THE GILDED BELLINI

A BRUNCH, LIFESTYLE & ENTERTAINING DESTINATION WITH ON-AIR CORRESPONDENT BRIELLE GALEKOVIC

A Los Angeles-based brunch and cocktail blog by Brielle Galekovic.

Holiday Getaways in SoCal | As Seen on KTLA

What an incredible morning celebrating the holidays and festive getaways in SoCal! We have access to so many different types of experiences, and luckily for us we can take advantage of some insanely good specials happening at spectacular local resorts! From beachy staycations to authentic western experiences and even family-friendly fun in the desert, check out all the wonderful options for you and your loved ones to escape to this holiday that we covered on this morning’s show.

Viceroy Santa Monica (Los Angeles, CA) - Indulge in a sun-soaked beach holiday getaway at the newly renovated Viceroy Santa Monica, where you can leave winter weather behind and bask in the warmth of Southern California just steps from the Pacific Ocean. The Coastal Holiday Escape Package is inclusive of luxury accommodations, a $75 daily food and beverage credit to use at the hotel’s signature restaurant Sugar Palm, a festive welcome drink, 50% off of the resort fee, and two tickets to experience Ice at Santa Monica, Downtown Santa Monica’s outdoor ice skating rink.

The Portofino Hotel & Marina (Redondo Beach, CA) - From December 1-30, The Portofino Hotel & Marina (one of the few over-water hotels in Los Angeles) presents a special "Seaside Greetings" holiday package, including an oceanside guest room; Festive treats upon arrival in the form of a charming gift basket containing locally curated items like shortbread cookies, fine wine, peanut brittle, gourmet popcorn, mixed nuts, tapenade, artisanal cheese, and crisp crackers; and a $50 food and beverage credit that can be used at BALEENKitchen, the hotel's signature waterfront restaurant. Guests can savor a holiday cocktail with marina views and enjoy everything on the menu from seasonal specialties to coastal classics.

Alisal Ranch (Solvang, CA) - Just outside of Santa Barbara, Alisal Ranch provides authentic Western hospitality and luxury ranch living, with activities ranging from horseback riding and golf to hiking and mountain biking. With 73 individual cottages–each with a wood burning fireplace–guests can cozy up under the stars with a hearty ranch-style dinner with hot cocoa or wine after a long day in the saddle, as the property transforms into a winter wonderland with views of snow blankets covering the Figueroa Mountains. And each year, Alisal partners with The Solvang Bakery to create gingerbread replicas of its barn, front office, library, cottages and livestock to display. Guests staying between Dec. 23-25 receive a personalized gingerbread house decorating kit with their family name. They’re also offering a “Winter at the Ranch” special for December stays, offering 30% off rates that includes breakfast, dinner, drinks, holiday activities (like cookie decorating and cocktail making), and other ranch activities like boating, fishing, hiking, biking, and wine tasting.

Hyatt Regency Indian Wells - Indian Wells Winterfest returns to Greater Palm Springs from Dec. 1-Jan. 1 for a month-long holiday extravaganza that will include a tree lighting ceremony, roller skating, mini golf, and more. Hyatt Regency Indian Wells makes the perfect getaway for those looking to experience all the festive traditions of the holiday season without the cold and this December, is offering a Winterfest package, where families can enjoy HyTides Waterpark and family-friendly activities on-site, followed by a festive evening at the roller rink at Indian Wells Golf Resort. The package includes: tickets to the Indian Wells Golf Resort Roller Rink, daily $50 F&B credit, and complimentary transportation from the property to the Indian Wells Golf Resort.

Thank you so much KTLA for having me - Sandra and Glen, you were wonderful and loved that we all share the same thing: we were all formerly NJ residents, now residing in the Los Angeles area. Small world, and what a treat!

Happy Holidays to all!!!