Hotels

Hotel San Cristobal

Hotel San Cristobal

Looking for a laid back, un-crowded alternative to Cabo? Hotel San Cristobal just outside of Todos Santos is the answer. The only traffic in Punta Lobos comes in the form of fishermen heading out to sea every morning and bringing their haul back in. The super chill 32-room beachfront property is surrounded by undeveloped land and feels removed from civilization. Yet it’s a very civilized place to spend a few days or unplug for a whole week—and even better, it doesn’t feel like you’re in a resort bubble, separated from the real local culture. Many efforts have been made to connect you to the community, be it through surf lessons with a local entrepreneur, cactus-lined bike paths leading into town or one of the many guided tours that can be booked through the convivial concierge who personally hand-picked every partner they work with.

Four Seasons Resort The Biltmore Santa Barbara

Four Seasons Resort The Biltmore Santa Barbara

One of the perks of being in the travel industry is getting to experience phenomenal hotels. A couple weeks ago, I checked into a hotel I’d always dreamed of being a guest at: the Four Seasons Resort The Biltmore Santa Barbara. “The Biltmore,” as locals call it, is an iconic property in the drop dead gorgeous city of Santa Barbara, where I lived for a decade in my twenties and visited often throughout my childhood (and still do!). I’d been on property for countless brunches, lunches, drinks, dinners and events over the years, but I’d never stayed the night...until now.

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Big Sur or Bust

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Big Sur or Bust

Big Sur is the kind of place you get emotionally attached to; it calls you back again and again. No matter what your religion or lack thereof, Big Sur’s powerful energetic pull and soul soothing properties cannot be denied. Situated on the most iconic stretch of the Pacific Coast Highway, the greater Big Sur region in Monterey County stretches from San Simeon in the south to Carmel in the north.  Peace, quiet and Mother Nature are the main attractions here. Aside from the dramatic drive and infinite scenic photo ops, Big Sur is home to some incredible lodging options, legendary healing retreats and countless hiking trails traversing regal redwood forests. Of course there is good food on the menu, too.

Peace Out in Ojai

Peace Out in Ojai

I’ve always been a fan of Ojai and now that I'm living in Los Angeles it’s top of my short road trip getaway destination list. It’s an easy 1.5-hour drive from LA without traffic and it’s simply an easy place to be:  a slow paced small town that’s equal parts bohemian, new age-y and country. The places on my Ojai “Cheat Sheet” can be easily worked into a 2-3 day itinerary. I definitely recommend a two night minimum stay to truly get into the Ojai groove and fully benefit from the peaceful, relaxed state it offers. But one day in Ojai is better than none!