The LEFAIR Magazine team gathered at the stunning Sonesta Hotel in Redondo Beach, California, for a fashion editorial shoot featuring the captivating model Kari Riley. With perfect weather gracing the day, our team collaborated seamlessly to capture Kari’s beauty and vibrant energy. The Sonesta went above and beyond to make our day flow and provided a gorgeous backdrop, making us feel like we were more on a vacation than an editorial shoot!
After the shoot, we had a chance to interview Kari. Originally hailing from Denver, Colorado, Kari took a leap of faith and moved to Los Angeles seven years ago, drawn by the energy and endless possibilities
that the City of Angels offers. Over the years, she has carved out a unique space for herself in the competitive world of models and influencers, all while staying true to her authentic self.
In this conversation, we’ll delve into Kari’s journey, exploring how the dynamic environment of L.A. has shaped her career, the importance of community in navigating the industry’s challenges, and her commitment to authenticity in a world often driven by appearances. We’ll also touch on her experiences as part of the LGBTQ+ community and how that has influenced her work and outreach. We hope her authentic voice will inspire others to follow their true self and strive to be the best version of themselves.
Earrings by Pianegonda @pianegonda.jewelry
Ring by Chu Jewelry @behind_the_light_shadow
Button down by JOJ Milano @jojmilanoofficial
Bikini by Admas @admas_shop
Dress by Daphne Valente
Earrings by Veronica Tharmalingam @veronicatharmalingam
Necklace by Oradina @oradina
Bejeweled Bustier by Dana Deatherage Designs
Where are you from originally and why did you move to L.A.?
I am originally from Denver, Colorado. I have always been drawn to big cities far from home. L.A. was just one of those places where everything felt easy. Work and friendships grew quickly and I’ve always felt energetically aligned here. I initially came out for a month of work and ended up staying 7 years.
“Los Angeles is a CITY OF DREAMERS, creatives and big fish leaving their small ponds.”
How has living in Los Angeles influenced your career and opportunities as a model and influencer?
Los Angeles is a city of dreamers, creatives and big fish leaving their small ponds. This city has a collective drive to be more which has made my career what it is today. There are endless opportunities and connections in this city and I just chased them.
How do you stay grounded and authentic in an environment as competitive and fast-paced as LA?
My community. It’s interesting, most people will say their least favorite thing about LA is the people. I feel the opposite. My friends and my partner are what make this place feel like home. It’s so beautiful to be surrounded by like-minded individuals who also have big goals and dreams outside of their hometowns. As long as you are in your highest vibration, you should attract the right people.
Do you feel like you have some kind of responsibility as an influencer?
I feel my biggest responsibility as an influencer is to
always be authentic. That doesn’t mean that I will always be relatable, because I’m aware how many parts of my life are not normal. But I will always be real with my followers. This includes only partnering with brands I genuinely align with and expressing myself openly with my followers about my sexuality.
All influencers get “haters”. How do you deal with “haters” mentally, emotionally and logistically?
Before I became an influencer I was a model, and I will tell you that nothing prepared me better for internet haters more than criticism in the modeling world. I was 14 when I started modeling, and this was before the influencer era. This was before body positivity was a thing. I grew an extremely tough skin throughout my career as a model and truthfully It doesn’t phase me anymore. I have learned to love who I am no matter what. As a model you have to rewire your brain to understand rejection has nothing to do with who you are.
Do you think the LA influencer community collaborate and support one another, or is it more competitive?
There’s competition in any career field realistically, but in this case I believe it truly depends on which groups and communities you are involved in. I find that my main community of queer women are extremely supportive and uplifting of one another.
What advice would you give to someone moving to LA to pursue a career in modeling?
I could give endless advice on the job and how to make more money but truthfully the most valuable thing I could tell you if you are a model moving to LA... don’t be afraid of the model apartment! Sure, they’re not glamorous, and you’ll probably share a room with two other girls, but that’s where I met some of my closest friends. 7 years later and I still have 4 best friends that I used to share a bunk bed with. What I’ve carried with me the most was never the perfect photo to post, it was them.
Earrings by Monica Vinader @monicavinader
Beads by Anthropologie @anthropologie
Bikini by Claudia Amaya @claudiaamayanyc
Suit by Shari Henry @sharihenry
Bag by Tiziano Colasante @tiziano_colasante_official
Scarf by Ovcio @ovcioscarves
Earrings by Veronica Tharmalingam @veronicatharmalingam
Top by Eton @etonshirts
Bikini top by Christian Dior @dior Pants by Penny Black @pennyblack_ofcl Belt by Antica Sartoria @anticasartoria Heels by Claudio Merazzi @claudio_merazzi_brand
“As I have gotten older, I have learned that MY PEACE IS FOUND LOOKING INWARD and knowing that I am on the path that is meant for me.”
How long have you been modeling? How did you start and what was your first big break?
I have been modeling for 13 years! Crazy to think about. There was never one big break for me. It’s been mostly a long path of determination until you look back and see how far you’ve truly come. Modeling comes in waves, it is not always consistent, and you have to maintain the mental strength to always keep going.
What’s the most important lesson you’ve learned about yourself since you’ve been a professional model and influencer?
I have my own path. Being a model and influencer means you are always looking left and right at your peers and what they are doing. If they booked a gig you wanted, or if they have more followers than you. I battled with comparison for many years. As I have gotten older, I have learned that my peace is found looking inward and knowing that I am on the path that is meant for me.
How has being part of the LGBTQ+ community shaped your career and approach to influencing?
Being apart of the LGBTQ+ community has given me the inspiration, passion and drive to show up for my followers in a very personal way. My whole career as a model was based
upon how I look, not who I am or what I have to say. It has been extremely life changing for me to connect with queer girls like me, spread awareness and further normalize being queer!
How do you think the fashion and influencer industry can better support LGBTQ+ visibility andinclusivity?
I think both the fashion and influencer industry could work on LGBTQ+ inclusion year round instead of just during pride month. Many brands will book queer models/creators during June alone, but it is refreshing to see those brands who are allies 365 days a year!
How do you navigate sharing your personal life online, especially your relationship, while maintaining boundaries?
My partner Lara and I have been together for 4 years now. We didn’t post on social media until we were dating for 2 years. I think this was extremely beneficial because it gave us the chance to build a strong foundation before we invited hundreds of thousands of people in for a peak. I only share a very small portion of my life online. I prefer to be off of my phone around loved ones and will only take a clip for a few seconds or minutes before putting my camera away. I think its important to remember that social media is my job and there is a time and a place to clock in, and a time to be present and grateful for the moment. ■
Earrings by Saint Laurent @YSL Dress by Daphne Valente @daphnevalentedesigns
KARI RILEY IN MOTION
Click below to watch the behind-the-scenes film
Videographer Ben Shani benshanicreative
GET the TRIP
A sun-soaked roundup of Santa Barbara’s standout hotels, capturing the coastal charm, style, and effortless luxury the city is known for.
Credit: Rosewood Miramar Beach
ROSEWOOD MIRAMAR BEACH
Santa Barbara, California
Rosewood Miramar Beach is the American Riviera estate. Nestled on the pristine shores of Montecito along California’s Central Coast, framed by the Santa Ynez Mountains, this oceanfront haven offers an unparalleled connection to the sea and surrounding landscape.
An homage to acclaimed architect Paul Williams, the resort features residential-style architecture and interiors, alongside a carefully curated private art collection. The 152 rooms and suites—including those with front-row views of the Pacific Ocean—capture the essence of West Coast elegance and contemporary Californian living. Days here unfold between the waves and the mountains: think surfing, paddleboarding, hiking and discovering Santa Barbara’s most acclaimed vineyards. Dining celebrates the region’s bounty across eight distinct venues, including the Michelin-Starred Caruso’s restaurant. With the restorative Sense Spa, a state-of-the-art fitness center, two serene pools and a curated collection of premier luxury boutiques, well-being thrives in every detail. rosewoodhotels.com ■
Credit: Rosewood Miramar Beach
SAN YSIDRO RANCH
Santa Barbara, California
San Ysidro Ranch is a rare blend of seclusion, heritage, and world-class luxury—an iconic hideaway where 130 years of history meet the effortless romance of Santa Barbara’s lush foothills. Tucked within 550 acres of blooming gardens, terraced pathways, and sweeping views of the Pacific Ocean and Channel Islands, the Ranch offers a world that feels blissfully removed yet remains just 90 miles from Los Angeles. Its 38 vine-covered cottages—each with private gated entrances, intimate gardens, indoor and outdoor showers, fireplaces, deep soaking spas, and front and back patios designed for complete seclusion.
Thoughtfully furnished with Persian rugs, antiques, and canopy beds dressed in Italian linens, every cottage feels like a private sanctuary. This rare level of privacy has long attracted icons from John and Jackie Kennedy to Winston Churchill, cementing the property’s legacy as a world-renowned escape honored by Condé Nast Traveler, Travel + Leisure, and Forbes.
Dining is equally exceptional, with breakfast, lunch, brunch, and dinner included. The Stonehouse—awarded Wine Spectator’s prestigious Grand Award and recognized by Michelin—crafts seasonal, locally sourced cuisine, while The Speakeasy offers a 1920s-inspired setting with rare spirits and live music. From ocean-view terraces to intimate cottage dining, every moment at San Ysidro Ranch embodies romance, refinement, and unforgettable beauty. sanysidroranch.com
HOTEL CALIFORNIAN
Santa Barbara, California
Having recently celebrated the 100th anniversary of the property’s original 1925 opening, Santa Barbara’s iconic Hotel Californian has redefined luxury in the American Riviera over the course of the past century. The front door to the city’s vibrant Funk Zone neighborhood, the hotel is known for its stylish atmosphere and eclectic decor — and caters to the pursuit of getting lost in the experience with cutting-edge gastronomy at its signature restaurant Blackbird, inventive cocktails at library bar Djinn, and locally inspired fare at Goat Tree. Just steps away from the beach, days are best spent relaxing at the state-of-theart Majorelle Spa, wine tasting at on-site tasting room, The Society: State & Mason, and lounging poolside at Tan Tan with rooftop views of the Pacific Ocean. The 121-room hotel has been a magnet for Hollywood elite (Fun Fact: California’s first film studio was built in Santa Barbara in 1910), international visitors, and locals alike, and has played a large role in the city’s evolution into what it is today. Featuring dazzling spaces from celebrity designer Martyn Lawrence Bullard, the iconoclastic enclave - part history, part imagination, and all Californian - continues to drive the revitalization of Santa Barbara's Funk Zone while upending conventional expectations. hotelcalifornian.com
THE RITZ-CARLTON BACARA
Santa Barbara, California
Perched on 78 acres overlooking the Pacific Ocean, The RitzCarlton Bacara, Santa Barbara combines the region’s SpanishColonial architectural style with the natural beauty of California’s Central Coast. A one-of-a-kind resort village, The Ritz-Carlton Bacara, Santa Barbara features 314 guestrooms and 44 specialty suites, including the two-story Channel Islands Suite and two Ritz-Carlton Suites. Accommodations offer private balconies or patios with views of the ocean, garden, or mountains, and more than half include indoor or outdoor fireplaces. Amenities span six dining venues, including Lulio, 'O' Bar & Terrace and Marisella; The Ritz-Carlton Bacara Spa with 42,000 square feet dedicated to wellness; three zero-edge swimming pools; and 85,000 square feet of indoor and outdoor space. With close proximity to Santa Barbara’s wine country and cultural landmarks, the resort offers a distinctive coastal setting rooted in the spirit of the region. ritzcarlton.com
Photos by Ron Starr
ROADTRIP THROUGH MANGROVES, MARIACHI & MEZCAL
Writer Madeline Rosene
The Scenic route through Nayarit to Punta de Mita
When we touched down in Tepic, Mexico, the plane rolled through a ceremonial water salute, a fire truck spraying arcs of water that glittered in the sun, as our Volaris flight taxied in. This aviation tradition, used around the world to celebrate inaugural routes, retirements, and historic milestones, felt like a christening into something new.
On the tarmac, a crowd had gathered, clapping and waving as if greeting old friends. It wasn’t just our arrival, it was history: the very first nonstop flight from Los Angeles to Tepic from Volaris. During the flight, attendants handed out raffle-ticket stress balls shaped like miniature airplanes. Someone in our row won a free round trip on the same route. We didn’t, but we’d already won something better: a gateway into a part of Mexico that still feels like discovery.
This is the part in the film where everyone shouts, “Road trip!” and the screen cuts to a convertible flying down an open road, long hair whipping in the wind, the promise of something unforgettable just ahead. Only this wasn’t a movie. This was us, ready to trade jet fuel for asphalt, taking the scenic route through Nayarit.
Consider this less a straight shot to the coast and more a zigzag through culture, cuisine, and coastline. It’s not for the “logistically logical.” It’s for travelers who prefer murals and mezcal over shortcuts, who’d rather collect roadside coconuts than save fifteen minutes on Google Maps. From the historic port town of San Blas, where mangroves braid themselves into living tunnels, to a boutique hacienda in Jala at the foot of a volcano, through the surf-bright streets of Sayulita, and finally to the polished calm of Punta de Mita, this drive isn’t just about reaching the destination. It’s about savoring the journey. If the whole “maybe the vacation was the journey we took to get there” philosophy isn’t your thing, feel free to skip ahead to our review of the Conrad Punta de Mita.
San Blas, Nayarit, Mexico
We made our way to the Matanchén Pier, a broad walkway that extends over the Pacific and ends with a bronze statue of Rebeca Méndez Jiménez, known locally as “La Loca del Muelle de San Blas.” She spent decades waiting in her bridal dress on this very pier for her fiancé who never returned. She is immortalized in “En el muelle de San Blas” a 90s song by Maná about
this woman, that has amassed hundreds of millions of listens thanks to its catchy and memorable guitar riff. Maybe this song doesn’t contain the perfect subject matter for a road trip anthem, but the latin guitar is relaxing and lead singer, Fher Olvera’s voice is soothing. The statue on the pier stands as both a memorial and magnet, inviting visitors to pause and remember.
On the La Tovara boat tour, we drifted and dashed through tranquil channels shaded by towering mangroves. The power boats weaved through the waterways like a highspeed chase scene. We spotted storks and their eggs balanced on branches, their nests hidden high above the reach of crocodiles, which we spotted, below. Iguanas sunned themselves on driftwood, and the air pulsed with birdsong.
San Blas offered us myth, music, nature– everything the road trip promised on just our first stop.
“On the La Tovara boat tour, WE DRIFTED AND DASHED
THROUGH TRANQUIL
CHANNELS shaded by towering mangroves. .”
Jala, Nayarit, Mexico
Drive time from San Blas: ~1.5 hours
After San Blas, we steered inland toward Jala, a Pueblo Mágico framed by the looming Ceboruco volcano. Unlike the coast, Jala feels quieter, slower, its cobblestone streets leading to a sandstone basilica whose bell towers guard the valley below.
Our home for the night was the Nukari Quinta Boutique Hotel, a restored 18th-century hacienda distinguished by its deep red walls and elegant white columns. It manages to feel both timeless and contemporary. With only 17 rooms, it feels like a secret. Each room is spacious, elegantly furnished, and some feature their own indoor soaking tub (Jacuzzi or Roman tub). These tubs are detox stations for weary travelers: steam off the road and linger. Note that
“And there it was: THE REASON WE WANTED TO MAKE THIS ROAD TRIP THE KIND THAT ZIGZAGS INSTEAD OF BEELINES. For places like this: hidden, untamed, and entirely their own.”
Nukari Quinta Boutique is also home to Nadira Spa, the only full-service hotel spa in Jala.
As the sun began its descent, we climbed to Nukari’s rooftop terrace. The timing was perfect: golden hour, or rather purple hour, as the sun slipped directly behind the basilica, its glow framed by the bell towers like a living painting. Dinner unfolded course by course, paired with glasses from Meseta del Cielo, Nayarit’s first vineyard. Just 45 minutes from Jala, the vineyard thrives in a rare highland microclimate where volcanic soil and cool breezes coax European grape varieties into flourishing.
We began with the Macabeo 2022, a white wine soft and round, with green apple, peach, and hints of jasmine, which paired beautifully with a goat cheese salad topped with passion fruit. Then came the Rosado 2024, bright and elegant, the color of twilight itself, echoing the purple glow behind the basilica. The evening’s centerpiece was a perfectly seared ribeye with rosemary and roasted vegetables, earthy and tender. Meseta del Cielo’s Syrah has drawn national attention, with a spot in Cava Magazine’s Top 99 Mexican Wines, a sign that this young vineyard, planted in volcanic soil at 1,900 meters above sea level, is quickly putting Nayarit on Mexico’s wine map.
The next morning, after breakfast, we set out for Cascada El Salto. The trail began with a charming, rickety rainbow bridge, the kind that makes you wonder halfway across whether you should have updated your will. On the other side, cows and bulls grazed lazily in the grass, each with bright ear tags like earrings, proof they weren’t wild but likely belonged to nearby ranchers who let them roam the volcanic foothills.
By the time we reached the waterfall, thirty meters of white water thundered down, the mist cooling our faces. And there it was: the reason we wanted to make this road trip the kind that zigzags instead of beelines. For places like this: hidden, untamed, and entirely their own.
Sayulita, Nayarit, Mexico
Drive time from Jala: ~1 hour and 30 minutes Arriving in Sayulita after staying in Jala feels like a dream in technicolor (who turned up the saturation?). Surfboards lean against rainbow-colored walls. The scent of ocean salt mixes with street-food spices, and the rhythm here beats in flip-flop pace. Even time plays by different rules— literally. Once you leave the northwestern parts of Nayarit (like Tepic or Jala, which are on Mountain Standard Time, UTC−7) and enter the Bahía de Banderas region, home to Sayulita and Punta de Mita,the clock jumps ahead one hour into Central Standard Time (UTC−6).
“Arriving in Sayulita after staying in Jala FEELS LIKE A DREAM IN TECHNICOLOR (who turned up the saturation?)”
Our base here was the Sayulinda Hotel, a design-forward boutique stay just steps from the beach. This chic hotel is booming and blooming. Sayulinda doesn’t just do plants; they do botany big: bold, global, and entirely unbothered by borders. Here, Madagascar leans into Brazil, China hangs beside Chiapas, and somehow each species of fern, palm, and philodendron all thrive in Sayulita’s salttinged, humid air. The terracotta walls amplify every shade of green, and the light that filters through black woven lanterns feels almost botanical itself. A wooden swing draped in pom-poms hangs beneath the ceiling garden, waiting for someone to sit and gently sway while they wait to check in. Here, the plants aren’t local, but they’re right at home, and somehow, so are you.
Despite its boutique scale, Sayulinda packs character into its 51 rooms, each designed to echo the surf-town outside. The crown jewel is the Suite del Patrón, the hotel’s only suite. Its sweeping ocean views and elevated finishes are perfect for those who want a bit of VIP luxury experience. Then there are the Ocean View Rooms, perched higher up for those postcard-worthy sunsets; the Terrace Rooms, which are pet-friendly, and the Standard Rooms, which may be the simplest, but still carry Sayulinda’s signature bright, simple, modern style.
The true showstopper of this hotel: its rooftop infinity pool, an oasis where water meets sky and magic happens. Beside it, Bar del Patrón pours specialty cocktails, nominated among Mexico’s Top 10 Hotel Bars at the 2025 Shaker Awards.
If not at the pool, spend the afternoon wandering the alleys of Sayulita or ducking into an artisan boutique or gallery. Sayulinda isn’t flashy or full of frills, but it’s vivid and modern—and the private balconies come with hammocks made for mid-afternoon swings, the kind that turn into naps before dinner.
Punta de Mita, Nayarit, Mexico Drive time from Sayulita: ~25 – 30 minutes
At the edge of Riviera Nayarit, where the coastline bends into a near-perfect crescent, Punta de Mita extends into the Pacific with the quiet poise of a place that knows exactly what it is. This is our final stop. Once a modest fishing village, Punta de Mita has evolved into one of Mexico’s most exclusive coastal enclaves. It is home to a constellation of resorts including the fabulous (and dog friendly) W Punta de Mita. To the east of Punta de Mita, there’s the Delta Hotels Riviera Nayarit, an All-Inclusive Resort. And if you’re planning on venturing farther down the coast towards Puerto Vallarta, UNICO 20 105 Hotel Vallarta is a must-stay.
We stayed at the Conrad Punta de Mita, which offers not just beauty, but a kind of spiritual experience, a resort that feels both expansive and deeply grounding. Can you really “walk into” or “enter” the Conrad Punta de Mita? No, those descriptions are too basic. At the Conrad Punta de Mita everything a guest does should be 200% more grandiose and be described as such. You strut into the lobby, you fall from the folds of heaven into the lobby, you float on the wings of destiny into this lobby!
This is your White Lotus moment. This is 9 Perfect Strangers without Nicole Kidman and the drugs. And if you’re not a wealthy troubled guest, you can at least pretend to be and people will take care of you. You’ll be looked after from the time the staff hands you a cool moistened towel while you wait to check in to the time in the infinity pool when you really really want a coconut because everyone else got one and you don’t want to miss out!
“We’re all out,” the poolside waiter said regretfully. But after seeing our sad puppy dog eyes and returning five minutes later, he said, “Actually I found one more!”
“If you prefer waterfalls to Wi-Fi, believe that the best vacations don’t start at the destination, they start the moment you choose the long way? WE’LL SEE YOU ON THE ROAD.”
“How do you say, ‘You are my hero!’ in Spanish?” we asked a friend, hoping to thank the waiter.
“Mi héroe!” he said. “But if you want to get more coconuts for all of us plus some extra shots of rum, you could try, ‘Tu es mi héroe, Papi!’” he said seductively.
Bar hopping is out and pool hopping is in. The resort’s three pools (yes, three) provide a setting for every mood: the elegant main infinity pool, a quieter adults-only option, and a kid-friendly pool near the family zone with an epic waterslide. Naturally, we spent most of our time orbiting the swim-up bar, where the standout cocktail was the Sake Spritz: a sparkling elixir of Sake Namai Junmai (30ml), Il Follo Brut Rosé (90ml), ginger ale, and toronja (grapefruit). Bright, balanced, and blissfully not too sweet.
The guest rooms vary subtly depending on their location. Rooms in the main complex offer convenient access to the lobby, spa, and restaurants. But if you want to fall asleep to the lull of the Pacific, the oceanfront suites, located in low-rise buildings closer to the beach, offer balconies, hammocks, and private plunge pools that make it hard to ever leave. Either way, all rooms have an earthy elegance—neutral tones, natural textures, and a modern warmth that feels neither overdesigned nor underwhelming.
Codex Restaurant
To get to Codex, the signature fine dining restaurant at Conrad Punta de Mita, you don’t just walk, you wind. Past palm groves and torch-lit paths. We hope you’re ready for this.
Inside, bamboo ceilings hover above an open kitchen, where flames flicker behind chef silhouettes. White wood-beaded chandeliers sway gently. Tiki torches crackle just outside. Strung bulbs glow like floating
orbs in the trees. Even the bread—served warm with mole butter and rosemary-guajillo chile oil—feels ceremonial.
But if you’re lucky, your night doesn’t end inside. There’s one table (just one) set beneath the mangroves directly on the sand. A round wooden table, two woven chairs, ocean in front, trees above. It’s not beachfront dining in the cliché sense. It’s beachfront dining in the spiritual sense. Like the sea pulled up a chair just to watch you eat.
As the sun sets through the branches, turning everything lavender and gold, dishes arrive that are as poetic as the setting.
“Be careful,” the waiter warned gently, placing the habanero sauce on the table. “We don’t want to see you crying later.” He smiled. So did we. Because even if we did cry, it’d either be from gratitude or the spice of life that the Conrad Punta de Mita so beautifully layers into the experience through bold flavors, unexpected details, and those little moments that remind you why we travel in the first place.
We came for the inaugural Volaris flight, but what we found was a winding corridor of culture, coastline, and calm. Nayarit gave us music rising from the docks, wine at volcanic altitudes, and sunsets caught between bell towers and palm fronds. From Jala’s highland elegance to Sayulita’s saturated pulse, and finally Punta de Mita’s sun-drenched glamour, each stop offered a different kind of brilliance, woven together, not by speed, but by spirit. The route was anything but direct, just the way we like it. If you’re after the quickest path, this guide isn’t for you. But if you prefer waterfalls to Wi-Fi, believe that the best vacations don’t start at the destination, they start the moment you choose the long way? We’ll see you on the road. ■
DIRECTING Her DESTINY
Olivia Holt: Star of Netflix’s Jingle Bell Heist
Olivia Holt @olivia_holt
Creative Director/Editor in Chief Tracy Kahn @tracykahn
Photographer Tiziano Lugli @tizianolugli
Writer Bianca Prossi @x__bianca__x444
Stylist Ilaria de Plano @ilaria_de_plano @dpgwagency
Hair Cherilyn Farris @cherilynrachelle
Makeup Jennifer Luney Tioseco @jentioseco
Videographer Ben Shani benshanicreative
Assistant Luke (Tava) Rodriguez @tava
Location Hotel Californian @hotelcalifornian
Production LEFAIR / Tracy Kahn @tracykahn
Jewelry by RYE GOODS via Whiskey & Leather @ whiskeyleather
Silk Button-down by RAILS @rails from Whiskev & Leather @whiskeyleather
Satin Corset and Pants by Fleur du Mal @fleurdumalnyc Platforms by SCHUTZ @ schutz
On a beautiful, sunny afternoon in Santa Barbara, Olivia Holt got camera-ready with us in the glam room at the Hotel Californian. As her hair was curled and makeup touched up for our shoot, the atmosphere felt more like a fashion editorial than a casual chat — soft light poured through the double door french windows, wardrobe racks filled with [Gucci & Prada] stood nearby, and runway-ready music pulsed through the space and set the mood. Between touch-ups and outfit changes, Olivia stayed warm, candid, and downto-earth, bringing a refreshing authenticity to an otherwise high-glamour setting. We spoke with the multi-talented actress and singer about her journey into the industry, the evolution of her creative voice, her dual role as star and executive producer on Cruel Summer’s third season, the film classics that inspire her, and her strategies for pushing past discouragement to keep chasing your dreams.
What first drew you to acting? Was there a moment, person, or experience that sparked it for you?
I’d say it was my older sister who really got me into the industry. She’s such a creative, talented person, and growing up in the South, Hollywood never felt like a realistic dream. But I started doing theater in my hometown with her, and I completely fell in love with it. I’d spend my summers basically living at our local theater. I just loved being on stage, loved performing. That was really the spark that made me fall in love with acting.
How did you actually get your foot in the door at Disney? What were those first steps into your career like?
When I was 10, I was taking vocal lessons for theater, and my coach told my family about this opportunity in LA where agencies scout new talent. At first, my parents were like, ‘There’s no way this is real.’ But he was super persistent, he was like, ‘I promise it’s legit. Olivia should go.’ So we turned it into a family vacation, did the
whole L.A. tour thing, and I ended up doing the convention and signing with a great agency.
From there, I started putting myself on tape for TV and film. If I got a callback, I’d Skype with casting or producers, and if that went well, I’d fly out to L.A. I did that for about two years, coming out during summers and pilot season. It kind of felt like I was living a double life, honestly. But when I was 12, I auditioned for this Disney XD show called Kickin’ It, and I booked it. Once it got picked up to series, that was the moment like, ‘Okay, we’re doing this.’ It shot nine months out of the year and ran for four seasons. That’s really where it all started.
Did you ever expect any of it to actually take off? Were you surprised when you booked the role?
I was definitely surprised. I mean, I was also just a kid. I wasn’t taking it that seriously at the time. I still had the option to go home, be in school, hang out with my friends… it all just felt like something I was doing for fun. So when things actually started happening, it was kind of a shock. Even moving to L.A. at 12 and building this whole new life, that was definitely not on my bingo card.
You started out in the world of Disney sitcoms, and then made a pretty major tonal shift with Cloak & Dagger and Cruel Summer. What made you feel ready to take on darker, more emotionally complex material and how did your early experiences on those sets shape the way you approach heavier material now? Working on Disney was such a well-oiled machine. By the end of season one, I felt like I had a really solid rhythm and understanding of what it means to be on set. I learned set etiquette, how to take direction, how to really be an actor. It was like my playground. I was a sponge, soaking up everything I could, whether it was hanging out in the writers’ room, watching different directors come in for each episode, or getting to work alongside new actors. It truly set the foundation for my career.
Sunglasses and Bag by Evangelina Boutique @evangelinaboutiquesb
Sweater by FRAME @frame from Whiskey & Leather @whiskeyleather
Swimwear by AXIL Swim @axilswim
Anklet by Wolf & Badger @wolfandbadger
Dress by FARINAZ FZ @farinazfz
from VIVA Stylehouse @viva_stylehouse
“I WAS CRAVING THAT KIND OF GROWTH — something that would excite me and push me to reach for a new level, even if I wasn’t sure I could get there yet.”
Doing a sitcom definitely has its perks, but after spending my entire teenage life on a multi-cam set, I was ready for something that challenged me. By the time I was 18 or 19, I wanted to step outside that world — and luckily, I got the opportunity to do that with Cloak & Dagger. Marvel, of course, is another well-oiled machine, and in a lot of ways, that show felt like my college years. It was the first time I left L.A. for work — I moved to New Orleans and shot there for six months out of the year. It was such an incredible experience, and it gave me the chance to really lean into drama in a way I hadn’t before. I was craving that kind of growth — something that would excite me and push me to reach for a new level, even if I wasn’t sure I could get there yet.
Did that opportunity come through your reps, or were you already telling them, like, ‘Hey, I’m ready for something deeper’?
Well, my show was ending, and at that point, I think we were all on the same page about moving forward. I was auditioning for a lot of different things — and I knew I wanted to step away from the sitcom/comedy world for a bit. The audition process for Cloak & Dagger actually took a while, but it felt like a mutual understanding between me and my team that whatever I did next needed to be something that really challenged me.
Tell us more about Cruel Summer. You’re now an Executive Producer while also playing the lead for Season 3. How did the opportunity present itself? What drew you to take on that level of creative responsibility?
Shooting Season 1 was one of the most exciting
and challenging experiences of my career. Honestly, it’s probably the performance I’m most proud of. I feel really lucky to have been a part of that show. So when they decided to bring it back for Season 3, I was both honored and surprised that they wanted me involved on the creative side. As an actor, it’s rare to be given that kind of opportunity, and I don’t take it lightly. I’m really excited to step back into Kate’s world, to relive her story, and to collaborate again with the team I had so much fun working with the first time around.
Now that you’re stepping into an EP role, do you feel like you have more say in Kate’s story arc and character development compared to just interpreting what’s on the page? Are you more actively involved in shaping who she is and where her journey goes? And is producing something you’ve always wanted to do?
Yes and that’s honestly what I love most about this job. It’s such a collaborative process, and when you get the opportunity to really challenge yourself and grow, that’s everything. This feels like one of those moments in my career where I’ve been given that chance.
I’ve always known I wanted to eventually move into developing projects and being involved behind the camera in some way — especially after spending so much time in front of it. So this felt like the right next step, and the right project. It’s familiar territory, it’s a world I know well, and I feel confident making creative decisions in it. So it really felt like a natural and mutual decision for me to step into this role.
If you could develop your own show, what kind of story would you want to tell? Do you have any dream concepts or ideas you’d love to produce or is that still something you’re figuring out?
Yeah, I definitely have a lot of ideas. I think so many great stories come from personal experience. That’s what makes film and TV so powerful. People either see themselves in it, or they don’t at all, and it becomes this form of escapism, which is also the beauty of it. That’s why we love to binge shows and get lost in different worlds. So yeah, I’ve got a few things I’m dreaming up, and hopefully I’ll get the chance to bring them to life one day.
Now that you’ve taken on a bigger role with Cruel Summer, where does that leave your music? Do you have plans for a new album down the line?
Yeah, I’ve kind of taken a step back from making music over the past few years, mostly because I’ve really thrown myself into acting. It’s tough to do both at the same time! I want to be able to give my full attention to each part of my career. Music has always been something I’ve loved, and I definitely consider myself an artist at heart.
But I also felt like I needed to live a little, to gain life experience and really figure out what I want to say. I’ve been in this exploratory phase, learning how to write, figuring out what I want to sound like, and working with different producers and writers to find the right creative fit. So I’m still in that space, still exploring, and letting it evolve naturally.
I was surprised — in the best way — to hear your cover of ‘Today’ by Smashing Pumpkins.
Are there any other bands or genres you’re really into that might surprise people or that have inspired you creatively?
My Spotify playlists are honestly all over the place. The ‘Today’ cover actually came out of the Cruel Summer experience. We recorded that track for Season 1, which was super fun because the show’s environment is set in the ’90s. That era of music really grew on me while working on the show. So much of the soundtrack was pulled from that time, and I totally fell in love with it.
I mean, my taste is wild. My dad took me to three Van Halen concerts back in like 2015. I opened for Journey when I was 16. I just saw Billy Idol and Joan Jett recently. I love that kind of music, and I love that it still lives on and people still connect to it today. But I’m also a total pop girl. I love Top 40, it’s my jam. And I love country — not just mainstream country, though. I’m from Memphis, Tennessee, which is really the heart of rock, soul, and blues. That whole blend is in my roots. So yeah, I love all kinds of music and could talk about it all day!
Breaking into music or acting can be really tough. There are so many auditions, so much rejection, and it can become so discouraging. What advice would you give to someone trying to make it in this industry and how do you suggest pushing through those moments of frustration while still chasing your dreams?
That’s a really good question and honestly, it’s something I still struggle with. It can be really discouraging at times, especially in today’s world where social media is so front and center. It’s easy to fall for the façade and compare yourself to what you see online, which only adds more pressure in an already tough industry.
“I think so many great stories come from personal experience. THAT’S WHAT MAKES FILM AND TV SO POWERFUL.”
Necklace by VENUS & VULCAN from Whiskey & Leather @whiskeyleather Dress by Evangelina Boutique @evangelinaboutiquesb
Jewelry by VENUS & VULCAN from Whiskey & Leather, @whiskeyleather
Turtleneck by Intimissimi @intimissimi Pants by Lapointe @lapointe Heels by Evangelina Boutique @evangelinaboutiquesb
Dress by HEMANT & NANDITA @hemantandnandita
from Whiskey & Leather @whiskeyleather
Heels by The Row @therow
“One of the biggest things I’ve learned is the importance of surrounding yourself with people who truly support you — NOT JUST WHEN THINGS ARE GOING GREAT, BUT ESPECIALLY WHEN THEY’RE NOT.”
One of the biggest things I’ve learned is the importance of surrounding yourself with people who truly support you, not just when things are going great, but especially when they’re not. Having a community you can lean on makes such a difference.
And also… not taking yourself so seriously. I know that might sound simple, but it’s true. We can be so hard on ourselves, whether it’s not booking a role, forgetting lines, or not loving the way a photo turned out, and we spiral. But most of the time, those things really aren’t that deep. We may have moments of weakness or insecurity but life moves on. No one’s thinking about it tomorrow. So giving yourself grace and keeping perspective is so important, and staying close to the people who lift you up when you forget how to do that for yourself.
Do you ever find yourself feeling creatively stuck or burnt out? And when that happens, what helps you reset? Where do you turn for inspiration, escape, or just creative renewal?
Oh, I go through that probably every couple of months. I feel like I’m constantly in a cycle of feeling burnt out or uninspired. When that happens, I usually turn to the things that first drew me to this industry — movies I love, shows that light something up in me, performances that move me, or scripts that make me feel excited again.
Sometimes it’s as simple as getting out of my own head — taking a trip, doing something that makes
me feel curious and alive. Just anything that helps me break out of that funk, because it’s really easy to fall into it. And it happens more often than people probably realize.
What are some of those movies or performances you turn to when you need that spark? Do you have any favorite films, actors, or go-to sources of inspiration that always reignite your creativity?
One of my favorite movies is Mona Lisa Smile. It has such a beautiful cast — Julia Roberts, Maggie Gyllenhaal, Ginnifer Goodwin, Kirsten Dunst — and the performances are incredible. It’s a story about women, about resilience, about feeling low and finding your way back to empowerment. I think that’s why I connect to it so deeply. It reminds me why I love what I do. These characters aren’t in the entertainment industry, but they’re learning how to be strong, to stand up for themselves, and use their voices. That’s really powerful to me.
I also love E.T. (laughs) It’s such a great adventure film. I love anything that pulls me out of reality and into another world, and that movie does it so well. I’m also a sucker for a good rom-com. How to Lose a Guy in 10 Days always makes me laugh and feel good. And Steel Magnolias? That movie makes me feel every emotion under the sun.
I guess I just really love the classics! They executed something timeless and brilliant. Those are the ones that always bring me back to center creatively. ■
OLIVIA HOLT IN MOTION
Click below to watch the behind-the-scenes film
Videographer Ben Shani benshanicreative
HOT SPOTS
Our favorite spots for a night out on the town in and around Santa Barbara
by Stan Lee
Photo
DOM’S TRAVERNA
Dom’s Taverna, Santa Barbara’s newest Basque-inspired restaurant, brings the bold flavors of Northern Spain and Southwestern France to the Central Coast. Led by acclaimed chef Dominique “Dom” Crisp—known for LA favorites The Lonely Oyster, Saso, Blue Plate Oysterette and L&E Oyster—Dom’s transforms the former Trattoria Victoria space into a lively, modern gathering place. The all-day menu highlights locally sourced ingredients through Basque traditions, featuring pintxos, wood-fired specialties from a Josper charcoal oven—including Whole Fish Basquaise, White Miso Roasted Oysters, Navarrastyle Wagyu Rib Eye, Hope Ranch Mussels—and signature dishes like Arroz Negro with local spider crab and Santa Barbara Spot Prawns. Desserts include the classic Goxua and a decadent Black Perigord Truffle Basque Cheesecake. Centered around a show-stopping bar, the restaurant offers Spanish, Oregon, and California wines, vermouth, cider, craft cocktails, and an expanding rare whisky program. Designed by Zlata Nikonovskaya and AB Design, Dom’s pays homage to Santa Barbara’s Spanish architecture while preserving the storied marble bar from its historic predecessor. domstaverna.com
“Dom’s Taverna is MORE THAN A RESTAURANT, and we deeply respect that this space has been nourishing our Santa Barbara community for over 40 years.”
RAJ NALLAPOTHOLA | OWNER
by
Photos
Stan Lee
Tucked within a beautifully restored 19th-century citrus packing house on the historic grounds of San Ysidro Ranch, The Stonehouse Restaurant captures the rustic romance and refined tranquility that define this legendary property. Recently named the #1 Restaurant in Santa Barbara by OpenTable, it invites guests into an atmosphere as enchanting as its cuisine—whether dining beside a crackling wood-burning fireplace, on an ocean-view terrace illuminated by twinkling lights, or within one of its intimate private dining spaces. The menu showcases contemporary American cuisine crafted with locally sourced ingredients and herbs from the chef’s organic garden, celebrating the seasons of Santa Barbara and California’s Central Coast. Since 2014, The Stonehouse has received the Wine Spectator Grand Award, an honor reserved for just 97 restaurants worldwide. Beneath the restaurant, a stunning cellar houses 15,500 bottles and 3,500 labels from 70 wine regions, including a rare 120-bottle vertical of Château Pétrus. Guests may tour the cellar or enjoy an exclusive tasting paired with a curated menu by Executive Chef Matthew Johnson and selections by Wine Director David Fainberg. stonehouserestaurant.com
THE SOCIETY
At the front door of the Funk Zone, The Society: State & Mason is the perfect start to your wine-tasting wanderings. Nestled inside Hotel Californian, our wine bar is all about discovery— whether you’re sipping on local gems or the best of our Foley Family Wines from California and beyond, we’ve got something to excite every palate. Pair that with our curated small plates, a lively atmosphere, and the coolest crowd in town, and you’ve got the perfect spot to wine, dine, and unwind with style. hotelcalifornian.com
THE SPEAKEASY
Inspired by the clandestine bars of the Prohibition era, The Speakeasy revives the spirit of hidden indulgence with an elevated, modern twist. Tucked away in an intimate, dimly lit setting, it invites guests to slip into a world where luxury and intrigue mingle effortlessly. Caviar, chilled crab claws, and other gourmet delights pair perfectly with craft cocktails, rare spirits, and an array of luxurious libations prepared with meticulous care. The atmosphere is rich with seductive charm—low lighting, plush textures, and the soft murmur of conversation create an irresistible sense of exclusivity. Each night, the room transforms with the arrival of sultry live music, drawing guests deeper into its intoxicating energy and offering the perfect escape for those seeking an unforgettable evening. Whether you come for the flavors, the music, or the mystery, The Speakeasy is a place where secrets are savored, connections are sparked, and memories linger long after the night fades. sanysidroranch.com
BLACKBIRD
Blackbird at Hotel Californian in Santa Barbara offers an iconoclastic, refined take on your favorite flavors that pays homage to the culinary bounty of the Central Coast. Our coastal location allows Executive Chef Travis Watson to bring you the best of both land and sea. Whether you’re headed out with a group of friends, celebrating a special occasion, or looking for your next weekly go-to, Blackbird offers a seasonal snapshot of the Santa Barbara culinary scene. hotelcalifornian.com
Brophy Bros. has long been one of Santa Barbara’s most cherished gathering places, a harbor-side seafood house where locals and visitors alike feel instantly at home. Overlooking the marina, the restaurant was built on a simple philosophy: genuine hospitality, great seafood, and a welcoming atmosphere that turns every visit into a memory. Its loyal team reflects that spirit, with many staff members staying for years and describing the restaurant as a place that feels more like a community than a workplace. Brophy’s grew organically through word-of-mouth, its reputation shaped by heartfelt service, vibrant energy, and a commitment to making guests feel special. The restaurant’s iconic clam chowder—made with the same trusted recipe for decades—remains a symbol of its consistency and charm. With its enduring commitment to sustainability, fresh local catch, and the timeless joy of sharing a meal overlooking the water, Brophy Bros. continues to embody the coastal soul of Santa Barbara: warm, welcoming, and effortlessly unforgettable. brophybros.com
BROPHY BROS
CALIFORNIAN
Writer Bianca Prossi @x__bianca__x444
Photographer Tracy Kahn @tracykahn
Inside Hotel Californian, where design, culture, and coastal luxury collide
Tucked between the Pacific’s glimmering edge and the redtiled rooftops of downtown Santa Barbara, Hotel Californian feels like a portal: less a place to stay, more a place to arrive back to yourself. With its iconic Spanish Colonial Revival architecture, handpainted tilework, and a seductive whisper of Moroccan influence, the hotel honors the city’s historic bones while reimagining what five-star luxury can look and feel like. Here, the opulence isn’t gilded in chandeliers or velvet. Rather, it's in the tension between tradition and edge. You’re just as likely to find a tattoo artist hosting a pop-up in the spa as you are a sommelierled wine tasting on the rooftop. This is Santa Barbara, redefined.
Architecture & Design
At first glance, Hotel Californian blends seamlessly into Santa Barbara’s iconic aesthetic: red-tile roofs, whitewashed walls, and sweeping archways as a citywide homage to Spanish Colonial Revival architecture solidified after the 1925 earthquake. But step inside, and you’re in an entirely different world.
Designed by celebrity interior visionary Martyn Lawrence Bullard (whose clientele includes the Kardashians, RuPaul, and Victoria’s Secret model Alessandra Ambrosio), the interiors pull from Moroccan and Moorish influences, layered with bold color, graphic tilework, and unexpected whimsy. There are over 27 unique tile patterns throughout the property (over a million tiles in total) from classic black-and-white motifs to vibrant bursts of color that mirror the creative energy of the surrounding Funk Zone.
The design ethos is intentional: each space has its own personality, and no two guest rooms are exactly alike, even within the same category. It’s boutique luxury at its core, crafted so that no matter how many times you return, you’re always having a different experience. This isn’t chandelierand-velvet opulence. It’s art-forward, cheeky, textured luxury, with just enough edge to make it unforgettable without compromising elegance. Think pop art meets modern edge, with retro nods layered alongside Moroccanstyle lighting, patterned tile, carved wood, and richly textured textiles. Every corner feels considered, every piece sparks curiosity… a space that surprises you, even if you’ve been here before.
Hospitality & Check-In
Arrival at Hotel Californian is intentionally easy. Although the hotel’s official address is 36 State Street, valet and check-in are tucked just around the corner at 19 E. Mason Street.
Here staff greet you with warm professionalism and handle your bags with care while you get to admire the striking architecture and relaxed, coastal feel of Santa Barbara.
Check-in at the front desk is a breeze — the agents are super friendly and handle all formalities in minutes. There’s no long queue or complicated paperwork, just a smooth transition from arrival to relaxation so you can start enjoying the hotel’s amenities almost immediately.
“Every corner feels considered, every piece SPARKS CURIOSITY… a space that SURPRISES YOU, even if you’ve been here before.”
Actress and singer Olivia Holt also brought her dog along during our own photo shoot at the hotel, another testament to the property’s accommodating and relaxed spirit in addition to its pet-friendly policies.
The Spa: Majorelle
Moroccan opulence with a celestial twist Hidden away like a secret sanctuary, Majorelle offers a tranquil counterpoint to the buzz of State Street. The spa takes its name from the striking cobalt shade known as Majorelle Blue, originally created and trademarked by French artist Jacques Majorelle, who used the color to bring life to his famous gardens in Marrakech in the 1920s. The vibrant hue eventually became a muse for Yves Saint Laurent, who later purchased and restored the garden, cementing its place as a design icon.
Inside the spa, that same bold serenity comes to life. From the moment you enter the lobby, you’re wrapped in soft, ethereal drapes that cascade from the ceiling like a tented sanctuary. The star-shaped pendant light sets the tone (otherworldly, iconic, a little bit YSL). Beyond the white double doors, the spa reveals itself like a hidden riad: blue and white glass orbs float beneath a mesmerizing handpainted ceiling, anchored by plush navy seating and crisp white curtains. Deep blues ground the space, while arched
doorways, patterned tile, and Moroccan-inspired details evoke both ritual and escape. The geometric ceiling and floor tiles mirror the sky above, making the space feel both grounded and sacred. Every detail feels lifted from a dream. Somewhere between Marrakesh and the moon.
Majorelle’s offerings go far beyond traditional spa fare. The treatment menu spans glow-inducing custom facials, deeply personalized massages, and energyshifting experiences like guided chakra meditations and reiki-infused bodywork. Guests can choose from techniques including lymphatic drainage, Thai table massage, craniosacral therapy, and prenatal care. Each session is thoughtfully tailored, whether you’re seeking to relieve tension, restore radiance, or reconnect with something deeper.
Even the occasional tattoo pop-up in the spa lounge speaks to Majorelle’s elevated, imaginative ethos where healing is both high-touch and wholly unexpected. Whether you’re indulging in a sculpting body ritual or simply seeking a moment of calm, Majorelle delivers a wellness experience that’s elevated, imaginative, and anything but ordinary.
“IT’S NOT JUST A PLACE TO SWIM, IT’S A SCENE. A SETTING. A STAGE.”
Step Outside: Welcome to the Funk Zone
Santa Barbara’s most vibrant neighborhood isn’t just nearby, it’s right there. Because the property occupies nearly an entire city block, it functions like a village; strolling through the courtyards between its buildings feels like wandering through a small town square.
Depending on which way you’re headed, you might find yourself walking through Hotel Californian’s own outdoor courtyard to get to it. That’s how central the Funk Zone is. This is where surf culture collides with street art, where natural wine bars sit beside vintage shops and experimental galleries, and where a casual stroll easily turns into a spontaneous tasting, art viewing, or run-in with friends.
What used to be a gritty industrial zone has transformed into a creative playground. Think sun-bleached warehouses turned tasting rooms, local ceramicists setting up shop next to record stores, and the kind of buzz you can feel before you even hear it. Whether you’re chasing the golden hour, following the scent of woodfired pizza, or on the hunt for a perfect pour, the Funk Zone wraps you in that effortlessly cool blend of coastal charm, creative edge, and come-as-you-are energy.
This isn’t just the neighborhood, it’s part of the experience. And it all begins just outside your door.
Rooftop Pool
Atop it all, the rooftop pool, Tan-Tan, steals the show. Perched above the red-tiled rooftops, this sky-high sanctuary offers the most breathtaking views in Santa Barbara: sweeping panoramas of the Pacific, framed by palm trees and the golden glow of coastal sunsets. It’s not just a place to swim, it’s a scene. A setting. A stage. Whether you’re lounging in a cabana, sipping something sparkling, or attending one of Hotel Californian’s signature rooftop events, it’s an experience that hits all the senses. A little escape in the clouds — equal parts chill and cinematic.
Dining, Events, & Culture
At Hotel Californian, indulgence isn’t just on the menu, it’s embedded in the experience. Whether you’re sipping something bold in a velvet-clad cocktail den or enjoying coastal cuisine under the California sun, the property’s culinary and cultural offerings are designed to awaken every sense.
Start your morning at Goat Tree, the breezy all-day café
where locally sourced breakfast and lunch favorites are served in a sun-drenched space that’s as inviting as it is Instagrammable. When evening rolls in, Blackbird brings elevated coastal cuisine and inventive cocktails to the table: think global inspiration with a distinctly Santa Barbara edge. Then there’s Djinn, the hotel’s sultry lobby cocktail bar and library, where playful drinks and a touch of mysticism keep the vibe curious and unconventional.
The hotel’s events program adds another layer of flavor, from mezcal and wine tastings to chakra sound baths, curated art dinners, and spontaneous pop-ups. These aren’t just hotel events; they’re community happenings, designed to draw locals and travelers alike into the world of Hotel Californian.
Whether you’re craving a casual bite, a refined tasting menu, or a little bit of magic with your mezcal, Hotel Californian delivers more than just meals, it delivers moments.
Hotel Californian isn’t just a hotel — it’s a portal. A place where design, culture, cuisine, and wellness collide in the most unexpected ways. Where arched doorways and deep blue tiles nod to Moroccan riads, while pop art, mezcal cocktails, and rooftop sound baths root you firmly in the now. Whether you’re here for a weekend escape or a creative reset, every moment is curated yet effortless, luxe yet lived-in. You may come for the location, but you’ll stay for the feeling — and leave already dreaming of your next return. hotelcalifornian.com ■
"Hotel Californian FEELS LIKE A PORTAL: less a place to stay, more a place to arrive back to yourself."
HOTEL CALIFORNIA IN MOTION
Click below to watch the drone video
Videographer Ben Shani benshanicreative
THE ART of the STAYCATION
For California locals, staying closer to home and avoiding airport chaos is becoming a much more appealing option. A waterfront escape along the Pacific Coast Highway offers an easy, scenic way to get away without the stress of airports or tight travel budgets.
From cliffside views in Carmel to surf town vibes in Huntington Beach and the AKA Hotel in vibrant West Hollywood, these regional escapes require zero passports and make planning a close to home vacation stressfree for any type of traveler. Explore these staycation getaway hotels and take a drive down the California coast.
HYATT VACATION CLUB AT HIGHLANDS INN CARMEL, CA
Perched on a cliffside with panoramic ocean views, Hyatt Vacation Club at Highlands Inn in Carmel offers a picture-perfect escape and restful stop along California’s Pacific Coast Highway in the heart of Big Sur. The resort puts guests' minutes from Carmelby-the-Sea’s charming shops and galleries, the scenic 17-Mile Drive, and wine tasting in nearby Monterey and Carmel Valley. On property, the experience is all about creating memorable moments with distinct programming for guests, whether it’s yoga or barre with an ocean backdrop, self-guided art walks through Carmel, wine and live music at the Sunset Lounge, or sunset viewing around the fire pits. After days of exploring and connecting, guests can relax in one of the 94 residential-style one- and two-bedroom villas designed with groups in mind, complete with full kitchens, private balconies or patios, washers/dryers and spacious living spaces. hyatt.com
AKA WEST HOLLYWOOD | WEST HOLLYWOOD, CA
West Hollywood is perfect for travelers looking for a lively, convenient getaway without leaving the state. Pet-friendly, spacious serviced residences are available by the week or month, making it an ideal base for a road-trip stop or a flexible stay. Relax or work at the a.lounge and pool deck, stay active in the state-of-the-art Technogym fitness center, catch a movie in the intimate a.cinema screening room, or browse the open-air retail plaza—all within easy reach of California’s coast. stayaka.com
PASÉA HOTEL & SPA HUNTINGTON BEACH, CALIFORNIA
For travelers cruising the California coast, Paséa Hotel & Spa offers a modern oceanfront escape right on PCH in the heart of Huntington Beach. A majority of its 250 rooms and suites face the Pacific, making it the perfect stop for ocean views and well-deserved relaxation. Lounge over the water at the iconic Ninth Island pool, recharge at the Balinese-inspired Aarna Spa, or enjoy California-coastal cuisine at Lōrea with beachfront views. Travelers can sip cocktails (or mocktails) atop the Treehouse on PCH while taking in panoramic views of the coastline. With the hotel’s Beach Butler service delivering chairs, umbrellas, and picnic baskets right to the sand, it’s a stress-free, no-planning-required stop. As the #1 pet-friendly hotel in the US, Paséa welcomes four-legged friends traveling from home with a VIP pet package, the Paw-séa Pup Play Park, dog-friendly dining, and concierge services for walks or sitting—so the whole crew, furry friends included, can unwind in style. paseahotel.com
Credit: Paséa Hotel & Spa
Credit: Paséa Hotel & Spa
“LOUNGE
OVER THE WATER at the iconic Ninth Island pool, RECHARGE AT THE BALINESEINSPIRED AARNA SPA, or enjoy Californiacoastal cuisine at Lōrea with beachfront views.”
Real artists think differently — they move through the world with a kind of tuned-in awareness, noticing the currents most people miss. When Mishka Silva walked into my Los Angeles studio you could feel that difference instantly. She carries a quiet voltage, the kind that doesn’t need to announce itself. She came ready to create, to explore, to reveal pieces of her story without hesitation or performance. No overthinking, no filters — just presence, curiosity, and a mind that likes to play in the unknown. Collaborating with someone like that shifts the whole room.
Model Mishka Chantal Silva @mishkasilva Photographer & Writer Collin Stark @collinstark UNFILTERED
“My mission is to BUILD A LIFE FILLED WITH MEANING, HEART, AND EXPRESSION — and inspire other people to do the same.”
For people meeting you for the first time, how would you describe who you are and where you come from?
I’m a proud Latina from San Antonio, Texas. I’m twenty, and I’ve already found myself in this really fun mix of modeling, music, and entertainment. I’m still growing as a model, but I’m also leaning more into my music and slowly stepping into acting. It’s all in the works right now.
What fuels your creativity? Where do your ideas and ambition come from?
My inner circle is one of my biggest sources of inspiration. Being around my friends really makes me want to do more. They’re talented, driven, and so creative — they always spark an urge for creativity and doing what I love.
Music seems to be a big part of your identity. What are you listening to?
So much. I’m always in this mix of passion and softness — Kings of Leon, The Marías, Men I Trust… anything that makes me feel feminine or expressive. I really listen to everything, though. If it moves me, I love it. And when I want to feel more upbeat, I can always get down with some house or electronic music.
Looking back, what’s a moment in your journey that you’re most proud of?
Moving to L.A. at seventeen to pursue modeling. That completely changed my life. I’ve grown into who I am by learning from every experience — staying close to people who ground me and staying open to whatever the universe puts in my path, the blessings and the lessons.
What do you love most about yourself as a person and an artist?
My ability to love. I love really big and really unconditionally, and I hope that’s something I never lose.
When you imagine your future, what do you hope your life looks like in ten years?
I hope to have built a foundation of selfmade success — something shaped by passion, purpose, and authenticity. I hope I’ve found the love of my life, maybe even
have a small family. Mostly, I hope for a life filled with unconditional joy and gratitude.
And if you had to put your entire philosophy into a single sentence… what’s your mission?
My mission is to build a life filled with meaning, heart, and expression — and inspire other people to do the same.
Mishka thinks in motion exploring, adapting, pushing for difference, wanting to be part of the idea instead of standing outside of it. She blends instinct with openness, structure with spontaneity, exactly the balance that turns a shoot into a real collaboration. Working with someone who approaches creativity with that kind of clarity is rare. ■
A C ONSCIOUS C OLLECTIVE The Art of Awakening
How Jacob Tell’s District216 is redefining community, creativity, and connection through psychedelics
Writer Joanna Krenich
In a world overflowing with information but starved for genuine connection, District216 in Santa Barbara offers something rare—a place to pause, breathe, and awaken. Part event space, part classroom, part sanctuary, it’s a living experiment in what happens when art, science, and spirit meet. Here, curiosity is currency, and psychedelics aren’t framed as escapism, but as tools for awareness, empathy, and healing—a way to remember what it means to be fully human.
At the heart of it all is Jacob Tell, a lifelong creative with a passion for jazz, civil law and challenging the status quo, whose path has been anything but ordinary. When the world turned upside down during the pandemic, he began listening to a quieter voice, the one urging him to look inward. What began as a personal reckoning became a calling: to create a space where people could reconnect with themselves, each other, and something greater. Today, through District216, he’s cultivating that vision. A conscious community rooted in curiosity, connection, and the courage to explore what lies beneath the surface.
How would you describe District216 and what is your mission?
It’s a community built on curiosity—dedicated to connection, healing, learning, and expanding consciousness through art, music, wellness, and psychedelics.
We’re not a clinic or a retreat space; we’re a gathering place where people can explore ideas safely and intentionally. Everything we do, from live music and workshops to breathwork and lectures, is designed to help people reconnect with themselves and others in meaningful ways.
Our mission is to normalize psychedelic healing
and consciousness exploration in everyday life through education, creativity, and community.
What inspired you to create this kind of space? It really began during the pandemic. My marketing company, Oniracom, had just finished building out our new headquarters three years into a fifteen-year lease when suddenly, the world shut down. Everyone was telling me it would be understandable to walk away, to ask the landlord for an out and go fully remote. But something inside me said, Stay. We can figure this out.
Instead of letting the space go dark, I followed my instinct, adapted and started hosting livestream galas for nonprofits. We produced 38 digital events in 14 months, raising money for organizations that couldn’t gather in person. That experience made me realize how much people were craving connection, purpose, and a sense of belonging.
One thing led to another, almost like divine intervention, and when the world opened back up, D216 was born. What could have been seen as a setback transformed into a unique new offering—something I never could have planned, but that unfolded perfectly within the landscape of that moment.
What’s the core philosophy behind District216? Everything starts with intention. Whether it’s a concert, a ceremony, or a conversation, we encourage people to ask, Why am I here? The second piece is connection, because healing doesn’t happen in isolation. And finally, there’s integration. After a psychedelic experience or even a profound conversation, integration is how we bring those insights back into daily life. Without that, the growth often fades and becomes forgotten. With it, we transform.
“It became a calling: to create A SPACE WHERE PEOPLE COULD RECONNECT with themselves, each other, and something greater.”
“When you feel that compassion and connection—to others, to nature, to the universe—YOU CAN’T HELP BUT TREAT LIFE DIFFERENTLY.”
Who are your influences and what shaped your path from marketing entrepreneur to exploring psychedelics?
I’ve always been curious about the intersection of creativity and consciousness. In high school, I had teachers who were ahead of their time. We were doing green-screen projects and video editing in the early ’90s. At UCSB, I studied Film and minored in Black Studies, which gave me a social and political lens to understand how culture and consciousness are intertwined.
Then, through music—The Beatles, Queen, jazz, and hearing disruptors like Steve Jobs’ talk about their LSD stories—I started to sense that altered states could open creative potential. When I experienced psychedelics for the first time in college it completely changed how I saw the world. I realized that what we perceive as reality is only one layer of it. Psychedelics taught me how to look deeper, question narratives, and connect more authentically with myself and with others.
What are some common misconceptions about psychedelics?
The biggest one is that psychedelics are about “checking out.” In reality, they’re about checking in. When used responsibly, psilocybin and other earth medicines can increase neuroplasticity—a state that can allow the brain to rewire itself to form new pathways and break old patterns. They allow us to face trauma rather than suppress it, which is where true healing begins. It’s not about escaping who we are; it’s about remembering who we’ve always been.
You’ve been open about your own healing journey. How has that influenced this work? My relationship with psychedelics and alternative therapies has had its seasons. In my early twenties,
it was exploration. Then came what I call my “dark decade.” I was in a marriage misaligned with my values and shut that part of myself down. After my divorce, I returned to psychedelics—this time as a healing tool.
In 2022, my Dad passed away from cancer. Around the same time, I experienced ketamine assisted therapy for the first time, an innovative treatment for grief, depression and PTSD. We were hosting a doctor at District216 who was giving a lecture on the therapy, and I wanted to better understand it as a responsible steward of the conversation. I hadn’t gone in seeking grief work, but that’s exactly what unfolded. It helped me process loss on a cellular level in a way talk therapy never could.
It taught me that you have to feel to heal. Psychedelics don’t erase pain, they help us transform it. Those experiences deepened everything—my empathy, my creativity, my commitment to this mission. Psychedelics remind me how interconnected we are. I think we’re living in a time of what I call a “war on empathy.” The antidote is compassion, and these medicines can help us remember.
You mention empathy as a core part of healing. Why is that so important? Because empathy connects everything. Psychedelics remind us that separation is an illusion. When you feel that compassion and connection—to others, to nature, to the universe—you can’t help but treat life differently.
We’re living in a time where empathy is undervalued and division is profitable. Psychedelics disrupt that pattern. They bring us back to what’s real: compassion, community, and shared humanity. If there’s one take away from the plant kingdom, it’s that we’re all connected.
“That’s what District216 is really about: EMPOWERING PEOPLE TO EXPLORE CONSCIOUSNESS safely, ethically, and with integrity.”
You’ve spoken about the need for policy reform and responsible use. How do you see the future of psychedelic policy evolving?
The first step is decriminalization—taking away criminal penalties for personal and medical use and asking law enforcement to stop targeting people for exploring entheogenic plants, animals and fungi. While we keep learning through research, we also have to be honest about the double standard: alcohol and opioids are legal and destroying lives, yet natural substances with real healing potential are still banned by our government as they claim there’s “no medical value and a high risk for abuse.”
If I could redesign policy, I’d replace fear with education. We need to honor and include Indigenous voices who’ve safeguarded these medicines for generations, and rebuild community structures for integration, support, and accountability. Healing doesn’t happen in isolation or under threat—it happens when people feel safe, informed, and connected. That’s the future I’m working toward.
Accessibility and education seem central to your mission. Why do you feel so strongly about advocacy?
Because healing shouldn’t be a privilege. My goal is to help decriminalize psychedelics and make education accessible to everyone. Decriminalization doesn’t mean chaos, it means compassion. It allows law enforcement to focus on real harm, not personal exploration.
That’s what District216 is really about: empowering people to explore consciousness safely, ethically, and with integrity. These medicines are powerful and have the ability to help so many people.
We also partner with groups supporting veterans with PTSD, athletes recovering from brain injuries, and others who can’t access traditional mental health care. Our events often highlight these programs and help connect people directly to resources and scholarship-based retreats.
For someone curious but new to this world, where should they begin?
Start with education and an open mind. Come to a talk, read a book, or find a local community group like ours. Psychedelics aren’t the only way to expand consciousness—they’re one doorway among many. Outside Santa Barbara, people can look up the Global Psychedelic Society (GPS) to find local communities. Curiosity is the starting point—but safety, research, and self-awareness are essential. Above all, trust your own inner compass and find what calls to you.
Whether or not psychedelics are part of your path, Tell’s work is a reminder that healing often begins with curiosity—and that connection, not isolation, is what truly transforms. ■
Disclaimer: The information shared here reflects personal experience and perspective only. It is not medical advice. Psychedelic substances remain regulated or illegal in many jurisdictions. Always research and comply with state and local laws, consult qualified professionals, and approach any practice with informed care and intention.
