Experience California Like a Royal

Millions of royal wedding watchers are obsessing over the soon-to-be-wed couple, who will ride through the streets of Windsor in a horse-drawn carriage. But an Ascot Landau (the expected chariot of choice) is only one of the many ways in which Prince Harry and Meghan Markle get around in style. From private helicopters to luxurious yachts, this pair knows how to travel. You too can ride like a royal with these absolutely California experiences fit for a duchess and duke.

Climb into a ’copter

During his deployment to Afghanistan, Prince Harry flew Apache attack helicopters for the British Armed Forces. Today, he and his future bride opt for more relaxing chopper rides. Book your own heli experience with the Viator VIP: Napa by Helicopter, which transports guests from San Francisco to Napa Valley’s Silverado Trail for an afternoon of tapas and wine-tasting. Itching to get in the cockpit yourself? Take the introductory lesson at Vertical CFI in nearby Hayward. During the 30-minute ride, you’ll be able to take the controls and fly (under the careful eye of the pilot, of course).

Rip through the desert

Prince Harry has his motorcycle license and has been spotted riding roadways all over the world. Get a royal thrill in Palm Springs by renting a set of wheels (or two) at Eaglerider to rip through wide desert roads. Consider a trip to the nearby Sunnylands estate, where Prince Harry’s grandma, the Queen of England herself, once enjoyed a luncheon. The chic Sparrows Lodge will provide the ideal complement to your Harley-Davidson day. Refresh in your room’s rain shower and deep horse-trough bathtub, and reserve a couple’s massage in the lodge’s outdoor gardens.

Charter a jet

Meghan and Harry’s 18-month-long romance involved heavy jetting between London and Toronto, where the California-born actress filmed the TV series Suits. But you don’t need to be in a high-profile long-distance relationship to enjoy the luxury of a private charter. The Early Air Way serves the Monterey Peninsula, whisking high-flyers to the stunning city from all over the world. Make sure you’re fresh for the golf course at Pebble Beach by ordering an in-flight massage. Or wait until you’re on solid ground to get the royal treatment at the Vista Blue Spa at Monterey Plaza, named one of the top 25 spas by Travel + Leisure.

Ride the rails

Is there anything more refined than a luxurious train excursion in a private car? Harry and Meghan have been known to book first-class tickets on the Heathrow Express, but you can have an even better view on the Starline Tours California Coast & Ride. The three-day trip from Los Angeles to San Francisco snakes along the majestic California shoreline. “Day two” even includes a look into the life of American royalty with a tour of Hearst Castle, the 163-room former home of the late media magnate William Randolph Hearst. 

Cruise around in luxury wheels

The royal family’s fleet includes a Rolls-Royce Phantom VI, Audi A8, Aston Martin DB6, and Jaguar XJ. Find your dream vacation ride at Beverly Hills Rent-a-Car. Choose among the premium exotics, luxury cars, and premium SUVs, including a Rolls-Royce Dawn, Ferrari Portofino, and more. Zoom around town, stopping for a studio tour of Sony Pictures, where a young Meghan often visited her father, a tech on the set of Married With Children. Ask for the valet at Sugarfish by Sushi Nozawa or Terroni, two of the actress’s favourite L.A. eateries.

Sail a private yacht

Make like the world’s hottest couple and take to the seas with OC Yacht Rentals. Meghan and Harry are reported to have chartered a pre-wedding yacht to sail through the Greek Isles, and you can float through your own slice of paradise, pushing out from Newport Beach in Orange County. Choose from the Villa, an intimate 10-passenger yacht, the (ahem) Royal Princess, a 150-capacity beauty, or anything in between. Sip Champagne as you sunbathe on the bow and enjoy views of the clear blue Pacific. 

Soar over vineyards

Few things say “pure romance” more than a hot-air balloon ride over rolling vineyards. Meghan has been snapped gazing at the balloons while on vacation in Cappadocia, and one of the first balloon launches occurred on the grounds of Versailles (bien sur!). Temecula Valley, northeast of San Diego, is famous for its beautiful ballooning. Book an off-the-ground wine country tour (complete with tasting) through The Grape Escape, or head to the Temecula Valley Balloon and Wine Festival, held this year on June 1–3.

No matter what sort of transport suits your fancy, these on-the-go experiences are sure to make you feel like you’re in line for the throne. Remember to practice your curtsy, pack your tiara, and get ready to travel through California with style and grace.

It’s a modern fairy tale: an American actress, a British prince, a blind date gone (very) well and a royal engagement that had Kensington Palace watchers positively buzzing. Former Suits star and California girl Meghan Markle is a self-proclaimed foodie, a fan of both healthy eating and the occasional indulgence. In honour of her royal wedding to Prince Harry, we rounded up a handful of the state’s trendiest spots and most exclusive tables into a must-taste itinerary worthy of a princess—but available to you. 

1. Watch chefs work their magic at The Restaurant at Meadowood

Napa Valley

The best seats at chef Christopher Kostow’s Wine Country haven don’t just have a view of the line; they’re inside the kitchen at the coveted chef’s counter, where the Michelin three-star tasting menu is upgraded to a 20-course feast that kicks off at $500. The reward for that extraordinary expenditure? A front-row seat to a kind of culinary sorcery where your dinner might include cheese candles, house-smoked eel, and a photo souvenir with Kostow himself.

2. Experience farm-to-table perfection with Outstanding in the Field

Multiple locations

The farm-to-table philosophy that has swept the country is often traced to Chez Panisse in Berkeley. That movement reaches its modern apex with Outstanding in the Field’s pop-up dinner parties, outdoor extravaganzas that take place at farms and vineyards where local purveyors and chefs come together to create one-of-a-kind meals around a single large table. Locations and menus vary for each meal, from a secret sea cove in Santa Cruz to an organic date ranch in Palm Springs. It’s a royal banquet, California style (with room for all the lords, ladies, and hat-wearing cousins), and a celebration of Golden State goodness.

3. Mingle with celebrities at Gjelina

Venice

Jay-Z and Beyoncé are American pop-culture royalty, and when they hit town, they often dine at this low-key Venice hotspot—known for its Cal-Italian small plates, charred-edge pizzas, and A-list clientele. Dubbed the best place to spot celebrities by Bravo, Gjelina has played host to Natalie Portman, Julia Roberts, Lady Gaga, and even Meghan Markle’s future husband, Prince Harry himself. Added bonus: Gjelina is located in the heart of the Abbot Kinney shopping district—perfect for some after-brunch boutique browsing.

4. Try authentic fish tacos at Cala

San Francisco

Markle has proclaimed her love for fish tacos, and at Gabriella Camara’s Cala, the Baja classic gets a delicious upgrade. Here, rockfish à la talla is a whole fish, grilled to a perfect flake and served with fresh corn tortillas and a pair of sauces for your taco-assembling pleasure. Add some Dungeness crab tostadas, a mushroom quesadilla, and a couple of mezcal margaritas, and you have a modern Mexican meal totally at home in San Francisco. 

5. Indulge in afternoon tea at Hotel Bel-Air

Los Angeles

This storied enclave of lush gardens and swan ponds has hosted royalty for decades—of both the official and the Hollywood variety. Princess Grace of Monaco spent so much time at the five-star hotel that it named a suite for her, and Marilyn Monroe famously posed for her final photo shoot among the resort’s graceful grounds. For an experience worthy of both women and befitting a new member of the royal family, stop by for a British(ish) afternoon tea, when the on-site Wolfgang Puck at Hotel Bel-Air serves an array of loose-leaf options and Champagne alongside an opulent spread of savoury nibbles, fresh-baked scones, and decadent sweets.

6. Snag a coveted table at The French Laundry

Yountville

Some of California’s most sought-after tables are in Thomas Keller’s Yountville dining room, where the American chef creates modern French tasting menus that start at $325 per person (wine not included). Provided you can snag one of those tables, of course. The French Laundry is fresh off a $10 million renovation that added luxury upgrades: outdoor seating for large parties (at a premium $400+ per guest), mirrored exterior walls to reflect the natural setting, and windows into the new state-of-the-art kitchen. Today, the Michelin three-star restaurant is as popular as ever, with bookings snapped up months in advance

7. Sip stealthy cocktails at The Walker Inn

Los Angeles

You enter the Normandie Club in L.A.’s Koreatown neighbourhood, walk to the back of this hotel bar, and push the button next to the conveniently labelled “secret door.” A red bulb clicks on and within seconds you’re whisked inside a covert booze oasis, where denizens sip on expert drinks in the haze of dimmer switches turned almost all the way down. While royals would crave this reprieve from the crowds, you’re here for the cocktails, specifically the bar-side tasting, where six or seven courses may include eye-drop tinctures, smoking beehives, or a perfect scoop of apple ice wine ice cream.

8. Soak in the scenery at Post Ranch Inn

Big Sur

You won’t find TVs or alarm clocks in this serene hideaway, where rooms resemble sophisticated tree houses perched over the ocean. The 39 guest suites at Post Ranch Inn complement the landscape, and its Sierra Mar restaurant is imbued with a sense of place. From the graceful, modern architecture to the locally driven menu and the Pacific views through soaring windows—all sea and sky and endless horizon—Sierra Mar features one of the best restaurant vistas in the entire state. Whether you’re enjoying a romantic sunset toast, a complimentary breakfast, or a four-course dinner, the hotel’s panorama never fails to amaze.

Ready for some “me time” amid decadent surroundings? Reserve your spot at one of these spectacular Wine Country resorts.

Farmhouse Inn, Forestville

You might stumble on this Russian River Valley resort when you’re making dinner reservations—its Michelin-starred restaurant, Farmhouse, has generated a huge following. The Farmhouse Inn has only 25 rooms, including eight cottages with dry saunas, all gussied up in woodsy-chic style. A full-service spa offers organic treatments using herbs, honey, and fruit harvested on the six-acre property. Swim in the heated pool, take a sommelier-led wine tour, roast late-night s’mores around the fire pit, or just luxuriate in your feather bed.

Auberge du Soleil, St. Helena, Napa

World-class Auberge du Soleil has reigned as the posh resort queen since its opening in 1982. Choose rooms (with French names like Saint-Tropez and Loire) in the main building or stay in one of the hillside cottages with terraces that capitalize on mesmerizing views. A tricked-out spa offers multiple ways to find your bliss—including a Cabernet grape body masque. There’s also a sculpture garden, yoga pavilion, fitness classes, pool, and Michelin-starred restaurant. A stay at this sun-kissed spot high on Rutherford Hill is bound to take your breath away.

Fairmont Sonoma Mission Inn and Spa, Sonoma

The Fairmont Sonoma Mission Inn and Spa is the grande dame of Sonoma’s resorts. Built in 1927, its distinctive pink walls, red tile roof, and courtyards dotted with fountains and gardens give it a storybook California mission look. The massive structure—more than 40,000 square feet—contains 226 rooms, wine lounge 38 North, and Santé Restaurant. But the biggest draw is the thermal mineral water bubbling up from the ground, which fills four geothermal swimming pools. Try a Watsu massage at the on-site spa, play 18 holes of golf, or simply soak away the world.

Carneros Resort and Spa, Napa

For a treat-yourself weekend that’s an easy drive from San Francisco, head to Carneros Resort and Spa. Spread over 28 acres of orchards and vineyards, Carneros’ farmhouse-style cottages make a perfect casual-chic setting for a Wine Country getaway. Most have patios or decks with lounge chairs, outdoor showers or soaking tubs, and picnic tables. Spend an afternoon at the adults-only infinity pool and make reservations for dinner at Farm. For casual dining, the Boon Fly Café serves cozy roadhouse food, including out-of-this-world doughnuts.

Meghan Markle is a world traveller with a demanding schedule, yet the newest member of the royal family somehow remains radiant and surprisingly chill. Perhaps it’s because she uses the rare moments she does have to herself—or with Prince Harry—to practice self-care. From her vigilant yoga and Pilates regimens to her love of farm-to-table food, the actress-turned-princess makes it a priority to feel as good as she looks. The born-and-raised Californian is known to balance indulgences with healthy living and relaxing. As a visitor, you can enjoy that royal recharging experience as you travel through the Golden State. 

Find mindful movements in Los Angeles

Markle is a dedicated yogi who has been practicing since she was seven. Her mother is a yoga instructor in Los Angeles, and Markle, according to reports, has been teaching Harry some moves to help him de-stress. Her favourite place to practice in Los Angeles is the modern, hip-hop hot flow Y7 Studio, which has locations in West Hollywood and Silver Lake. Another local celebrity favourite is Hot 8, a heated studio with six locations, including Beverly Hills. Take your mindfulness a step further with meditation, another favourite Markle pastime. Both The Den (locations in La Brea and Studio City) and Unplug (in Santa Monica and Hollywood) offer a variety of guided classes, from breath work and sensory deprivation to Reiki and sound bath healing. Should you get hungry after all that bodywork, try some sushi at Sugarfish, the Duchess of Sussex’s top pick for raw fish and omega-3s.

Unwind in an award-winning Santa Barbara spa

What better place to recover from exhaustive wedding planning than in a 42,000-square-foot oceanfront spa? The massive facility at The Ritz-Carlton Bacara in Santa Barbara boasts a redwood sauna, eucalyptus steam room, and adults-only pool. After enjoying your lavender sea salt scrub, take a stroll along the two miles of private coastline, work up a sweat on the Har-Tru clay tennis courts, or retreat to your ocean-view suite.

Bliss out in Pebble Beach

Markle’s spa bridal shower was all about pampering. Indulge yourself California-style at The Spa at Pebble Beach, which offers body treatments utilizing local Monterey Peninsula herbs and minerals. There’s a juice bar on site (boasting specialty cocktails), and golf-specific therapies and bodywork should you or your knight in shining Armor want to hit the Spyglass Hill Golf Course while you’re in the neighbourhood. If you’re as much of a home cook as Markle is, a stay at Casa Palmero might suit you best—the Pebble Beach Culinary Getaway offers hands-on demos with seafood fresh from the Pacific Ocean.

Slow down in Carmel-by-the-Sea

Just south of Pebble Beach in Carmel-by-the-Sea, the white sandy beaches are enough to inspire tranquillity. But that’s not all: The city encourages practicing mindfulness during vacation, with scenic hikes, health-based retreats, and meditation bonfires at the Horizon Inn and Ocean View Lodge. Slow down and wander the hidden courtyards of the quaint village, and pick up a copy of the Beginner’s Guide to Mindful-by-the-Sea (exclusive for guests of Carmel hotels and inns).

Soak it up in Palm Springs

If mellow desert vibes are what you’re after, Greater Palm Springs has some of the best spas in Southern California. The Miramonte Indian Wells Resort & Spa has a wishing well, and guests are asked to set an intention for their stay. Pairs like Markle and Prince Harry can enjoy a Body Canvas Party, where couples are not only massaged but given the opportunity to paint each other with colourful clay.

At the Parker Palm Springs, meanwhile, the country-club-style Palm Springs Yacht Club—designed by Jonathan Adler—has a private indoor pool for wading before or after treatments. After sipping a thimble-size serving of the complimentary cucumber-infused vodka, try the Lost at Sea package for a rejuvenating seaweed wrap, hydrating facial, and manicure-pedicure. Don’t miss this opportunity to grab a meal at the Parker’s brunch restaurant, Norma’s—the menu has some of the freshest fare in the area.

Wine down in Sonoma

While Markle’s favourite wine, Tignanello, originates in Italy, she has several California favourites in Sonoma wine country. One is Jordan Vineyard and Winery, whose French-inspired offerings extend to the décor of the charming chateau. While visiting the San Francisco Bay Area, find your way to Berkeley for a memorable meal at Chez Panisse. Claire Ptak, creator of the royal wedding cake, is a Marin County native and used to work at the iconic Alice Waters restaurant.

Retail therapy in San Francisco

The newly appointed princess has effortless style, and you can emulate her elevated classic look with a relaxing day of downtime: shopping in the Bay Area. Many of Markle’s favourite fashionable items can be found in San Francisco, including specialty slippers from Birdie’s. The stylish, rubber-soled indoor/outdoor slip-on shoes come in an array of appealing styles, colours, and adornments. At the San Francisco Centre, you’ll find Aritza, the Canadian fashion retailer that makes the chic dresses and trendy trench coats that Markle frequently dons. After working up an appetite, head to Delfina, the Mission’s mainstay, must-try Italian restaurant (reservations recommended). Handmade pasta is one of Markle’s ultimate indulgences.

You don’t have to be Prince Harry and Meghan Markle to receive the royal treatment in California. These exclusive luxury resorts will make commoners feel like they’re in line for the throne. From on-call butlers to private Persian-tiled billiard rooms, these resorts have everything a prince and his princess would ever need.

Go full Brit in Beverly Hills 

Mirroring the holy union of Markle’s Los Angeles roots and Harry’s British lineage, The London West Hollywood at Beverly Hills is all about transatlantic luxury. Clocking in at 11,000 square feet, its London Penthouse is the largest suite in all of Los Angeles. The two-story accommodation, complete with a rooftop kitchen and an outdoor shower, was inspired by British fashion designer Vivienne Westwood. Guests are welcomed to an hour of completely private shopping at the designer’s boutique—after-party dress, anyone?

Stay in a penthouse palace in San Francisco  

Perched atop Nob Hill, in the posh neighbourhood of the same name, the Francisco overlooks the city like a queen on her throne. Harry’s father, Prince Charles of Wales, has stayed in the hotel’s Penthouse Suite, which has three bedrooms, a two-story library, a spacious formal dining room, and a Persian-tiled billiard room. In celebration of the couple’s nuptials, the hotel is offering a Prince & Princess Penthouse Package for a limited time. A cool $50,000 will get you a night’s stay in the penthouse, round-the-clock luxury car service, a professional photo portrait session, $20,000 of credit to spend at Tiffany’s and Saks Fifth Avenue, and more.

Get pampered near Yosemite 

Experience European elegance a mere 14 miles from Yosemite National Park at Château du Sureau in Oakhurst. Surrounded by pine trees amid the rolling foothills of Yosemite, the nine-acre property exudes the romance of a countryside fairy-tale. Even the royal couple would feel right at home in one of the 10 exclusive rooms or the hotel’s villa—where you can relax in a soaking tub, by the stone fireplace, or in the four-poster or sleigh feather bed. By request, chambermaids with crisp white aprons will deliver croissants with elderberry jam in the mornings (when in season). Book a revitalizing Elderberry Facial at the luxurious Spa du Sureau, or ask the concierge for recommendations on which adventurous excursion to try.

Sip Rosé all day in Napa Valley

Prince Harry and his bride love their wine. In fact, Markle once maintained a lifestyle blog, “The Tig,” named after her favourite vintage. During a future stay in Napa Valley wine country, we could certainly see the two pick Auberge du Soleil as their romantic resting spot. At this five-star resort, located on the Silverado Trail in the heart of the valley, French-themed cottages dot 33 acres of olive groves. Choose a Private Maison, where you can enjoy a bottle of bubby from the well-stocked fridge while soaking in your own outdoor tub with room for two. There’s also a lovely sculpture garden, a yoga studio, and a Michelin-starred restaurant on the property.

Make like a mid-century mogul in Palm Springs

At L’Horizon in Palm Springs, every towel, bedsheet, and robe is Frette—the luxury textile company is the official purveyor of Italy’s royal house. And the excellence doesn’t stop there. For a fully exclusive experience, stay in the Residence, a former home of esteemed film producer Jack Wrather. Guests can luxuriate in their private pool or watch the sun set from the glass-walled living room with a stunning view of the San Jacinto Mountains.

Refresh like Hollywood royalty in Ojai

Ninety minutes northwest of Los Angeles, the city of Ojai is where celebrities like Julia Roberts, Natalie Portman, and Reese Witherspoon go to relax. Of the area’s handful of hotels, Ojai Valley Inn is its crown jewel. Prince Harry would love the prestigious championship golf course. Markle might enjoy a private yoga lesson held under a 200-year-old oak tree. And who wouldn’t love a freshly baked currant scone from King’s Row, the property’s onsite bakery.

Find your adobe-style castle in Rancho Santa Fe 

Rancho Valencia Resort and Spa is a sliver of Spanish-style paradise 25 miles north of downtown San Diego. Blooming succulents and orange groves line the lush 45-acre property. Guests can stay at any of the lovely private casitas, but if you have access to the royal family’s travel budget, consider the Private Hacienda Home. At roughly $6,500 per night, the stunning adobe-style structure has its own pool, three bedrooms, an outdoor Jacuzzi, and (count them) five fireplaces.