This story is part of the September 7 edition of Sunday Life. See all 17 stories .

Los Angeles might sound like too far to venture from Australia for a mere six days, but it turns out to be just the ticket for me and my friend Melvis as we trade family responsibilities for quality time together.

Arriving at Petit Ermitage West Hollywood, a luxury hotel tucked away in the backstreets, feels like stepping into a David Lynch film. Discreetly chic, the hotel features velvet accents, while kitsch objects and artworks line the corridors. It’s where Victoria Beckham had her baby shower for daughter Harper back in 2011, but now the air is thick with what seems to be marijuana smoke.

In an attempt to overcome our jet lag, we head straight to the rooftop pool where a larger than life prawn c

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