MALIBU

Malibu. For years I believed it was this mythical land full of sunshine and bliss. Turns out, Malibu does exist, it IS full of sunshine and bliss (as well as so many other wonderful and delicious things), and it more beautiful than I could have ever imagined.

Heading to Malibu Farm Cafe on the Malibu Pier was such a great way to begin our adventure. We walked to the end of the pier, had the best beer and burgers, watched the surfers waiting on their waves, and just admired the sheer beauty surrounding us. I’m pretty sure I was smiling the entire time… can I go back now?

On the way back, we stopped for Dole Whip at the lovely ice cream stand pictured above. Yep, it was a good way (a really, really good way) to spend our first few hours in Malibu.

Josh always wants to talk about travel plans late at night, which does not work for me. By “late at night,” I mean after 8PM, when my brain switches over to power-save mode and I cannot form complete sentences or comprehend new information. However, I made an exception the evening that Josh woke me up around 10PM to show me the insanely beautiful resort he had found for our stay in Malibu. Not only did I comprehend the information, I was literally shrieking with joy over each new photo as he scrolled through the gallery. After we made the decision to book our stay (the photos made that decision very easy), I had a hard time thinking about anything else for the next few months before our trip.

Calamigos Guest Ranch and Beach Club. Driving through the picturesque hills of Santa Monica is like a vacation in itself, so when you actually arrive at Calamigos Guest Ranch and soak in the beauty of your surroundings, it is a moment you will not forget. You are literally met with hospitality the moment you arrive. I mean it. In fact, I was overwhelmed by the hospitality in the best way possible, and that is exactly why we are already dreaming of our next stay.

We stayed in one of the private cottages, and I could honestly get emotional talking (or writing) about how insanely beautiful and special it was. Our year had been particularly difficult, so this breathtaking California cottage was like a much-needed retreat after a long and difficult journey.

We savored each moment in our retreat. From the king-sized bed to the private courtyard and outdoor rain shower, you will have to pull yourself away from the cottage to go exploring. Don’t worry, it will be there waiting on you when you get back from the Beach Club, which you absolutely cannot miss if you are staying at Calamigos. I mean, look at it!

Ah, the Beach Club. I now refer to the Beach Club at Calamigos as my mental “happy place” when I’m having a tough day. I have had many of those since our trip last summer, so I’ve relied heavily on my memories of Malibu and our day at the Beach Club to get me through the past year. Concerned about how you’ll get to the beach from the resort? Don’t be. A Tesla SUV (I know) or another private vehicle will pick you up at the resort and transport you to the insanely gorgeous clubhouse, where you’ll soak up the unforgettable style of the interior paired with the stunning view of the Pacific. The vibe there is everything I crave. Mid-century decor with a unique SoCal flair. If my house could look like the Beach Club at Calamigos, I’d be the happiest girl.

Again, the hospitality. It is incredible at Calamigos and I cannot say it enough. We sat down at the seriously rad bar and I got started with a margarita at 10AM on a Tuesday (there was no judgement) while Josh got his IPA from a local SoCal brewery. Following an intense game of shuffleboard (which I won), we headed down to the beach for a truly magical morning by the sea. Want to paddle board? You can. I am kicking myself for not trying it, (especially since paddle boarding is starting to become a big part of my life now that I have my board and a shark-free body of water), but I have vowed to do it on the pacific the next time we go! Want calamari and french fries? Just say the word and it will literally be delivered to you. This is not a drill. I have the photographic evidence to prove it below. Also, there were dolphins. Literally, dolphins were just living their best lives in front of us while we sat in these glorious blue-and-white striped beach chairs and ate french fries. Could life have gotten any better in that moment? Only if the dolphins had asked me to come swimming. Those moments in those chairs by the sea? I’ll hold onto them for the rest of my life.

After that unforgettable day by the water in Malibu, we headed back to the Beach Club for another drink before being picked up and taken back to the resort. One black-and-white Turner Classic Movie later, we were on our way to dinner at The Malibu Cafe. Need a ride? Calamigos has you covered, and one of their vehicles will transport you to the cafe and pick you up, no Lyft or Uber required (so you can drink all the margaritas!) Let me tell you, reality hit hard when we left California.

The Malibu Cafe is an absolute must if you find yourself anywhere near Malibu! We had the BEST time, and the atmosphere was unlike anything I had ever experienced at a restaurant. It felt more like a seriously cool, rustic wedding reception complete with an unbelievably gorgeous location and crazy good food and drinks. I loved every minute of our experience there. Did I mention they have games? You’ll want to take pictures of everything at Malibu Cafe because it is full of fantastic backdrops and eclectic vibes. I ordered the fried chicken, and this born-and-raised Southern girl almost fell out of her seat in California because the fried chicken was that good. Amen. I almost forgot, order the tater tot poutine!! Do it. Look at the photo below if you need a second opinion.

We did not take a minute of our stay at Calamigos for granted, and I don’t understand how anyone could. It is truly extraordinary, and literally around each corner there is something new, something unique to Calamigos, a bit of Malibu to inspire you.

After our blissful escape to Malibu came to an end, I actually cried as we drove away. You know it was good when the experience makes you so truly happy that the ending of it all brings you to tears.