Sneak Peek: The Inn At Mattei’s Tavern | Los Olivos, CA

Something big is happening in the quaint town of Los Olivos. I’m excited to share the news that Los Olivos will be home to the first esteemed luxury resort on California’s Central Coast, The Inn at Mattei’s Tavern, Auberge Resorts Collection.

I recently had the opportunity to tour this property under construction and received a glimpse into all that this revered property will offer…luxurious accommodations, authentic ranch-style farm-fresh foods, award-winning wines, pampered spa treatments, and relaxing poolside moments.

Over the past decade, California’s Central Coast has become a significant wine region producing award-winning wines and offering unique culinary experiences. However, the region provided no high-end accommodations for those seeking a refined luxury hotel between Big Sur and Santa Barbara.

In 2017 this changed when co-owners, Brian and Sharma Strange of Strange Family Vineyards and Deepak Kamra, purchased the town’s historic Mattei’s Tavern and partnered with the luxury hospitality portfolio group, Auberge Resorts Collection, to design and manage this area’s first ultra-luxury property.

What makes this project so exceptional is that the owners and Auberge Resorts have gone to great lengths to preserve the authenticity of Mattei’s Tavern along with four original cottages and have mindfully created an entire resort that seamlessly blends both worlds of old and new.

The new construction will include the addition of 63 new cottage-style accommodations that will showcase an elevated modern farmhouse design while reflecting the laid-back luxury of wine country living. Other property amenities will include multiple dining options, an outdoor pool, signature spa and facilities for special events.

In addition, The Inn at Mattei’s Tavern is located steps away from the heart of charming downtown Los Olivos walking distance to restaurants, wineries and shopping.

I think this will the beginning of a significant shift for this area and will become the standard by which all others are measured. This has been a long time in coming, and when The Inn at Mattei’s Tavern opens this fall, visitors to the Central Coast will now have what promises to be a world-class resort destination in which to stay.

The hotel is scheduled to open mid Fall 2022, with the Spa opening in Spring 2023.

Several New Luxury Hotel Openings Spark A Buzz In The Napa-Sonoma Wine Region

The Napa-Sonoma Wine Region…just hearing those words conjure up visions of rolling countryside vineyards, Michelin Star restaurants, and beautiful luxury retreats. And just when I thought this region might be settling in and beginning to rest on its laurels, *wham* here enter several exciting, high-end luxury resorts to shake things up.

Some of the more notable openings are the Montage Healdsburg, Four Seasons Resort and Residences Napa Valley, and the Stanly Ranch Auberge. The openings of these luxury brands have created excitement and a renewed exhilaration for those seeking the pampered lifestyle in wine country.

See the article below published in Sunset for more details on these and other new wine country hotels.

Carmel Valley Ranch | Carmel, CA

Many of us know Carmel, California for its beautiful coastline, storybook-style architecture, fine art community and abundance of hotels, restaurants, and shops. The beauty of this area draws people from around the world and is perhaps one of the most beautiful places on earth.

What many people don’t realize is that there is an entirely different side of Carmel. Just a few miles from downtown is what could be considered the rural side of Carmel, known as Carmel Valley. Carmel Valley offers a distinctively different experience with its serene countryside setting, rolling hills, vineyards, golf courses, equestrian trails and so much more that make this a perfect destination for the outdoor and wine enthusiast wanting to experience the peaceful, slower paced lifestyle of this beautiful region.

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Ritz-Carlton | Denver, CO

There is something exhilarating about being in Denver, Colorado…maybe it’s that crisp Rocky Mountain air, maybe it’s the 300+ days of sunshine a year, or maybe it’s the laid-back urban vibe that the city evokes. Whatever it is, the Mile-High City {nicknamed so because its elevation is exactly one mile above sea level} offers a nice juxtaposition between the urban Financial District with its high-rise buildings and the remanence of its old-west history with its historic neighborhoods and iconic landmarks.

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As most of my regular readers know, it is always my intention to stay at the most luxurious accommodations in any given area I visit as well as my preference to stay in a unique, boutique-style hotel; however, when I’m in an urban area, I admit that I enjoy staying in a high-rise that allows me to have a birds-eye view of the city and the bustling activity below. In looking for a luxury hotel in the Denver area, I knew that the Ritz-Carlton Denver would be a great choice. I appreciate the reliability of a luxury brand such as the Ritz-Carlton Hotels that I know I can count on to offer consistent and dependable quality in luxury accommodations.

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Allegretto Vineyard Resort | Paso Robles, CA

When someone mentions the California Wine Country, I’m pretty sure Napa Valley is the first place that comes to mind for most people. However as some wine lovers are aware, there has been a quiet evolution going on in California’s Central Coast for the past decade or so that is offering a viable alternative to Napa Valley…if you are not already aware of this area, let me acquaint you with the Paso Robles Wine Region.

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The Paso Robles Wine Region is located approximately equal distance between San Francisco and Los Angeles and is home to more than 200 wineries, most of which are family owned and operated, and has the perfect climate for producing award-winning premium wines. The Paso Robles AVA {American Viticultural Area, a designated wine grape-growing region in the United States} is acknowledged for its wide range of grape varietals including ZinfandelBordeauxCabernet Sauvignon, and most recently the Rhône varieties, including the first Syrah planted in California. Paso Robles is also receiving recognition for its original Paso blends that are unique to the area.

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Brush Creek Ranch | Saratoga, WY

@2016 Susan Edel

Let’s be honest, we’ve probably all done it at some point…dreamt about leaving the craziness behind and finding a remote cabin on acres of land ~ I think the Dixie Chicks said it best in their song Cowboy Take me Away , “Set me free oh I pray, closer to heaven above“. It’s an allure that’s all too tempting for many of us ~ we’re yearning to slow down and simplify our lives…even if only for a week or two.

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