1) Moonshadows, Malibu.  

Yes, it’s cheesy, yes, it’s full of tourists, but I fell in love with this cute little bar/restaurant in Malibu.  It’s as close to the sea as you can get, and sitting with that view - the big expanse of sky, the moonlight casting patterns over the waves, has to be one of the best LA experiences you can have. http://www.moonshadowsmalibu.com/bluelounge/bl.html

2) Korakia, Palm Springs

 I loved this boutique hotel. It’s a real gem in a sea of otherwise slightly monotonous PS condos.. I have two complaints - firstly I wish they would offer dinner, even if it’s a limited menu, as the choice is limited in PS and I have a feeling that they would do it well, certainly if the superb breakfasts are anything to go by.   My second complaint is that my room, right next to the mountains, had a view that was marred by looking on to yet more low-rise PS condos, complete with generators and telegraph wires.  If they stuck a palm tree there or some more bougainvillea it would improve things immensely. 

But mostly I really loved the place.  The staff are friendly and nothing is too much trouble.  The Moroccan interior-accents are charming, the rooms are large and airy, the linen is good, and there’s a sense of history about it.  If you go mid-week they give you a generous discount too.  They play great music.  It’s beautiful, and I would go back. 

http://www.korakia.com/

3) The bar at the Viceroy, Palm Springs

Dinner was mediocre at Lemon, but a big thank you to the bar-girl who made us the best margaritas…

4) Chateau Marmont

If only for the overheard conversations:  ”This place must be going downhill - look, they’ve let Tori Spelling in!”  (I quite like Tori Spelling, no?)  Also spotted the night I was there: Ben Stiller and Courtney Love, my friend Charlotte Tilbury, and hot, up and coming tv-presenter Carly Steel.   The garden dining room is beautiful, and they do a mean spaghetti bolognaise. Oh, and the photographer Mert (or was it Marcus) mistook me for a waitress and asked me for a bottle of water.   I hope he’s not still waiting for it.   But that’s okay, because I mistook him for Marcus (or was it Mert). 

http://www.chateaumarmont.com/

5) Julian’s on third street

Two vintage dress purchases and a lovely chat with Julian.  Fabulous selection of well-preserved and restored dresses, largely from the 50s.  I bought a white broderie anglaise dress, and a blue floral velvet dress, both in perfect condition.  tel; 323 655 3011. 

6) Jivani, the yoga teacher

Jivani teaches yoga in Palm Springs.  Her eyes are so bright, you want whatever she’s got. Her yoga style is predominantly hatha, but what I loved about her is that she is able to adapt to whatever pace suits you.  I had a pounding headache for my first lesson, so she kept it nice and slow and let me borrow her lavender bag to lay across my eyes, which alleviated it.  The following day we worked a lot harder, and in the Palm Springs heat I felt like I had walked into a Bikram class.  She has a beautiful voice for chanting and reads poems at the end of the lesson.  I wished I could take her back to London with me!  You can book lessons with her at: shaktigaia@gmail.com

7) Massage at Korakia

They have two therapists, I thought mine was fantastic, while my friend Kathy said that her’s was honestly one of two of the best massages she has ever had in life.  Both Kathy and I have sampled a lot of spa-massages - mine while I was beauty director of Tatler, and Kathy just because she travels a lot.  These were the kind of massages where they touch you one place and you feel a whole series of muscles you never even knew you had unlocking,  like dominos falling.  I really didn’t expect to find this in such a small spa operation, which just goes to show, they know their stuff at Korakia.  The reason I’m not naming the therapists is because both of them had unusual names, the kind you need to take a running jump at, then write down because after a massage that’s as relaxing as this you will scarcely remember your own name. 

Budget Car rental, Beverly Hills

Because they are friendly and don’t mind me asking stupid questions about how cars work.  And I loved the satellite navigation on the Lexus 250. 

9) The Getty Villa

yes, I know it’s a bit Disney does Ancient Greece, but it’s a beautiful setting, with that flash of blue Pacific right opposite and the green of the hills everywhere else, and I love the five-starriness of it all - the slate mosaic restrooms, the attendants out in force at every possible corner, to say nothing about the statues reclining in the pool.  

10) Joe and Sarah

My favourite LA children!  They are sweet, polite, and super-funny, and besides, Sarah says I’m her BEST FRIEND!!!!  xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx