RAOPinCali

Pastels in Palm Springs

March 9, 2016March 8, 2016 by Alyssa Garrison

Growing up I spent most of my winters at my grandparent’s house in Palm Springs, and though I don’t remember a lot, the few memories that I do have are bathed in sunshine and smiles. Learning to drive my grandpa’s golf cart, long dips in the pool, and trips to the flea market in search of treasures with my grandma: they’re moments I hope to never forget.

I hadn’t been back to Palm Springs since my childhood family vacations, but the #RAOPinCali trip seemed like the perfect time to revisit the past. It was more simple to book our trip in and out of LAX when we were organizing everything on Expedia.ca, so we opted to drive from the Madonna Inn down to Palm Springs for our last 24 hours instead of flying. We booked a pink and purple room at the oh-so-colourful Saguaro Hotel, and planned to do what Palm Springs is best for: lounge by the pool all day long.

But of course I’m far too energetic for that sort of thing, and though we spent most of our time within the rainbow walls of The Saguaro, we took free rental bikes for a morning adventure to explore the hotel’s surroundings.

We didn’t have a ton of time to pastel hunt, but the few sights we did see were worth the workout. First we headed to The Parker, a beautiful hotel property designed by Jonathan Adler a few blocks away. We treated ourselves to the most beautiful breakfast at Norma’s (one of the hotel’s restaurants-make sure you try the lemonade!) before exploring the lush maze-like grounds. After breakfast we went on a semi-epic search for “That Pink Door”, only to find it was just around the corner from our hotel all along. Hot, sweaty, and bicycled-out, we retired to the colourful pool deck at The Saguaro for the rest of the afternoon before hopping back in the car to hop a plane home.

I’ve used the word “perfect” in this series of vacation posts FAR too much, but that’s because everything about it really was so magical, and our relaxing time in Palm Springs was the best ending we could’ve hoped for. I can’t wait to see where our next colourful adventures take us… a pastel world tour perhaps?!

Get yourself a rainbow room at The Saguaro with Expedia.ca here!

Fun pool accessories by Ban.do

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Pink Drinks and Dancing at The Madonna Inn

March 4, 2016March 4, 2016 by Alyssa Garrison

I’ve been to The Madonna Inn for a super quick visit before, and a few short hours made a big impression- so big in fact that this time around team RAOP booked a sleepover.

We were really lucky to be able to plan the California trip of our dreams thanks to Expedia.ca, and they helped us with everything from the perfect convertible car rental to cruise around in, to hotel rooms at our top picks. The Madonna Inn was a necessary stop on our route, so we planned a mini road trip up the coast for 48 hours to explore, and quickly secured the “merry” room for our stay (because glitter wallpaper!)

Having a sleepover at The Madonna Inn was everything we had dreamed of and more. On the drive up we had the most amazing brunch at Malibu Farm and splashed around in the sea, and upon arrival we were given a bag of cookies with our room key. The room itself had original pink shag carpet and baby pink terry cloth bath robes hanging in the closet, the pool sat atop a hill above the resort bathing in hot pink spotlights, and when the sun went down Saturday night the steakhouse came alive with the most wonderful characters.

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After a quick moonlight dip in the hot tub Johanna and I got all dolled up and headed down to the main hotel building. We sipped on pink Long Island Iced Teas (even more dangerous than a regular Long Island- recipe coming soon!) as the live band played tune after tune, and to our surprise the hot pink dance floor quickly filled up with couples young and old. Some were clearly just having fun, but many of the couples knew every step, and by the end of the night we’d both had a lesson from a charming elderly gentleman- apparently we were “too pretty not to know how to properly dance.”

A little wobbly from one too many pink drinks and a whole bunch of dancing, we skipped back to our room and collapsed into the massive bed under a sparkling roof and gilded chandelier. In the morning we sipped fresh-pressed juice from The Madonna Inn’s signature iridescent goblets, and shared a massive piece of their bakery’s famous pink champagne cake. Then we packed up the car and waved goodbye, headed to Palm Springs but secretly wishing we could stay put in the magical pink world of The Madonna Inn forever.

I mean really, can you blame us?

Book a room at The Madonna Inn through Expedia.ca here!

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That Pink Wall

March 3, 2016March 2, 2016 by Alyssa Garrison

Unless you’ve been living in a colourless hole without Instagram for the past couple years you’ve likely seen photos taken at “That Pink Wall”. Honestly I’m not sure how I’ve missed this expansive structure in past visits, but this time around we saw it from a mile away.

Funnily enough, the wall lived up to its popular reputation- we were flanked by bloggers and photographers on either side doing exactly what we were, and it was pretty fun to watch other people work. Now if only we could get someone to paint an entire building hot pink here in Toronto… See you there?

Top via Keepsake, vintage shorts and leather jacket, boots via BC Footwear, Heavenly patch by Hayley Elsaesser

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Breakfast at The Beverly Hills Hotel

March 1, 2016February 28, 2016 by Alyssa Garrison

Inspired by the always glamorous Jenny of Margot and Me, Jo and I decided to get dolled up and treat ourselves to poolside breakfast at the very famous (and very pink) Beverly Hills Hotel.

A short drive from where we were staying, The Beverly Hills Hotel felt like taking a trip back in time. Filled with elegant flashes of gold, lush banana plants, and the prettiest pool cabanas you ever did see, we instantly felt like 1950s’ movie stars, and attempted to act as such (in our own hilariously awkward way).

If you get a chance to visit this legendary gem, make sure you check out the adorable coffee bar (it’s actually like a time capsule), explore the pool deck, and snap up a sugar pack or two (they’re pink and perfect.)

Want to live like a movie star in LA? Book a room at The Beverly Hills Hotel through Expedia.ca!

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The Most Magical Place on Earth

February 22, 2016February 23, 2016 by Alyssa Garrison

When I first started to dream up Johanna and I’s trip, I was pretty torn on where we should go. We’ve daydreamed about Mexico city, the South of France and New York, and since Jo hasn’t had the chance to travel much it was a tough call deciding where to take her first. In the end, Southern California took the cake, because, well, Disneyland.

I’ve mentioned my total undying love for Disneyland before, but I think it bears repeating: there is no place on earth like the original Disneyland Park. This year’s visit brought my total number up to 16, and it was just as dreamy as the sunny days I remember from my childhood. We stayed from open to close, running from ride to ride and devouring Mickey-shaped pretzels (well, Mickey shaped everything actually.) We even got to wear special custom-made ears from House of Mouse!

Some of our favourite stops included:

-It’s a Small World
-Space Mountain
-Trader Sam’s Enchanted Tiki Bar (it’s worth the trek to the Disneyland Hotel)
-Candy Palace
-Tiki Juice Bar (aka. Dole Whip!)
-Mad Tea Party

What do you love best about Disneyland?!

For perfect Expedia.ca vacation packages to the Most Magical Place on Earth, click here.