Living the Barbie Luxe Life in Beverly Hills

Travel trends in 2023 are fantasy destinations viewers see while watching popular streamed television shows and movies. According to Expedia research, “streamed movies and TV shows are now the top sources of travel inspiration, overtaking social media for the first time.” The study discovered, “Globally, 66 percent of travelers have considered visiting a destination after seeing it featured in a show or movie they’ve streamed at home, and 39 percent have booked a trip for the same reason.”

With the highly anticipated “Barbie” movie releasing on July 21, 2023, there is no other city in California that is more Barbie dream-like than Beverly Hills. With almost six square-miles of fantasy shopping, distinctive dining, and luxury accommodations, Beverly Hills is a dreamland for locals and visitors.

SHOP ON RODEO DRIVE

Strolling down Rodeo Drive, Kens and Barbie’s are lured into hundreds of stores along the Golden Triangle. Creative window displays entice travelers to splurge on new pink wardrobe, handbags, accessories and perfume. Some of the top designers include Prada, Saint Laurent, Dolce & Gabbana, Dior and Gucci. Upstairs at Gucci is the Florentine Gucci Osteria flagship, where fashion and food unite.

According to Love Beverly Hills, the three blocks of retail shopping in Beverly Hills are on par with world-renowned shopping districts like Ginza in Tokyo, Bond Street in London, 5th Avenue in New York and Avenue Montaigne in Paris.

The iconic Rodeo Drive was one of the backdrop’s for Nicki Minaj & Ice Spice’s new Barbie World  music video that can be viewed on YouTube.

STAY IN THE ‘PINK PALACE’

The ultimate Barbie staycation is staying overnight at the original ‘Pink Palace’. The 5-star Beverly Hills Hotel has been the spot for Hollywood’s brightest stars for over a century. Driving beyond the iconic signage, guests arrive by stepping onto the hotel’s signature red carpet to enter the grand lobby. Set among towering palm trees, this Dorchester Collection continues to follow the original motto of the hotel – to honor every guest “Entitled to the best of everything, regardless of cost”. Dine at the iconic Polo Lounge or the Fountain Coffee Room serving Hollywood stars since 1949.

Celebrity royalty continues to choose The Beverly Hills Hotel as their playground, even before Marilyn Monroe spent most of her time in spacious bungalow one and seven. Several movies such as Neil Simon’s “California Street” were filmed at the hotel. The Eagle’s best selling album, “Hotel California” featured The Beverly Hills Hotel on the cover.

Head into Beverly Wilshire, A Four Seasons Hotel to admire the elegant lobby displaying the prettiest fresh and fragrant flowers set beneath a shimmering crystalline chandelier. This is the famous hotel where “Pretty Woman” was filmed. Enjoy al fresco dining at THE BLVD with a flute of sparkling bubbly, and classic all-day dining. The terrace is one of the best people watching spots in the city with exclusive views of Rodeo Drive.

THE HIDEAWAY

Hidden away from paparazzi is the pink colored The Hideaway. Located at the entrance of the Rodeo Collection, the large red and white sign illuminates and directs diners down an escalator to cozy booths and flickering candles. Open for lunch, brunch and dinner, it’s owned by Hollywood party designer Jeffrey Best, along with his investor friends, actors Ryan Phillippe and Evan Ross (son of Diana Ross, brother to Tracy Ellis Ross and married to Ashlee Simpson).

Described as a “subterranean late-night Mexican steakhouse,” the menu includes lobster tortilla soup, esquites (Mexican street corn), grilled seafood, Wagyu beef and vegan Chile rellenos. Some dishes are prepared table side and there is a button to push for a tequila refill.

PHOTO OPPORTUNITIES

Visit Beverly Gardens Park and have your photo taken at the pink “Beverly Hills is Beautiful” sign by Mr. Brainwash.

Nearby in Santa Monica at Santa Monica Place is World of Barbie. After its success in Toronto, World of Barbie is now in the United States. Visitors can explore Barbie’s iconic lifestyle, life-size house and see her many careers. Enjoy theme Barbie bites and drinks, and have your hair styled like a true Barbie.

This summer take a Barbie adventure in Beverly Hills for the ultimate fantasy day trip or vacation.

Feature Photo by Valerie Elash on Unsplash