What makes the Biltmore unique are the breathtaking views of the ocean. The first night as we were trying to decide where to go for dinner, we walked through the stunning lobby and saw that the Bella Vista restaurant in the hotel had a front seat to watch the ocean as the sun was setting. How could we pass that up? After a breathtaking sunset we enjoyed homemade pasta that melted in our mouths. It was the perfect end to a our magical day.

The following day we enjoyed a casual walk by the ocean to get one last glimpse of our view. After we check out of the hotel we of course had to stop into our favorite shops in town – Rooms and Gardens, Diani, and Dressed in Santa Barbara and Botanik in Summerland. All of these are a must!

As we left to continue our road trip down to LA we agreed that another stay at the Biltmore was definitely in order – it was the perfect home away from home.

Photos by Caitlin Flemming

“Getaway” will be appearing on Sacramento Street to document my travels. I’m hoping to make it a monthly feature. If you have a favorite hotel in your city that you think should be featured please leave a comment or email me. I’ll be traveling a far amount in 2013 and hopefully it’ll be to a city you recommend!

I have to admit – I’ve driven past The Carneros Inn on every trip to Napa. When you pass it you see a long eight foot high wall along the road. I had always wondered what the other side was like. When my mom asked where we should go for a little getaway after the holiday madness, it came to mind. Since I had always wanted to stay there and we both needed a little R & R, it seemed like the perfect place to go.

As we entered The Carneros Inn we were instantly transported into what felt like heaven. We drove up the road to the Hilltop where we were greeted with a glass of delicious wine, taken to our cottage that had a stunning fireplace already going, an outdoor shower and private garden. Once we were unpacked we looked at each other and both had the giddy feeling like Kate Winslet from The Holiday – when she jumps on the bed and does an air guitar dance. We didn’t want to leave the 27 acre property the entire time. With three restaurants, a spa and market on property we honestly didn’t have to leave.

What makes The Carneros Inn unique is you feel like you are the only guests when you are out and about exploring – it’s peaceful, serene and the crisp Napa air makes all of your worries go away. You feel like you are on cloud nine.

So, if you are planning a trip to Napa I highly recommend staying here – start your morning with a walk to the Market for the Bellman breakfast sandwich and latte. Then walk the property back to your room. Enjoy a few hours by the pool, go to the spa or relax in your private garden. Then freshen up for dinner at Farm – the lobster risotto I had brought back memories of my trip to Maine. Then end the night enjoying a cocktail by the outdoor fire. Now, doesn’t that make you want to go?

As my mom and I left our girls weekend we were already planning our next trip back.

Photos by Caitlin Flemming

“Getaway” is a new feature that will be appearing on Sacramento Street to document my travels. I’m hoping to make it a monthly feature. If you have a favorite hotel in your city that you think should be featured please leave a comment or email me. I’ll be traveling a far amount in 2013 and hopefully it’ll be to a city you recommend!

A week off enjoying San Francisco is just what I needed. We decided to do small day trips – one of them being a drive up to Tomales Bay. As we drove out to Hog Island Oyster Company that sits on the edge of Tomales Bay, I knew it would be a peaceful day. Winding through the coastal hills and losing all cell phone service is what all of us needed. The stunning views, delicious food and great company made for a perfect day. Not to mention meeting our friends new puppy Miss Marlowe, which was icing on the cake.

If you’re up for a little day trip, I highly recommend going to Tomales Bay.

Photos by Caitlin Flemming

What a fabulous week it has been – work has been refreshingly productive with lots of fun and exciting projects, nights were spent out enjoying dinners and events with friends and now we’re off to Portland for my brother-in-law’s wedding. We’re excited to go home to see friends and family. It’s going to be a fantastic weekend of celebrating!

Hope all of you have a lovely weekend where ever it might take you! See you back here on Monday – tata!

xx, Caitlin

Photo from wit + delight

Weekend getaways are utterly divine. Especially when it entails getting on a plane to go see Eric in Arizona. I couldn’t be happier for a little escape from the city to enjoy some desert time full of heat and sunshine – my biggest problem is what to pack. Be sure to follow me on instagram to see the adventures from this weekend. Even though I’ll be leaving my computer behind, I had to bring along my iPad because I can’t wait to catch up on my blog reading during my flight – I’m incredibly behind.

Hope each and every one of you have a lovely weekend in store. See you back here on Monday!

xx, Caitlin
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Wowza, this week has got the best of me. I feel as though I’ve been completely MIA on twitter – missing out on a whole lot, but work has been busy busy.

By the time you read this I will be on a plane to LA for the opening day of the Maison de Luxe Greystone Mansion opening. The entire Kendall Wilkinson team will be there to see our room in person – the photos I’ve seen are stunning. I can’t wait to see all of the rooms, mingle with bloggers I haven’t seen in awhile, hear a few lectures and then toast to a fabulous team. On Saturday I’m meeting up with Jessica and Fallon for lunch – I can’t wait to meet them both! Then I’ll be back to SF for a dinner party. Phew, it’s going to be a busy little weekend, but it’s going to be a blast!

While I’m away be sure to pop over to these links:

Happy Monday! I am back from a wonderfully relaxing trip to Palm Springs – it was hot, hot, hot. It was exactly the kind of weekend I needed about 2 months ago. On Friday we explored Palm Springs – did a little shopping, checked out the Ace, and then headed back to our house to cook a delicious meal. The rest of the weekend we stayed at the house for pool time. It was divine!

Here are a few of my favorites from this week . . . my caramel Clare Vivier clutch that I’ve been carrying around all week, a new lip gloss color by Estee Lauder (I love the bright pink), a photo strip from the Ace hotel with Eric, branches from Birch and my signed copy of HUE by Kelly Wearstler. I also went to the Viceroy, Wearstler did a phenomenal job designing it and it is even more gorgeous in person than the pictures I’ve seen! From the architecture, to the furniture, to the paint colors – I was in awe. And last, but not least, my new iPhone – the Apple store in Palm Springs was so incredibly kind to replace it for me. I’ve never had such amazing customer service. I should say that not having a phone for two days was interesting and I realized how much I rely on it. It’s kind of like my third arm and I need to remember to step away and enjoy life without technology.

Hope all of you have a lovely week ahead. Summer has finally arrived in San Francisco, so I’ll be frolicking around the city in sundresses.

Photos by Caitlin Flemming

This weekend I am off to get away from the madness of the busy work week – I’ll be driving down to Carmel with my mom to spend some quality time with my family. It’s just what the doctor ordered. Plus my aunt and uncle just finished renovating their entire house so I’m excited to see it all finished. I’m looking forward to drives along to ocean (a must with my uncle – he loves showing us what’s new), walking their Beagle Lucy, shopping trips to Carmel by the Sea, tea time with the family and long dinners around the table. So if you’re looking for me – I’ll be in my comfies hanging out with the family!

Hope all of you have a wonderful and relaxing summer weekend. Enjoy every minute of it!

Here are a few of my favorites from this trip – a necklace I picked up at the Brooklyn Flea Market in Williamsburg by World Trades Fair, the Standard hotel that was too cool for school, hanging out with my NYC contributor Lauren from Material Lust, delicious chocolate cover honeycomb (yes, it heavenly) and lastly Terrain. Words cannot describe how inspiring it was. Don’t worry, a whole post is coming up tomorrow with details about my time there.