When I'm traveling I'm always looking for exotic getaways where everything – the smells and sights – are truly different. When I was five, I traveled to Mexico with my parents and they took me to the bullfights in Aguascalientes. I loved the pageantry of it all. At an after party for one of the bullfights, I was introduced to the matadors which was very exciting and I remember being struck by their colorful costumes and monteras (hats).

I would spend my perfect day in LA because the city has a little bit of everything. I love the laid-back beach life in Malibu; the cool, young, urban parts of Venice; and appreciate the hipness of West Hollywood. I would stay at the Hotel Bel-Air. The gardens and the pool are so beautiful. How can you resist swans floating in a pond? So romantic!

1. A bike ride on the Venice bike path to Santa Monica and a hike in the Santa Monica Canyon.

2. A beach day at Point Dume or Little Dume.

3. A concert at the Hollywood Bowl.

1. Axe: The basic bowl is a must.

2. Il Piccolino: I love the langoustines.

3. Nobu in Malibu: I always get the Spicy Toro roll, and try and sit at a table overlooking the ocean.

1. Head to the Griffith Park Observatory for fantastic views of the city.

2. Visit the Venice Canals in Abbot Kinney.

3. LA's Art Museums: LACMA, MOCA and the Hammer Museum.

1. Henry Duarte's new store in Downtown LA.

2. Des Kohan's store in Hollywood.

3. Moon Juice on Rose in Venice.