How to do L.A. Like Gwyneth Paltrow

A week before my departure to Los Angeles, I was overcome with a sudden urge to have Gwyneth Paltrow in my ears.

As I knew well, a visit to the city of angels is more than a sunny getaway—it’s an invitation to indulge in the expansive world of viral wellness culture, and, for celeb-obsessives like myself, it’s the ultimate pop culture pilgrimage. Where else can you spot a Scientology centre next to a body-sculpting clinic? Something told me that, to prepare for this sensory overload, I should first study the conscious-uncoupling trend-setter.

I burned through episodes of GP’s podcast. I watched The Goop Lab on Netflix. I feverishly scoured the internet for one-off Paltrow interviews—from the Call Her Daddy dating revelations to that conversation about bone broth for lunch. Say what you will about Paltrow, but the woman is known for having good taste: the kind of seasoned palate that develops over decades of hush-hush recommendations and try-anything-once attitudes. By the time I touched down on the West Coast, I was ready to step into her specific lane of slow living.

Armed with a mix of her recommendations and my own wellness-y wanderlust, I came away from my trip with a new appreciation for the practice of intentional experiences. And while I doubt I’ll be starting each morning by swishing coconut oil in my mouth for ten minutes, I’ve learned a thing or two about the art of a good find. Each hot spot doesn’t have to have steep prices; all meals needn’t be organic. Rather, welcoming wellness into the everyday means adopting a sort of A-lister ease. Below, I’ve distilled my findings into the ultimate Los Angeles travel itinerary.

Where to stay in Los Angeles: The Line Hotel

Nestled in the heart of Koreatown, this boutique hotel is the perfect place for those looking to fully immerse themselves in all the city has to offer. There are restaurants and bars on every corner, and landmarks like the Griffith Observatory, LACMA and the Walk of Fame are located nearby. The rooms provide a private serene city escape, featuring floor-to-ceiling windows that make you feel as though you’re floating above the Hollywood Hills.

Capturing the richness of Los Angeles history, the hotel’s aesthetic inspiration spans decades. The suites are minimal and modern with pop-of-colour furniture, for an industrial home base after a day of exploring. If you’re looking to travel back a few decades, head to the hotel’s Break Room 86: an ’80s-inspired bar offering video games, karaoke and excellent cocktails. For a hit of nostalgic glamour, around the corner is the famous Kiss Kiss Bang Bang, a speakeasy disco-club that boasts a 1920s Gatsby-esque interior.

Where to relax in Los Angeles: Surya Spa

Beloved by Gwyneth Paltrow and Kourtney Kardashian, Surya is the quiet-luxury staple of celebrity spas. The much-whispered-about location, tucked away in the Santa Monica Proper Hotel, is more than your average self-care splurge: it promises to “restore energy and spirit” in just one visit. When I went in to receive the signature introductory treatment, the Abhyanga + Shirodara, I learned precisely what that means. The session involves being doused in herbalized oil—that was simmered overnight—by two massage therapists, whose hands work synchronously across the body to drain lymphs and calm the nervous system.

At the end comes the Shirodara, a process wherein oil infusions, oscillating between cool and warm, are streamed over the forehead. It’s not uncommon for the recipient to experience visions during at this point, I’m told, though I just feel a deep sense of peace. On my way out, I’m handed a non-religious prayer book, filled with forgiveness recitements and general healing devotionals. I also grab the “heart-opening” bath soak for the road, to carry some zen with me. In the days following the experience, I notice a renewed sense of lightness, the kind of be-at-peace ethos that Gwyneth Paltrow emits, even in court. (...“I wish you well.”)

Where to caffeinate in Los Angeles: Obet & Del’s Coffee Shop

It’s easy to walk past this small mom and pop shop, but if you put it on your Los Angeles travel itinerary, you won’t regret it. With ‘70s-inspired decor and a bright, welcoming interior, this East Hollywood spot is a local favourite. Made-from-scratch pastries and snacks include egg salad sandos and kimchi breakfast burritos, while drink menu specialties run the gamut from Filipino iced coffee to rich Thai lattes. It’s a short walk from Fern Dell trail—a scenic path that leads up to the famous Griffith Observatory—making it the ideal place to fuel up before your hike.

Where to work out in Los Angeles: Speir Pilates

The post-pilates paparazzi snap is a staple of L.A. culture. Did you even visit the city if you didn’t try a class for yourself? I opted for the “power reformer” class at the Venice Beach Goop-approved location—an airy, intimate space with white brick walls, wooden ceiling beams and a neon sign that reads “SWEAT + good vibes”.

While I feared that taking a reformer class in the mecca of A-lister fitness would be intimidating, Speir is welcoming and gentle from the moment you begin, specializing in slow, precise movements and positive affirmations. I left with a satisfying ab burn that lasted two days.

Where to shop in Los Angeles: RLT

If you’ve got a taste for slow fashion, make your way to RLT’s curated shop in Beverly Hills. Founded by Rachel Leigh Tabb—who draws inspiration from ’90s icons like Carolyn Bessett Kennedy—the in-person shopping space offers elegant vintage finds and thoughtfully designed pieces that transcend trends. Think: belts made with deadstock buckles and high-quality crisp white tanks. It also happens to be across the street from Erewhon—where I treated myself to the Hailey Bieber smoothie for the very normal price of $30.

Where to eat in Los Angeles: Pailin Thai Cuisine

While there are plenty of TikTok-famous restaurants to enjoy in Los Angeles, sometimes the comforting familiarity of a neighbourhood haunt—with its generous portions, carpeted floor and overhead lighting—is unbeatable. That is exactly what Pailin offers. The Valley-area institution has been the subject of passionate odes and a staple of local-run Reddit pages. Known for its pad thai, curries and sticky mango rice, this spot—so under-the-radar it doesn’t even have Instagram—is not to be missed.

After your meal, head a few streets over to Hillhurst Avenue in the picturesque Los Feliz area. There, explore the local boutiques and coffee shops—Maru is a must-try matcha—while zig-zagging through the residential side streets, filled with historic Spanish-Mediterranean architecture.