Opening in 2025, the Bulgari Resort Los Angeles is expected to be the twelfth gem in the Bulgari Hotels & Resorts collection. Located in the majestic Santa Monica Mountains, less than five miles from Rodeo Drive, will be nestled amongst 33 acres of a stunning hillside park, surrounded by natural wildlife and remarkable views. Plans call for 58 rooms and suites, eight private estates and the signature Bulgari Il Ristorante – Niko Romito – as well as a 10,000 square foot Spa, a state-of-the-art gym, offering Bulgari’s exclusive Workshop training method, a cinema and an exclusive eight-seat sushi bar.
A good portion of the hotel’s guest rooms and suites will be located in secluded bungalows studded across the eastern half of the property, adjacent to the property’s carefully curated amenities.
The Resort’s eight stunning residential properties will range in size from 12,000 to 48,000 square feet, each with private land of at least one acre and as large as five. The unrivalled topography of Los Angeles’ canyons, allows for vast open space and privacy, giving each home a distinctive setting while preserving the area’s ridgeline and protecting its flora and fauna.
Drawing inspiration from the surrounding natural environment, the contemporary architecture of the building will be curated by the well-known South African design firm Studio SAOTA, while the Milanese architectural firm Antonio Citterio Patricia Viel, that designed all the other Bulgari Hotels projects, will bring Italian design to the building’s interiors.
Additionally, the Bulgari Resort Los Angeles’s landscape design will be created by the award-winning Swiss landscape architect firm, ENEA, known for its work on the internationally recognized Tree Museum as well as his design of the Bulgari Hotel Beijing iconic garden. The combination of these internationally recognized design firms is set to create one of the most integrated, environmentally sensitive developments that the community and the City of Los Angeles have been presented within a generation.
The resort, formerly known as The Retreat, will be built in line with the most stringent environmental criteria certified by LEED and only the highest sustainable building practices will be used to ensure minimal environmental impact.
Furthermore, to honor and prioritize the canyon’s biosphere and natural habitats, hundreds of old-growth and native canopy trees are being preserved while approximately 1,000 additional mature trees will be planted and integrated with the terrain to provide shade and habitat for wildlife. Ponds, dry riverbeds, and vegetated bioswales will also be implemented around the property to capture and filter stormwater and provide natural hydration for plants. The Bulgari Hotels & Resorts team will continue its history of making sure that its properties serve as a home to local wildlife for generations to come.
The project is subject to the final approvals of the City Council and Planning Authorities of the City of Los Angeles.
Bulgari’s CEO Jean-Christophe Babin said: “We are extremely happy and proud to announce the signing of definitive agreements to develop the new Bulgari Resort in Los Angeles, the capital of cinema and art which has always been a major Bulgari inspiration from the time of Liz Taylor to the most recent Academy Awards. The new Bulgari gem represents an extraordinary achievement for the brand to establish in such a key destination for the luxury industry. Following the signing of Bulgari Hotel Miami Beach, we are excited to expand into the US market providing our remarkable Roman jeweller hospitality experience.”
Bulgari Resort Los Angeles’ developer Gary Safady adds: “We are delighted to partner with Bulgari Hotels & Resorts to bring the most sophisticated and luxurious retreat to Los Angeles. Bulgari is the epitome of luxury lifestyle and we look forward to creating an unparalleled experience of indoor/outdoor living through our enclave of suites, bungalows and private homes that truly embrace and support the surrounding environment and wildlife. The eight extraordinary private estates will be available for sale in the near future.”
Safady adds: “As part of our ongoing commitment to the City of Los Angeles, the surrounding community and the environment, we will be supporting several non-profit initiatives in Los Angeles, including but not limited to, a seven-figure contribution as part of our effort to ensure this project continues its focus of using business as a force for good.”
Chris Hannan, Executive Secretary for the Los Angeles/Orange Counties Building and Construction Trades Council, AFL-CIO notes of the project: “I, along with the Building Trades Council, stand side-by-side with Gary Safady to bring the exciting Bulgari Resort Los Angeles to life. As a former union cardholder, Gary has continued to demonstrate his long-time commitment to working families and we look forward to constructing this resort with him on this environmentally friendly project that we trust will fund hundreds of good union jobs, bring money to the city, preserve open canyon space, and welcome the community to engage with the project.”
Images s © in order of appearance: Bulgari Hotels and Resorts; Bulgari Hotels and Resorts; Alberto Zanetti; Ron Atory