Not every great California getaway needs to be directly on the beach. If you're willing to drive a little, Four Seasons Westlake Village rewards you in a big way. Conveniently positioned between Malibu, Los Angeles, Santa Barbara, and many of Southern California's most popular attractions, the resort serves as a luxurious home base for travelers who want to explore by day and unwind by night. Here are 10 reasons it's worth the pit stop.
1. Malibu is just 20 minutes away.
While many Southern California visitors fight traffic and crowds to stay near the beach, Four Seasons Westlake Village offers a smarter alternative. Zuma Beach, Point Dume, Paradise Cove, Malibu Farm, Malibu Pier, and the Getty Villa are all within a short drive, allowing guests to enjoy the coast by day and retreat to luxury by night.
2. Southern California's biggest attractions are within reach.
The resort's location directly off the 101 Freeway makes it an ideal jumping-off point. Spend the morning at the Ronald Reagan Presidential Library (20 minutes), enjoy a day at Universal Studios Hollywood (30–45 minutes), stroll the shops of Beverly Hills (45 minutes), explore the waterfront in Santa Monica (45 minutes), savor Santa Barbara (60–75 minutes), or make a full-day adventure out of Disneyland Resort (about 90 minutes).
3. Three pools, three experiences.
The newly remodeled Cove serves as the resort's family hub, complete with cabanas, poolside food and beverage service, and seasonal surprises for kids (snow cones for the win). Adults can retreat to the tranquility pool, while fitness-minded travelers appreciate the indoor lap pool.
4. The largest Four Seasons spa in America.
At 40,000 square feet, the spa is the largest in the Four Seasons portfolio. Featuring 28 treatment rooms, private spa suites with plunge pools, wellness therapies, and luxurious relaxation spaces, it's a destination unto itself.
5. Wellness isn't an amenity.
The property is home to an entire Center for Health & Wellbeing. Guests can participate in guided meditation, sound baths, fitness consultations, nutrition experiences, wellness classes, body composition assessments, equine meditation, and guided hikes.
6. Speaking of hikes...
The Santa Monica Mountains provide easy access to some of Southern California's most beautiful trails. Nearby favorites include Wildwood Regional Park, known for waterfalls and family-friendly hiking; Charmlee Wilderness Park, offering sweeping ocean views; Sycamore Canyon Trail; and the challenging Boney Mountain Trail for experienced hikers. It's a side of Southern California many visitors never see.
7. The restaurants punch above their weight.
Coin & Candor serves elevated farm-to-table California cuisine, ONYX delivers exceptional sushi and modern Japanese fare, Stir offers coffee and casual bites throughout the day, and there's even a hidden speakeasy. Prosperous Penny provides the perfect adults-only escape after the kids head to bed.
8. Kids get their own resort adventure.
Upon arrival, children receive a Four Seasons passport and scavenger hunt that encourages them to explore the property. It's one of those thoughtful touches that immediately makes younger guests feel like the resort was designed with them in mind.
9. The arcade is legit.
The complimentary arcade packs in modern video games, classic favorites, air hockey, pool, and interactive games, making it a favorite post-pool hangout for kids, tweens, teens, and competitive parents alike.
10. The Westlake Corner Suite is worth the upgrade.
If you're traveling with kids, spring for the suite. Separate living and sleeping areas, oversized bathrooms, and plenty of room to spread out make it feel more like a luxury apartment than a hotel room. After a long day of beach hopping, theme parks, or sightseeing, the extra space is worth every penny.
fourseasons.com/westlakevillage