Overlooking all of Avalon, the landmark upscale B&B on Santa Catalina Island just off L.A.’s coast gleams again.

Built by chewing gum magnate William Wrigley, Jr. and his wife Ada in 1921, the Inn at Mt. Ada occupies a sprawling mansion atop the highest promontory overlooking Avalon Harbour on Santa Catalina Island. The Wrigleys once hosted the world’s elite from British to Hollywood royalty at their hilltop estate. Now a six-room luxury bed-and-breakfast, the mansion reopened under the auspices of the Santa Catalina Island Company with a new menu (breakfast, lunch, wine and beer are included in the room rate) and refurbishments in-and-out. The same glorious coast and ocean views remain that immediately call-to-mind the Cote d’Azur.

Although 26 miles from Los Angeles (accessible by ferry, helicopter and yacht charter), Catalina Island is still part of Los Angeles County and an ideal mini-break from the congestion "over town." Here you can see dolphin pods offshore and bison roaming the interior; go deep sea fishing; play golf; hike; hang out out the Descanso Beach Club; dine out on locally caught seafood or spend the day at Avalon’s newly opened Island Spa. The Inn at Mt. Ada is an elegant jumping off point for all of Catalina Island's many activities or a welcoming retreat to just relax; guest rooms come with the use of a speedy golf cart—ideal for touring Avalon, which is mostly car-free, unique for Los Angeles.