My friend and I booked the Topanga Ocean View Guest Apartment on a whim -- we were looking for an impromptu weekend retreat in LA -- and it was an absolutely flawless experience. I couldn't have asked for a more wonderful stay. The photos, while pretty, don't do this place justice. The view of the canyon is phenomenal and is the first thing you see once you step foot outside the apartment. The air is clear, the night silent, the stars innumerable. The house is utterly secluded, at the top of a windy mountain road.

The inside of the apartment was cozy and personable (I particularly enjoyed some of the books on the little shelf in the sitting area, as well as Ellen's beautiful paintings, which were hung discreetly around the apartment) while remaining as neat and spotless as a hotel suite. Everything was in perfect working order and Nick and Ellen (the owners of the property; William manages it) even thought to provide a fine assortment of beverages and snacks. The bed was fabulously comfortable, there were beach towels that I wish I'd remembered to bring to the beach ... it was just the loveliest time.

William was a communicative host and quick to set things up, although the majority of my interaction was with Nick. Nick took great care to ensure that my friend and I made it up the mountain safely at night, as my flight to LAX arrived quite late. He sent not only detailed instructions -- including Google Maps screenshots -- for how to ascend the mountain, but even drove part of the way down the mountain to meet my friend and me (at 11pm, no less) at a spot where we'd still have cell phone service. (There is no service at the top of the mountain.) He then led us up the winding mountain road and helped us settle in. We didn't see him much after that, as we spent most of the weekend in Malibu, but he saw us off the day we left.

The apartment is a short drive from Malibu and Santa Monica and is a perfect sanctuary from the more hectic surrounding areas. I only wish we had more than just a weekend at this lovely canyon hideaway. But next time, the secret will probably be out ... and I'll need to book way more than just a week in advance!