For curious travelers looking for meaningful escapes, LXR Hotels & Resorts answers the call with “Pursuit of Adventure.” This new signature program invites guests to experience the wonders of the world through bespoke, culturally connected activities tied to unique destinations. Whether it’s seeing a place through the eyes of a local artist or historian, discovering regional ingredients in hands-on cooking classes and organic farm tours, or embarking on expeditions via hot air balloon or private catamaran, stories can transform hotel stays into indelible memories.
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Photo: Nick Gruen
A serene oasis in the heart of Oahu, every thoughtful detail and epic experience at Ka La’i Waikiki Beach reflects the spirit of the island. Through cultural encounters and guided adventures, guests can deeply connect with Oahu’s traditions and natural beauty.
For the launch of “Pursuit of Adventure,” Linda Scroggins, a Travel + Leisure Travel Advisory Board member and founder of Affluent Luxury Travel, visited Ka La’i Waikiki Beach to get a firsthand look at the program’s offerings. On a journey into the lush heart of the island, Scroggins had the rare opportunity to hike the cascading Manoa Falls alongside National Geographic Explorer Andres Ruzo. The scientist, conservationist, and educator provided rich insights into the geology and spirituality of the site. “He talked about how everything is connected — the water, the energy, the earth,” recalls Scroggins. “It was an experience I’ll never forget.”
Ka La’i also orchestrates outings to Mohala Farm, where the ancient bond between people and land is fueling an agricultural resurgence. Farm director Mark Hamamoto and his team act as stewards of the land — Kuleana was first granted to tenant farmers back in the 1850s — blending time-honored techniques with modern sustainability practices. During a tour led by chef and cultural educator Joe McGinn, Scroggins sampled traditionally prepared local ingredients like taro and ulu breadfruit. “I was immersed in the environment, the food, and the stories that shaped each dish,” says Scroggins.
Authentic ceremonies envelop guests in the sacred meaning of aloha. On a catamaran cruise, Scroggins wrote her goals and wishes on a slip of biodegradable paper, then a resident cultural guide performed a ceremonial song as participants released their words into the sea. “I felt an immense connection with the ocean as it was receiving my gratitude and intentions,” says Scroggin. “It was peaceful, emotional, and healing.”
Photo: Chris Testani
David Van Ness, a Travel + Leisure Travel Advisory Board member and vice president of All-Travel, enjoyed a mesmerizing evening of movement, music, and cuisine at the Waikiki Starlight Luau. “This celebration took us on a cultural journey across Polynesia, spotlighting diversity and traditions — and the service was impeccable,” says Van Ness.
Photo: Chris Testani
In his own pursuit of adventure, Van Ness found the perfect balance of exhilaration and relaxation during his visit. On his first day, Van Ness hiked Diamond Head, one of Hawaii’s most famous natural landmarks.
Photo: Chris Testani
Spa Ka La‘i taps into restorative island therapies and native botanicals. After a traditional Hawaiian lomi lomi massage, Van Ness noted, “They honor the quiet, peaceful sanctuary that a massage should be, and melt away every trace of tension.”
Photo: Chris Testani
Looking forward, a sweeping redesign led by Bryan O’Sullivan Studio will usher in the next chapter of Ka La’i legacy upon completion in March 2026. “With the renovation, every aspect — from architecture and suites to curated activities and dining — will reflect a deep respect for the land,” predicts Van Ness.
Photo: Chris Testani
Perched above the Pacific Ocean, Oceana Santa Monica embodies a refined beach house for worldly travelers. Minutes from the swanky shops lining Montana Avenue, the exclusive residential-style property provides a fashionable haven for beachside exploration.
Those drawn in by Oceana’s siren song will find an epicurean muse in the hotel’s new restaurant concept, La Monique, whose mythical namesake embodies the pure essence of intentional escapism. Rooted in French and Italian coastal traditions, the menu will feature unfussy surf-and-turf specialties and farm-fresh seasonal produce, helmed by Chef Richard Archuleta.
Before sitting down to dinner, linger over golden-hour cocktails at the rooftop Sunset Terrace or strike up a conversation at the poolside eatery Veranda, a social hub replete with cozy firepits and live musical sets. The courtyard also hosts storytellers and notable L.A. chefs for pop-up events.
Photo: Chris Testani
Eye-catching pieces by local artists are displayed throughout public spaces and guest rooms. On a curator-led art tour, you can dive into the creative energy of Santa Monica and Venice. You might also be drawn to California’s bohemian wellness culture. Find your flow in an oceanfront yoga session or expand your horizons with sound baths, Japanese reiki, and chakra alignment.
Bespoke personal service touches every facet of your stay, whether it’s a beach butler catering to your rest and relaxation by the shore or a pro surfer-turned-ocean activist showing you how to ride the waves. The concierge team arranges memory-making outings such as a private yacht sail, a breathtaking helicopter ride over Malibu, and horseback riding along the coast.
Photo: Chris Testani
Photo: Chris Testani
Photo: Chris Testani
Photo: Chris Testani
Among the most visually distinctive properties in the nation with a direct lineage to the style of Frank Lloyd Wright, Arizona Biltmore has been a legendary desert retreat since its opening in 1929. Spurred by the magic of the Sonoran landscape, embark on a journey that will satisfy your desire to venture far and wide.
After consulting on the hotel’s design in the 1920s, Wright made the foothills of the nearby McDowell Mountains his cherished winter home and laboratory — fondly known as Taliesin West. An exclusive, behind-the-scenes tour offers a look at his process. Further afield, the hotel can arrange aerial tours of the Grand Canyon in a fixed-wing aircraft, with options to add an off-road excursion or guided hike.
After a day of adventure, ease tension with a signature Sonoran Desert massage or invigorating sage and salt body scrub at Tierra Luna Spa. As its name implies, the spa is inspired by the cosmic connection between the earth and skies. Drawing influences from both ancient wisdom and modern wellness, celestially tuned rituals utilize native botanicals, traditional healing techniques, and sustainably sourced products to revitalize mind and body. Before or after your treatment, settle into the open-air Sol Garden with tranquil rest areas, an outdoor hot tub, and cold plunge pool.
For another endeavor into cosmic bliss, venture into the Four Peaks Wilderness area for an off-road stargazing session. Under vast desert skies, an astronomer will share scientific and indigenous interpretations of the sparkling constellations.
Nestled within Hotel del Coronado — a San Diego icon for more than a century — the glamorous Shore House and the residential-style Beach Village are two properties bound by a love for exploration. Steps from the sand, kindred spirits can follow their curiosity to discover unexpected sides of San Diego.
For an initiation into local surf culture, book a lesson with the Jamie O’Brien Surf Experience. An expert instructor will teach you to ride entry-level waves on Coronado Beach. Families can treat the beach as a classroom with the Ocean Explorers program, where children, ages 5-10, learn about ocean preservation through an interactive tide pool and other marine activities in partnership with Birch Aquarium at Scripps.
While the sun’s up, drink in the views from an infinity-edge pool overlooking the Pacific, or pop over for a meal at the Shore House Bistro or Ocean Club. During a coastal-inspired cooking class or mixology workshop with members of the resort’s talented culinary team, you’ll learn to make an ultra-citrusy ceviche, mix craft cocktails, and hand-roll flaky tortillas, all pointing to San Diego’s diverse food landscape.
The Del reverberates with the romance of its past as a onetime playground for dignitaries and Hollywood starlets. On a docent-led walking tour, uncover fascinating layers of local lore, spanning from the Victorian-era architecture to famous past guests like Marilyn Monroe. For another perspective, delve into San Diego Bay's naval history on a cruise with a knowledgeable yacht captain. After a recent $550 million six-year restoration, the tales of this legendary property will be told for decades to come.
