Monterey, California: A box-set inspired break

As the anguished tones of Michael Kiwanuka’s haunting “Cold Little Heart” filters through the TV screen, Reese Witherspoon, Nicole Kidman, Laura Dern, Shailene Woodley and Zoe Kravitz glide along a jaw-dropping mountainous coastline in gleaming SUVs.

HBO’s hit drama, Big Little Lies, follows the twists and turns of the complex lives of the residents of Monterey, California. Despite its Hollywood heavyweight cast, the location - perhaps showcased at its most magnificent in the opening credits, manages to take a starring role all of its own.

Throughout turbulent love lives, murder and everyday dilemmas, Monterey supplies the consistently stunning backdrop, its troubled residents seemingly oblivious to the natural beauty they’re privileged to inhabit. We witness with envy as they jog along its beaches, sip wine and chat on its sun-drenched wharves and jetties; and party in view of its ocean.

Monterey, population 28,450, with locals whose lives are hopefully considerably less complicated than those of Reese, Nicole and co, sits on the beloved stretch of California’s Pacific coastline known as Big Sur. It’s a popular stop for road trippers and offers some of the most unparalleled natural scenery in the USA. Visitors can recreate Big Little Lies’ memorable opening sequence by traversing the iconic Bixby Bridge on Highway One, taking in rugged cliffs and mountain views.

Switching four wheels for feet opens up all manner of other opportunities and unforgettable experiences in the region. Although the Big Little Lies cast veer strongly towards the luxury offered, this is the place to get back to nature. Hike, camp and spot wildlife - including endangered California condors - in the Pfeiffer Big Sur State Park. Scan the ocean for whales and sea otters, or comb the beaches for the Pacific’s spoils.

If life under canvas isn’t for you, then make like Nicole Kidman’s Celeste and splurge on some of the finer things in life. A few nights’ stay at the exclusive cliff top spa resort Post Ranch Inn should do the trick. And with Californian wines comfortably among the world’s most respected, it would be remiss not to see what the region’s vineyards have to offer.