Hotel Crush ~ Indian Springs Resort and Spa ~ Napa Valley

Its a scary sign of my approaching old age - but just the other day a friend (I think) was asking me to recommend (I think) a hotel in the Napa Valley (I think), that wasn't too much money (I think) but was full of charm, class, and relaxation (I think)... No matter who originally asked me for the advice,  I think you'll all find something to love about Indian Springs in Calistoga!

One of the Valley's best kept secrets,  Indian Springs Resort and Spa is California’s oldest continuously operating pool and spa facility. Situated on 16 beautiful acres planted with olive and palm trees, roses and lavender, the property is blessed with four thermal geysers that produce an extraordinary supply of rich mineral water. You can spend your days covered in mud, playing Bocce, getting lost in a labyrinth or biking to neighboring vineyards to sip on some wine.

There is a total of 41 guest rooms at Indian Springs, including our 15 original cottages, 24 newly renovated Lodge rooms that start as low as $195 a night ... I think I feel a girls weekend coming on...

Homeawy (from Home) ~ Brisbane Bay Australia

While fall seems to be settling in here in LA, spring has sprung south of the equator - which is why today's Homeaway from Home profiles a plush (and sadly, hyper expensive) Australian get away that I'm sure I'll be dreaming of come December.

Literally called "The Pretty House", the exclusive seven-acre property sits high above Brisbane Bay in a tree top canopy, just north of Sydney. The three one-bedroom pavilions come with an in-house chef, private decks, wine cellars, a heated pool and if that wasn't enough, a 38 foot yacht to explore the sea.

     

What?!?!  I girl can dream can't she?
TGIF
xo
Whit

Rainy Day ~ ACE Hotel Crush

This morning Los Angeles woke up to the sound of pattering rain, a few and far between awakening for a SoCal resident. When I finally dragged myself out of the warmth of my bed, I coaxed my boyfriend into a walk in the rain to get a perfect Intelligentsia latte, all before jumping in my car to sit in traffic for an hour to get to work (I mean, honestly LA - its just water). But along the way I got to thinking about how cozy and wonderful the rain made me feel, and it inspired to me find a hotel crush in one of our country's rainiest cities - Portland Oregon

I love the Ace Hotel Group. Their digs in Palm Springs is one of my favorite GetMeOutofLA getaways, but nothing can touch an original ~ which is why their hotel in historic downtown Portland makes the perfectly cozy rainy day hotel crush. With rates as low as $155  there is nothing I'd rather do than bundel up in a pendelton blanket, order room serivce and enjoy one of their 79 pet-friendly rooms. Maybe once the cabin fever hits, I'll wander next door to their event space The Cleaners - to catch a DJ or even a live show, but most likely I'll just cuddel up with a good read and a big cup of joe.  

Oh, and if the sun happens to shine. Rent a specially-outfitted-for-Portland Swobo bike from the hotel. Its free!  

 

Finally, this link is for the ladies - Check out this adorable ACE wedding featured on their blog!  

xo,

Whit

Day Trip - Outstanding in the Field

I had an absoulty wonderful weekend. My boyfriend and I had our families in town for a visit, I enjoyed a long overdue yoga class with a friend, and I could not have asked for better weather - the sun was hot but at the same time, the light felt soft and fallish. We ate most our meals together sitting on our front porch, taking in the ocean breeze, and relishing our new Venice Beach home. There is something sort of 'salt of the earth' about eating outdoors which is why today's post will focus on one of my favorite outdoor eating groups - Outstanding In The Field

A roveing culinary adventure, with a mission to re-connect diners to the land and the origins of their food, Outstanding In The Field, is an opertunity to meet new people, enjoy good eats, and linger for hours over good wine - all while enjoying fresh farm air.  Plus, since you buy your ticket ahead of time - the most annoying part of going out to eat (the bill) is already taken care of.

The culinary tour will be making three stops in SoCal in early November: 1). Wednesday, November 2nd at Wattles Farm here in LA. 2). Sunday, November 6th at The Growing Experience in Long Beach and 3). on  November 9th at McGrath Family Farm in Camarillo -  but  be warned - tickets sell fast so purchase them now.