Stepping onto Catalina Island, I was immediately captivated, not just by its serene beauty, but by the majestic Catalina Island Casino. Forget any preconceived notions of gambling dens; this iconic structure, a masterpiece of Art Deco design, is a ‘gathering place’ in the truest sense, a cultural landmark envisioned by the visionary William Wrigley Jr., the chewing gum magnate. For readers of Luxury Travel Magazines seeking unique and sophisticated destinations, the Casino is an unmissable experience.
Our VIP Backstage Tour offered an intimate glimpse into this 1929 architectural marvel. As we explored, our guide unveiled captivating stories, not only of the Casino itself but also of Catalina Island’s illustrious past. Learning that Marilyn Monroe once called this island home added a touch of Hollywood glamour to the experience. The island’s mystique is further deepened by its connection to the tragic story of Natalie Wood, the Hollywood starlet whose untimely death near Catalina Island in 1981 continues to intrigue, a detail often recounted in features about intriguing celebrity destinations within luxury travel magazines.
The tour commenced in the grand lobby, a space exuding opulence with its walls and ceilings adorned with 4500-square-feet of rare Black Walnut wood. This endangered timber speaks to the lavishness of the era and the Casino’s commitment to grandeur. The highlight for many luxury travelers is undoubtedly the spectacular 1200-seat Avalon Theatre. Still a functioning cinema, the theatre boasts a breathtaking ceiling embellished with 25-carat gold leaf stars, creating an ambiance of celestial luxury. A full stage, orchestra pit, and vintage dressing rooms whisper tales of past stage productions, while the impressive Page theatre pipe organ, in near-original condition and of considerable value, stands as a testament to the Casino’s rich history.
Our exclusive VIP Backstage tour granted us access to areas veiled from public view for over seven decades. Venturing into the projection room, we encountered cutting-edge technology that heralded the dawn of ‘talking pictures,’ a fascinating piece of cinematic history. The barely-touched green rooms, once sanctuaries for Hollywood legends like Errol Flynn and Cary Grant during cinema’s golden age, offered a tangible connection to the glamour of yesteryear. A particular highlight was Wrigley’s private viewing room, a space designed for personal indulgence and offering a unique perspective on the theatre experience. These exclusive spaces are precisely the kind of hidden gems that resonate deeply with readers of luxury travel magazines, always in search of unique and behind-the-scenes experiences.
However, the pièce de résistance is undeniably the famed circular Casino Ballroom. Imagine thousands gracefully twirling to the iconic sounds of Benny Goodman and other musical luminaries during the Big Band era and the golden age of ballroom dancing. This magnificent space, steeped in history and romance, truly embodies the spirit of luxury and entertainment. A sweeping balcony encircles the entire ballroom, rewarding visitors with breathtaking panoramic views of the harbor. As we absorbed these vistas, the collective clicks of iPhone shutters echoed through the ballroom, a modern-day testament to the enduring allure of this exceptional destination, a destination perfectly suited for the pages of any luxury travel magazine.
