The Top Opulist Locations of the Year According to Opulist
As Opulist marked its inception on September 1, 2023, our journey throughout the year has been one of meticulous research, strategic planning, and the curation of the most beautiful places to eat, drink, and stay that each city has to offer. Our commitment extended beyond virtual exploration, encompassing firsthand experiences whenever the opportunity presented itself. We feel confident saying that we're experts in what we do.
Embark on a captivating journey with your dedicated vibe concierge as we unveil the crème de la crème – the paramount Opulist locations of the year. Our founder and top aesthetics seeker, Sara, shares her selection of the top 10 gems she personally encountered, alongside an additional 10 locales discovered this year, awaiting her imminent exploration. Ashlee, our magical and exceptionally talented Content Manager, adds her personal touch to the narrative by presenting her dream list of Opulist locations, a compilation that radiates aspiration and anticipation. Enjoy browsing our best of the best of 2023 below, it’s a real dreamy journey.
Sara’s Top 10 Visited Opulist Locations
These are 10 of my favorite, standout locations I got to visit in person this year. All were locations I had scouted for Opulist and then had the pleasure of tracking down for an in-person experience, each location passing the vibe test with flying colors.
The Palm Court at RH San Francisco, San Francisco, CA
Photo: Opulist
A marble palace filled with glowing chandeliers, gorgeous natural light, whimsical palm trees, and perfect furniture and glassware, this place literally took my breath away when I first stepped inside. It’s the epitome of opulence and luxury. Make sure you grab yourself a beverage and head up to the rooftop as well for sweeping views of the city and the bay. This is a can’t miss if you’re in San Francisco.
Bar Cecil, Palm Springs, CA
Photo: Bar Cecil
After several attempts to make it here in June to no avail, I finally was able to snag a reservation with my parents in the fall for a midweek dinner slot. We loved everything about the experience. The food and drinks were incredible, the vibe of the restaurant and bar were perfect, the art is fun and eclectic, and the lighting is at an ideal setting for a swanky dinner out. The key to getting a spot here is planning far in advance with securing a res on OpenTable, setting alerts for when you’d like to go, or showing up right when they open at 5 to snag a spot at the bar. A true gem that should be at the top of your Palm Springs list.
53 Restaurant, New York City, NY
Photo: 53 Restaurant
I came across this one when searching for NY spots before a trip there in June, and was immediately captivated by photos I saw of the bar. Nothing gets me quite like a unique, well-designed, and glowy bar. Since it’s in a somewhat less-than-desirable location (right in the middle of Midtown) we weren’t able to plan a meal here, but I was able to pop in to take a look when we were in the area and it was absolutely stunning. Both the upstairs (where the pearl + seashell looking bar is) and the downstairs (with the rainbow detailed ceiling and another gorgeous bar) are impeccably designed and worth checking out while you’re in the city.
Nubeluz, New York City, NY
Photo: Nubeluz
I couldn’t stop thinking about this place after seeing photos and realizing it was right next to where we were staying in New York, (it’s on top of The Ritz Carlton), so I snagged us a late night res for the last night of the trip. Drinks and food will cost you a pretty penny, but it’s such a fun splurge spot, has stunning views of the city (I need to go back during the day/sunset next time), is beautifully designed, and even has balconies you can hang out on and get some great photos from. I’m so glad we treated ourselves and ended the trip here.
Hermitage Hotel, Nashville, TN
Photo: Hermitage Hotel
There’s something about the grandiosity of historic locations that really does it for me. I think it’s the Euro vibes it gives, or just the general appreciation it incites for detailed and meticulous design, but either way, walking into the lobby of this hotel was a full-on experience. It is so beautiful, and all of the on-site locations are incredible as well. Even if you’re not staying here, I recommend popping into the lobby for a drink, to sit and relax for a bit, or to visit one of their two restaurants - The Pink Hermit Cafe or Drusie and Darr.
Dante, Beverly Hills, CA
Photo: Dante
I was so excited to see they opened a Dante on the West Coast. Enticed by the promise of their ‘Martini Hour,’ my girlfriends and I attempted to make plans here multiple times, and ultimately I ended up popping in by myself on an Opulist field trip day up to LA. With this location, it was the overall experience of it that caused it to land on my top 10 list, not necessarily just the design. It was the friendliness of the bartender, the uniqueness of my cutie, colorful martini, the piano player taking special requests from me, the cheeky, bright blue booths, and the view of the Hollywood Hills that I had never seen from that vantage point. It’s a quintessential LA experience, and I can’t wait to go back and experience it again.
Mr. Lyons, Palm Springs, CA
Photo: Mr. Lyons
With how often I go to the desert, I was surprised I hadn’t made it here yet, or to their adjoining bar, Seymour’s. I went with friends during my birthday weekend and loved it. Great design, the speakeasy bar was a vibe and my drink was incredible (it was seasonal unfortunately so hard to recommend it by name), and I love how this restaurant has multiple different feels to it depending on what section you’re in. A classic, boujee steakhouse that’s just the ticket when you find yourself out in Palm Springs.
The Madrona Hotel, Healdsburg, CA
Photo: The Madrona Hotel
My trip to Healdsburg with my mom was one of the peaks of my year. The whole town is just the most lovely and charming. With The Madrona Hotel on my radar because of Opulist, I had my mom accompany me for a midday lunch and stroll around the property and we were transfixed by how beautiful it was. Another iconic, historic building, the maximalist and rich design of this location is like nothing else. Add in the serene surroundings of wine country and you truly feel transported to heaven. The food and drinks from the restaurant were perfection, and I vowed to come back and stay here someday. Definitely worth a visit (or ideally a stay on property) if you find yourself headed to Healdsburg.
Gran Blanco, Venice Beach, CA
Photo: Gran Blanco | Photographer: Brecht Van’t Hof
Gran Blanco wins the award of ‘Restaurant Style I’d Most Like to Decorate My Home In' for me. It’s just the most serene and lovely restaurant, with perfect light fixtures, artwork, a light, airy design, complete with a cheeky little disco ball, and a perfect vibe all around. I wish this was my neighborhood restaurant cuz I would probably be here all the time.
Charmaine's, San Francisco, CA
Photo: Charmaine’s
Any Proper Hotel location is always going to top my to-visit list in any city they exist in. When visiting girlfriends in SF this fall, I requested seeing the San Francisco Proper Hotel, mostly to get to have a drink at their rooftop bar Charmaine’s. We got there early enough to beat the crowds, and also to get to witness the perfect sunset paired with a full moon rising. It was nothing short of magic. The wraparound views with copious fire pits, big plush chairs, and luscious plant life all made this spot very much worth the visit. I also loved getting to duck in and see the bar at Villon, another spot that topped my to-see list this year, and am just so grateful for all the beauty Kelly Wearstler has added to this world.
Sara’s Top 10 Destinations to Experience
The following 10 locations are at the top of my list for places still to experience (a tough feat to narrow down since technically every spot on Opulist is on my list to visit). But as an act of manifesting, here are 10 locations I know I’ll be seeing soon in person and that I can’t wait to report on ;).
Candy Bar, Detroit, MI
Photo: Candy Bar
Discolo, New York City, NY
Photo: Discolo
Overstory, New York City, NY
Photo: Overstory
Veronika, New York City, NY
Photo: Veronika
Delilah, West Hollywood, CA
Photo: Delilah
The Dutchess, Ojai, CA
Photo: The Dutchess
Silver Lake Pool & Inn, Silver Lake, CA
Photo: Silver Lake Pool & Inn
Jeune et Jolie, Carslbad, CA
Photo: Jeune et Jolie
Titsou Bar, New York City, NY
Photo: Titsou Bar
The Champagne & Caviar Bar at RH Guesthouse, New York City, NY
Ashlee’s Top 10 Destinations to Experience
Ashlee, Opulist’s Content Manager and top vibe curator, reporting for scout duty! While combing through locations and collecting countless beautiful photos for Opulist, I've been constantly inspired. The list of stunning places I have crushes on grows every week. With over 600 locations now on Opulist, you can imagine how challenging it was to narrow my list down to only 10! Each gem I chose is different from the next and was intentionally chosen for its elegance, minimalism, maximalism, or eclectic design. I can picture my future self experiencing these places in person and it feels like pure magic.
The George, Seattle, WA
Photo: The George
Dahlia, Los Angeles, CA
Photo: Dahlia
Chez Zou, New York City, NY
Photo: Chez Zou
Wildflower, Denver, CO
Photo: Wildflower
Little Palm, Charleston, SC
Photo: Little Palm
Thick as Thieves, Boise, ID
Photo: Thick as Thieves
Coffee Dose, Costa Mesa, CA
Photo: Coffee Dose
Post Ranch Inn, Big Sur, CA
Photo: Post Ranch Inn
The Siren Hotel, Detroit, MI
Photo: The Siren Hotel
Santa Monica Proper Hotel, Santa Monica, CA
Photo: Santa Monica Proper Hotel
As we bid farewell to this year's opulent escapades, let these curated lists serve as an inspiration for your own journeys in the new year. Opulist stands not only as a guide but as a companion in the pursuit of curated experiences. May your future travels be filled with the same spirit of discovery, indulgence, and unabashed opulence that has defined our year at Opulist. Thank you for being here in the pursuit of beauty with us, and we can’t wait to usher in a whole new year of vibe scouting with you.
All locations featured here are Opulist picks and can also be found when using the search page. Pull it up while you’re on a weekend getaway or just to remind yourself of all the beautiful locales nearby. Enjoy your new year and happy #opulistgem seeking.
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