The last time I was at the Madonna InnI was on a road trip with my family and I was 13. All these years later it’s just as kitschy as I remembered. It’s such a fun spot that probably hasn’t changed much since it opened in the 50’s. We only stopped for breakfast, but I’d love to go back for a longer stay. All of the rooms are decorated with their own theme and you can actually choose which one you want to stay in. You can see them here. Also, if you’re there for more than one night they don’t mind if you switch rooms so you can experience more!
I was worried I’d be cold but decided to wear this lavender dress(It’s $31 and the quality is surprisingly good for the price) and the weather turned out to be perfect once again. I’m not the biggest fan of purple but lately the lighter shades are growing on me.
When it comes to weekend getaways Palm Springs is my favorite place to escape to. It’s less than two hours away but somehow feels like a different world. Jeff and I always have so many special memories there – it’s where we got engaged! SO, I thought I’d share a guide to my favorite places in the desert.
PACK:
I like to bring a daytime and nighttime outfit for each day I’m there. Day always includes a swim suit and night (unless it’s July-September) includes a light layer. The temps drop a bit when the sun goes down and the air conditioning is always cranked up, so a denim jacket or something of the like are never a bad idea.
STAY:
Hands down favorite place is The Parker. I’ve always loved their beautiful grounds and design but when Jeff proposed to me on the croquet lawn it became a sentimental place too. We love to wander the grounds (cocktail in hand) and find secret corners to hang out in.
Obviously there are tons of hotels but I’m pretty picky when it comes to PS. Also love The Ace, Riviera, Avalon and Saguaro.
It’s also fun to rent a house if you’re traveling with a group. My favorite sites for that are Airbnb, VRBO and Oranj Palm.
BRUNCH:
Cheekys – I’m not a huge breakfast person but I love this spot. They serve Bloody Mary’s in boots and specialize in a bacon flight!
Normas at The Parker – Their brunch is delicious but my favorite is their turkey sandwich for lunch. Tip: if you’re staying at the hotel and you’re poolside you can ask for Norma’s menu and be served at the pool.
Take a detour to see the instagram sensation #thatpinkdoor if you’re into that sort of thing… 100 Sierra Way
My favorite thing to do in the desert is basically nothing! I love to park it at the pool with a good book and a cocktail and eat an early dinner. There are so many options if you find yourself bored. Go vintage shopping, hit up the outlet malls, take an architecture tour, go on a hike, ride the aerial tram.
Hope this helps! Let me know if you’re planning any desert trips anytime soon, I’d love to live vicariously through you!
When I’m on vacation I love wearing sundresses and rompers more than anything. First of all, they’re easier to pack and they take up less room because you don’t need multiple pieces for an outfit. But I also love their versatility. Take this one from Cheeky Peach, it was as perfect to wear to brunch as it was over my swimsuit as a coverup for a day at the pool. And let’s talk about embellishments… tassels are my favorite and I can never pass them up.
When we were in Palm Springs last weekend we made a stop at The Parker to walk around and take some pictures. It’s always been a special place to us and it’s where Jeff popped the question last summer. It was our first time back and so fun to re-visit.
I’m very much looking forward to this weekend. I have so many wedding related tasks I need to catch up on and I know we’ll be able to squeeze in some fun as well. Hope yours is just as nice.
As I mentioned Monday, over the weekend Jeff and I had a little staycation at the Four Seasons in Westlake Village… just about 30 minutes north of LA. The resort boasts that it’s “known for being unknown” and we couldn’t agree more! It was a great escape from the city, we were so relaxed and far removed from our every day lives (his is more stressful than mine).
After we checked in we did a little exploring on the beautiful grounds.
Our next stop was Onyx for a delicious sushi spread.
Then we had a drink at the hotel hotel bar overlooking the lawn.
The next morning we started with room service and then made our way to the pool…
And our private cabana where we camped out for the day.
We ended the getaway with massages and champagne. Can all Saturdays be like that?
Thank you so much to everyone at the Four Seasons!
Share:
ABOUT ASHLEY
Welcome to Ash'n'fashn!
I'm Ashley, a professional stylist, wife, and new mom, sharing my love of fashion, beauty, home decor, travel, and life in sunny Southern California!
