctive hotels? It's no wonder it's the place where the stars come out to play!

Today, we're at Geisha House, a modern Japanese restaurant, sushi bar and sake lounge that embraces the flavor of traditional Japan while catering to the hip, sophisticated clientele of Los Angeles. At the restaurant today, Barry Levinson is filming his newest film, featuring Robert DeNiro. We visited with Lonnie Moore, partner of the Dolce Group, a Los Angeles-based restaurant and nightlife team whose portfolio includes Geisha House, Dolce Enoteca, Ketchup, Les Deux, and Bella Cucina Italiana.

Check out our Los Angeles Destination Guide for other groovy restaurants like Dolce Enoteca.

Enjoy the unique sounds from Brainpool and their song, "How to Find a Decent Sushi Bar."

journeyPod is your guide to luxury travel around the world. We give you VIP access to the hippest hotels, hottest nightlife and coolest restaurants.

The Meatpacking district of New York is where fashion, architecture and great nightlife come together. Whether you dine at Vento Trattoria, Buddha Bar or Spice Market you are guaranteed to have a delicious meal. Popular celeb late night spots include Bungalow 8, Marquee and Lotus.

Relax at the Hotel Gansevoort and indulge in a pampering spa, Egyptian cotton bedding and a late night martini overlooking the Hudson River and impressive New York skyline.

Celebrities that have enjoyed this upmost luxury include: Laura Bush, Nick Lachey, Gisele Bundchen, Jessica and Ashley Simpson and Paris Hilton. Victorias' Secret held an exclusive party here and Gwen Stefani had her perfume launched within these elite walls.

Enjoy the unique sounds from Derek James and his warm hit "There is the sun".