Head to the Madonna Inn for poolside cocktails and color therapy.
At the whimsical Madonna Inn in San Luis Obispo, pink is a religion, every hour is cocktail hour and nothing is ever too over the top. This California landmark has 110 lavishly decorated and individually themed rooms to stay in, secret gardens, an award-winning spa, a gorgeous outdoor pool, a dining space and boutiques. It’s a 1000-acre pink paradise that makes for the perfect mini-break and its bold interiors offer all the color therapy you could need.
Upon arrival, you’ll find white, pristine Alpine-inspired exteriors that bear zero resemblance to the eclectic wonderland inside. Guests can stay the night in one of the completely unique rooms —and not all of them are pink—with quirky names or opt for a tour of them. There’s something to suit every mood room like “Rock Bottom,” which incorporates large rocks from the surrounding land, some weighing in excess of 200 tons each. Other rooms include unique features like waterfall showers, vintage finishings, and even a bed on wagon wheels.
If you need a brief respite from the lavish decor, you can head to the terrace and take in the sweeping views of the serene San Luis Obispo while sipping on poolside cocktails or fresh smoothies.
The Gold Rush eatery, which used to be open all day prior to the Covid restrictions, has a giant golden tree lighting fixture at the heart of it with hot pink booths around it. Its ornate “branches” were made from electrical conduit rescued from a building project and the hand-carved marble balustrade in the room came from the Hearst Castle. Anything ordered from the Copper Cafe and Gold Rush Steak House is currently being served outside in the Gold Rush Pavilion due to restrictions.
There are plenty of outdoor activities to keep you busy, like hiking, biking and horseriding. While the fitness center is closed, there are bright pink tennis courts and other outdoor game facilities to keep active types satisfied. To unwind after a long day outdoors, there are an array of massage options to choose from with trained professionals.
Before leaving, you can browse the shops and take a little Madonna Inn treasure home with you, like their signature goblets that come in wacky colors and patterns.
Location: 100 Madonna Rd, San Luis Obispo, CA 93405
Feature Image: Madonna Inn