Leading Hotels of the World FAM trip

Written by Nick Anderson

Travel advisor with 1000 Mile Travel Group

Leading Hotels of the World FAM - Experiencing California and Hawai'i

Leading Hotels of the World FAM trip isn’t just a perk when you are in the travel business — it’s a chance to truly understand the properties we recommend to our clients. This year, I was lucky enough to join The Leading Hotels of the World for an unforgettable journey through California and Hawai’i, hosted by the wonderful Tim Chatfield.

 

Palm Springs - The journey begins

We started in Palm Springs, and one word sums it up: Parker. Parker Palm Springs is like stepping into another world — quirky, stylish, and full of character. Every corner tells a story, from the bold artwork to the mid-century furniture. One of the most magical moments for me? Stargazing in Joshua Tree National Park. There’s something grounding about standing under that vast desert sky. Parker captured the soul of Palm Springs, and I loved every minute there.

Next stop: Santa Monica

From there, we headed to Santa Monica and checked into The Georgian. At first glance, it feels like a throwback — slightly dated, but intentionally so. That vintage charm is its secret sauce. The Georgian Room gave us a true old-Hollywood dining experience, and we even spotted Harrison Ford and Calista Flockhart dining right behind us. It was one of those “only in L.A.” moments.

We also e-biked through Hollywood (yes, up to the sign!), and got to test out Waymo self-driving rides. I’ll admit, it was a bit surreal at first — but after a few trips, it felt surprisingly normal… and honestly, safer than a traditional ride. The evening wrapped with a surprise Benson Boone concert on Venice Beach, just outside our restaurant. Pure magic.

Hawai'i here we go!

And then, we flew to paradise.

Halekulani in Waikiki was simply unforgettable. The moment you step in, you feel it — true Hawaiian luxury. It’s not loud or flashy; it’s calm, elegant, and deeply rooted in local culture. The Sparkling Sunday Brunch was a definite highlight (and I don’t say that lightly), but what really stayed with me was the staff — warm, attentive, and genuinely kind. You feel cared for in a way that’s rare, even in luxury travel.

And to relax...

To cap off the trip, we added a few extra nights at The Kahala Hotel & Resort in Honolulu. It was the perfect wind-down after such a dynamic itinerary — peaceful, beautiful, and a great spot to reflect on everything we’d seen and experienced.

This FAM wasn’t just a checklist of incredible properties — it was a journey. Each hotel brought something different to the table, and every stop deepened my appreciation for what The Leading Hotels of the World stand for: individuality, excellence, and unforgettable stays.

A personal recommendation

If you’re thinking about California or Hawai’i for your next escape, these properties deserve a spot on your list. I’d be more than happy to help you make it happen.