The GT team headed to LA last week for our annual awards event. As you have read, it took place at the gorgeous Hotel Bel-Air this year. They once again hosted a stunning evening. The event was a success (as it always is), and it was fun to honor the best in the travel industry, as voted on by GT’s readers. This was my first trip to LA in 2009. I typically head to the West Coast about once or twice a year for work. I always enjoy my time out there, but on this trip I found myself reluctant to leave. Yes, that’s correct, this New Yorker wanted more time on the West Coast! There were several reasons why I would not have minded a few more days in the sun. In addition to the success of the event, I was able to explore Beverly Hills more by staying at the Montage Beverly Hills. Ienjoyed all the luxuries it had to offer. I even had the opportunity to spend one night and day at the Montage Laguna Beach. The Montage Laguna Beach property is a stunning escape from LA – only an hour and half from Beverly Hills without traffic. The Montage Beverly Hills is a true urban oasis. I am sure celebrities and other elite are flocking to their spa. The hotel is brand new and is the only hotel in the neighborhood where the spa was built as part of the hotel and not renovated into the property. The weather, on top of everything else, was icing on the cake. A dry 80 degrees during the day with only a light sweater needed in the evenings. I didn’t see one cloud the whole time, and I felt as if I was in a Hollywood movie during the trip. My three days in LA could not have gone any better if scripted! -Alex Young, vice president and associate publisher