20 minutes from the main town, Pachamama is a yoga retreat and boutique hotel in Todos Santos that is right by the water and is the perfect place to rest and unwind. With ocean views, an infinity pool, zen communal kitchen, and hammock lounge, you’ll not only disconnect from the world but you’ll even forget that your phone exists.

With most stays, I always go off the vibe above everything else, and when I stepped through the bright yellow doors leading into the front porch, I felt a huge sense of calmness. I’ve seen all the photos of the front porch on social media and didn’t expect to actually be impressed still. You know how you’ve seen the Effiel Tower all over the Internet but then when you stand in front of it, you still can’t get over how beautiful it really is? Yeah, that’s pretty much how I felt. It is even more gorgeous in person than in photos. But that’s just the beginning.

When I’m feeling stressed and want to get away, the first place I typically opt for is Hawaii. Being from LA, it’s not an easy flight over to the islands but picking which one is . usually the hardest part. This trip, we picked Maui, for the vibes, the food, and for the Fairmont Kea Lani. It was the best decision we made for our last trip of the year.

You can spot it from the freeway and once you enter valet, you have the immediate sense that you’re home. The interior design will leave you in awe while you register exactly where you are, this is Menlo Park. Located about 45-minutes from San Francisco, Menlo Park is also known as Silicon Valley and right next door to Hotel Nia is Facebook’s headquarters. Yep, you’re surrounded by the biggest tech companies but once you step inside your room, you’ll forget all that and be mesmerized by how beautiful your home away from home is.

If you’re familiar with the Bungalow, drive a few minutes past it and you’ll find yourself at Oceana. You won’t find any loud parties or obnoxious drunks here. Nope, this luxurious boutique hotel is suited for those who really want to get away from the craziness of Santa Monica and are seeking a relaxing stay.

Situated across from The Grove, Farmer’s Daughter is a boutique hotel offering a unique experience. With daily whiskey tasting hour, an on-site restaurant with amazing food, and cozy quarters to hideaway from the hustle and bustle of Melrose, it is a perfect getaway for couples and friends.

It’s a small town about 20 minutes away from Solvang, and one that I debated on sharing because it’s such a peaceful gem. The people in this town are humble, kind, and friendly. They live a happy life, a simple one, and truth be told, there isn’t too much to do when you’re there but it’s not meant to be a crazy weekend out of town anyways.

The best thing you can do for yourself is make yourself a priority, even just for a weekend. I promise you’ll feel much more focused, refreshed, and energized after a weekend away in Indian Wells at Miramonte Resort and Spa. Take a friend, a sister or your better half if you wish or just getaway on your own. It’s not only needed, but it is necessary.

The hotel itself blends design elements of rustic and elegance from the lobby to the rooms, beautiful interior selections and spacious rooms. However, with most boutique hotels, it isn’t a huge property and therefore, the one thing I believe they do need to improve upon is their staff.

Alongside our welcome tray was hand-written postcard from the front desk welcoming me. Sure, notes are standard for guests but this postcard also had little hand drawn graphics of all the places I visited on my last trip in Portland - places I blogged about in this post. I love when a hotel does their research and takes the time out to know who they are expecting, it shows that they really do care (and being a fan of my blog is a major plus!)

I had the pleasure of staying at Sofitel in Chicago, as they have partnered up with Dîner en Blanc International this year, which is an invite-only picnic that occurs in more than 80 cities around the world. Having loved attending the last three Diner en Blanc in LA, I was excited to be experiencing this event in a different city.

Punta Mita is a gated peninsula, secluded and protected by a security booth at the front of the entrance. Beyond these gates was our home for the four days, the Four Seasons. The drive through the peninsula was filled with palm trees and an amazing ocean view, which our driver paused briefly to allow us to admire it. Upon arriving at the hotel we were taken aback by how large the property really is. 

Located right by the river is the historically popular hotel, Majestic Hotel Saigon. A hotel that my father remembers from his own teenage years in Ho Chi Minh and one that is loved by many tourists for its prime location in District 1.