Matt C.

Let me just start by saying it was a magical weekend. It’s as if two lovebirds finding the perfect getaway nest to celebrate their 1st of many anniversaries. Let me take you to a simple yet exquisite experience during this magical weekend.

June 1st, 2019 – a bright Sunday. Kat and I stopped by Paso Robles; an esteemed town known for its wine culture. ‘Twas a one stop shop at Niner Wine Estates for a relaxing outdoor break. Charcuterie et fromage, deep embodied Pinot Noir, and my beautiful girlfriend basking in the radiant sun right next to a stunning view of Heart Hill. What else can I ask for?

What excited me about the trip was our stay at Madonna Inn which I originally heard by word of mouth. What I did not know is how we both would be blown away in all aspects.

Checking in the Madonna Inn, we went straight to our reserved luxury suite called Barrel of Fun. I can list things that are so great about this room that I can count with all my fingers and toes. There is an abundant amount of space and privacy that is often under appreciated when staying at hotel establishments. At this point, it’s not even like a hotel. It’s paradise. To access this 2nd floor room, you must go at the corner and climb up a spiral staircase. Door swings open to a bright blue room. Carpet like you’re walking on the sea with a rock embedded fireplace and a patio that overlooks the farm-like field where the horses gallivant. At this point, we did not even want to leave. Just enjoy a bottle of wine and talk about life. Unfortunately, we planned a few excursions that night we didn’t get to enjoy a nice staycation in our room.

Next on the checklist is a romantic dinner at the Alex Madonna’s Gold Rush Steak House. Opening the door at the main entrance, our eyes wide as an owl. That door was like a Borderline between the real world and a fairy tale land. Elegance. That was our first initial thought. Red, gold, and pink hues enveloped the entire dining area. It was like we went back in the Victorian-era and we were invited as royal guests of a queen. We sat down a booth with a pink balloon that said Happy Anniversary. Let me tell you that as cliché as it may sound, it’s the little things and details that count. We feasted on a mouth-watering filet mignon and fresh seafood accompanied with vegetables and our favorite red wine. The amount of dopamine was so intense. The surge of happiness you feel around your other half. I can’t speak for my girlfriend, but my feeling was ecstatic to say the least. She was not a Material Girl at all but she was in awe how much detail was put in the décor and the overall feel of Madonna Inn. We were Into The Groove when we realized that we had more plans that night as if it wasn’t perfect already.

Before we went back to our fun room, we drove back to Paso Robles under the starry night sky to check out Bruce Munro’s art installation called a Field of Light at Sensorio. It is the perfect balance of nature, art, and technology expressed. I won’t go into too much detail, but it was the perfect place to meditate. Just simply wonder, feed your eyes, and realize how blessed we all are.

Coming to the conclusion of this story, we spent the night cuddled by the fireplace. My thoughts? I am with my forever. Crazy For You. Just us two. Yes, it’s cheesier than an entire wheel of parmesan but it’s what actual bliss feels like. Every moment enjoyed. We did have another half a day before our inn adventure comes to an end. My only regret was that we did not get a chance to book a massage, but guess what? Although we love trying out new things, you best bet that we’ll be back again.

Oh, I almost forgot to mention. If you are going to Madonna Inn, you’ll be missing out if you do not order the famous pink champagne cake as well as the toffee crunch cake.

The weekend felt like a Holiday I did not want to end. I wished time had Frozen and that moment was seized longer. The only thing we took back with us: a few cool souvenirs – goblets, magnets, a postcard of our room, and the most important thing. The unforgettable journey.

P.S. Sorry (not sorry) for the few Madonna song puns in the short story.

Until next time we meet. At La Isla Bonita we call Madonna Inn.