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The American Way

[vc_row][vc_column][vc_custom_heading text=”Positivity, wellbeing, and an active lifestyle are the bedrock of the California lifestyle. Here’s how to spend the perfect break in Los Angeles’ waterfront playground, Marina Del Rey” use_theme_fonts=”yes”][vc_column_text]Tucked just behind Venice Beach, in easy walking distance of Santa Monica, is the gorgeous little-known coastal community of Marina del Rey. If the thought of high rises and honking traffic put you off LA, you need to check out this tranquil harbour – just 15 minutes from LAX – to fall head over heels for the Cali lifestyle. Make like a native by juicing for breakfast, hitting the beach, and soak-ing up chilled ocean-view vibes for sunset.

What to do

WHAT’S SUP
You don’t get much more LA than sun- soaked stand up paddle boarding (or SUP, for the uninitiat-ed) for a full core work out.

Rent yours from Pro SUP Shop (prosupshop.

com) from $25 (£20) per hour and go gliding through the Marina to check out the plush waterside hotels and super yachts. They also rent kayaks, and you can arrange a private or group lesson for either sport with an ad-vance reservation.

WALK THE VENICE CANALS
The man-made canals just a couple of blocks from Venice Beach were built in 1905 by developer Abbot Kinney as part of his plan recreate the feel of the Italian city. Take a stroll along the pretty paths surrounded by serious property porn, and pose on cute bridges that were basically built for Instagram.

HIT THE SHOPS
Named one of the world’s coolest streets, Abbot Kinney Boulevard is just a ten minute walk away and is lined with boutiques, cafes, bars and quirky one off shops, such as Japanese homeware wonderland Tortoise (tortoisegeneralstore.com). Don’t miss the first Friday of the month when street food trucks take over. People watching has never been so distracting.

SPA TIME
The Sisley Spa at The Ritz-Carlton (thesisleyspa.com/los-angeles) doesn’t take luxury lightly, it’s Mecca for anyone on a quest to experience wellbeing and relaxation at its finest. The Zen Body Harmony treatment is a signature Californian massage with variations of intensity, techniques, and scents. Guaranteed to make you feel two inches taller.

Where to stay

Waterfront boutique hotel Jamaica Bay Inn (jamaicabayinn.com) is right on Mother’s Beach, a short walk from Venice Beach. Enjoy sweeping marina views, luxe bath amenities, year-round out-door pool and jacuzzi, and Beachside, the brilliant on-site bar and restaurant. Rooms from $320 (£250) plus tax.

Where to eat

Killer Shrimp (killershrimp.com) uses a unique spicy sauce to marinade locally caught prawns, or other seafood. One taste and you’ll be hooked, but don’t think you can ask to know how they do it – it’s a secret family recipe that’s 20 years strong.

Plant-based restaurant, cafe and juice bar.

The Butcher’s Daughter (thebutchersdaughter.com) is a self- proclaimed ‘vegetable slaughterhouse’. It has a cult following thanks to innovative takes on classics, such as a BLT with ‘adzuki bacon’.

Try the juice flight for $10 and you’ll never go back to pre-bottled.

For classic American fare – think super generous portions of brilliant burgers, steaks and seafood – Tony P’s Dockside Grill (tonyps.

com) is a must visit. They also serve up over 100 beers, so make sure you’re feeling decisive.

Where to drink

Asking Marina del Rey locals to choose a coffee shop is like making them pick their favourite child. There are so many world class options, but there’s universal appreciation for Menotti’s (56 Wind-ward Ave, Venice, CA 90291). The renowned coffee bar run by longtime coffee pro Christopher “Nicely” Abel Alameda even has a secret menu behind a photo frame next to the where you order.

Best view

WALK TO THE END OF VENICE PIER
(venicefishingpier.com) and look back to the bright buzz of the beach. For the best sunset cycle to along the seafront toHotel Shangrila (shangrila-hotel.com), a timeless boutique hotel with the area’s only spot for rooftop cocktails. There take on the Old Fash-ioned is a must.

Need to Know

WHAT CURRENCY DO I NEED?
US dollars.

SHOULD I TIP?
Tipping is very much expected in the US, with the rule of thumb being 15 to 20 per cent for anyone in the service industry.

WHAT’S THE TIME DIFFERENCE?
Los Angeles is on GMT-7.

WHEN’S BEST TO GO?
As the summer can get very hot, the best times for cooler temps with sunny skies are May and Oc-tober. Get the best hotel deals between January and April.

HOW DO I GET AROUND?
Its very walkable, or rent a bike or an electric scooter Bird (birdapp.cpm) to enjoy the beach cycle path along to Santa Monica.

All-day bike rentals are available from the hotel Jamaica Bay Inn.

WHAT’S THE FLIGHT TIME FROM THE UK?
Norwegian (norwegian.com) runs daily direct flights that take around ten hours, from £199 one way.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row]

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