Celebrating The Blonde Abroad Blog's 4th Birthday at the Madonna Inn • The Blonde Abroad

The Madonna Inn has made a name for itself with its over-the-top themed rooms and extravagant decor reminiscent of Vegas in the 1950’s. Though I’d driven the California Coast countless times before, I had yet to rest my pillow (in a room covered in pink glitter) at this landmark hotel.

For the 4th birthday of The Blonde Abroad, I decided to make that dream a reality. So, I booked a night’s stay to celebrate and let my “pink” flag fly.

Situated in beautiful San Luis Obispo, California, the Madonna Inn was the perfect stop on my recent girl’s road trip up the California Coast!

Each of the 40 rooms is uniquely decorated to suit different tastes — from rock rooms to waterfall showers to grand fireplaces to glittery walls.

We were lucky enough to stay in the Austrian Suite.

As one of the biggest rooms, this suite was SO big you could to do cartwheels through it. It was also adorned with gold and blue accents throughout, making it feel as though you were a royal guest.

The property includes large horse pastures, a pool and spa, wine cellar, bakery, coffee shop, dining room, cocktail lounge, banquet rooms, and shops.

The most breathtaking room is probably the Gold Rush Steakhouse. The hand-carved marble railings in the dining room came from Hearst Castle! The ceiling is also something to marvel at, boasting giant flower sculptures, glittering vines and gold foil.

Oh, and let’s not forget to mention the vibrant pink dining booths!

Last, but not least, Madonna Inn is known for their tasty cakes straight from their in-house bakery. We got a Pink Champagne cake for the blog’s big, birthday celebration — and it was to die for! I am not exaggerating. It might have been the best cake I’ve ever had.

So, naturally, we ate the rest for breakfast!

SHOP my Madonna Inn-inspired style!

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THIS is my travel sidekick I cannot fly without 👇
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Did you know that 1 in 4 flights are delayed or canceled? It’s enough to make you go mad… unless of course you have @airhelp!

AirHelp is a flight & claim tracker app that is a complete lifesaver on travel days helping me...

✔️ Track unlimited flights (no ads, no limits)
✔️ Get real-time updates for gates, terminals, and baggage claim details
✔️ Receive automatic alerts if I’m eligible for flight compensation
✔️ See my travel history log with a built-in travel map (my favorite part)

Honestly, I wish I had this app sooner! It would’ve been a game-changer on long-haul flights with my toddler. Whether you’re a frequent flyer or just planning your next adventure, this is one of the smartest tools you can have on your phone.

Download the @airhelp app today and fly with peace of mind.
•••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••
#AirHelpApp #TravelSmart #StressFreeTravel

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THIS is my travel sidekick I cannot fly without 👇
•••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••
Did you know that 1 in 4 flights are delayed or canceled? It’s enough to make you go mad… unless of course you have @airhelp!

AirHelp is a flight & claim tracker app that is a complete lifesaver on travel days helping me...

✔️ Track unlimited flights (no ads, no limits)
✔️ Get real-time updates for gates, terminals, and baggage claim details
✔️ Receive automatic alerts if I’m eligible for flight compensation
✔️ See my travel history log with a built-in travel map (my favorite part)

Honestly, I wish I had this app sooner! It would’ve been a game-changer on long-haul flights with my toddler. Whether you’re a frequent flyer or just planning your next adventure, this is one of the smartest tools you can have on your phone.

Download the @airhelp app today and fly with peace of mind.
•••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••
#AirHelpApp #TravelSmart #StressFreeTravel

Paris is always a good idea 🍷🇫🇷 🥐
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Summer might be winding down, but it’s quite literally impossible for Paris to have a bad season.

Whether you’re marveling at the Christmas decor during Winter, enjoying the cherry blossoms of Spring, celebrating Bastille Day in Summer, or embracing a crisp walk in Autumn, there is always a reason to visit Paris.

Here are just some of my favorites in Paris—be sure to save this for your next visit!

Let me know if you want my Ultimate Paris Guide below (with more tips on where to stay, where to eat, and what to do!) and I’ll send you a link!
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#paris #eurotrip #visitfrance

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Paris is always a good idea 🍷🇫🇷 🥐
•••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••
Summer might be winding down, but it’s quite literally impossible for Paris to have a bad season.

Whether you’re marveling at the Christmas decor during Winter, enjoying the cherry blossoms of Spring, celebrating Bastille Day in Summer, or embracing a crisp walk in Autumn, there is always a reason to visit Paris.

Here are just some of my favorites in Paris—be sure to save this for your next visit!

Let me know if you want my Ultimate Paris Guide below (with more tips on where to stay, where to eat, and what to do!) and I’ll send you a link!
•••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••
#paris #eurotrip #visitfrance

This might be the last car seat you’ll ever need 👇
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We’ve trusted @cybex_usa since Ollie was a newborn. Through flights, road trips, and every adventure in between, @cybex_usa has been with us around the world.

As a first-time parent, I admittedly went through more car seats than needed. Now, there’s the Callisto G 360. 🙌

It’s designed to work from newborn up to double digits, which means no more swapping seats at different stages.

This seat features 360° rotation, a one-time install, and SensorSafe alerts, making travel days and everyday drives so much easier (and safer!) 💛
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#CYBEX #TravelWithKids #travelsafe

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This might be the last car seat you’ll ever need 👇
•••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••
We’ve trusted @cybex_usa since Ollie was a newborn. Through flights, road trips, and every adventure in between, @cybex_usa has been with us around the world.

As a first-time parent, I admittedly went through more car seats than needed. Now, there’s the Callisto G 360. 🙌

It’s designed to work from newborn up to double digits, which means no more swapping seats at different stages.

This seat features 360° rotation, a one-time install, and SensorSafe alerts, making travel days and everyday drives so much easier (and safer!) 💛
•••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••
#CYBEX #TravelWithKids #travelsafe

Night dives are scary… until they’re not. 🌙🤿
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I used to think they were terrifying—it actually took me almost 50 dives before I built up the courage to do my first one. But now? I’m convinced there’s nothing more magical underwater.

What makes them so amazing is how different the ocean feels at night—you’ll see a whole new cast of marine life, from squid glowing like shooting stars in the dark to nocturnal creatures like octopus and lobsters emerging from their hiding places, and even manta rays depending on where you are in the world. ✨

On a recent trip to the Maldives with @tbaescapes, I had the chance to do a night dive with manta rays—easily one of the most incredible experiences of my life. You drop torches into the water, squid glowing like stars shimmer in the glow, and then the mantas come swooping in. They flip, spin, and dance above you in the dark… it honestly feels otherworldly.

Safe to say, I’ll never pass up a night dive again. 🖤
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#Maldives #ScubaDiving #NightDive #MantaRays

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Open post by theblondeabroad with ID 18098849836527194

Night dives are scary… until they’re not. 🌙🤿
•••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••
I used to think they were terrifying—it actually took me almost 50 dives before I built up the courage to do my first one. But now? I’m convinced there’s nothing more magical underwater.

What makes them so amazing is how different the ocean feels at night—you’ll see a whole new cast of marine life, from squid glowing like shooting stars in the dark to nocturnal creatures like octopus and lobsters emerging from their hiding places, and even manta rays depending on where you are in the world. ✨

On a recent trip to the Maldives with @tbaescapes, I had the chance to do a night dive with manta rays—easily one of the most incredible experiences of my life. You drop torches into the water, squid glowing like stars shimmer in the glow, and then the mantas come swooping in. They flip, spin, and dance above you in the dark… it honestly feels otherworldly.

Safe to say, I’ll never pass up a night dive again. 🖤
•••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••
#Maldives #ScubaDiving #NightDive #MantaRays

From toddler to big boy, this year’s birthday gift called for something a little extra special. Something that builds confidence and a love for adventure.

That’s why I went with the EZ Bike from @royalbabybikes. 🚲
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It’s designed to help little ones learn real balance with their “slide before ride” philosophy.

@royalbabybikes believes training wheels inhibit kids from learning real balance, creating a false sense of mastery whereas the EZ Bike helps kids learn proper balance faster. It starts as a balance bike so kids build confidence without relying on training wheels, and with the quick-release crank, it easily transforms into a pedal bike when they’re ready!

@royalbabybikes’ slogan “Once a RoyalRider, always a Loyal Rider” means their mission is all about inspiring kids to embrace biking and enjoy the outdoors from a young age. They’ve been Amazon’s top-selling kids’ bike brand for years, with award-winning designs built on research and development, it’s lightweight, easy to ride, and actually fun for kids to use.

Ollie was absolutely in love with his birthday gift and was off exploring within minutes — safe to say we’re officially along for the ride!
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#royalbabybike #EZbike #royalbaby

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Jen

I husband and I stayed in the Austrian sweet when we got married. I have amazing memories of my girls getting their hair and make up dead, of a couple awkward guy friend stopping in to share in the fantastic spread a particularly dear friend laid out for us that day, and of my mom hanging out on the couch, taking it all in. And I remember sitting in the middle of the living room in my underwear in the middle of the night after my new husband fell asleep, eating the leftover mac & cheese wedding caterer sent with us after the reception. Thank you so much for posting these pics!

April 16, 2016 at 9:13 am · Reply

Kiersten Rich

Aww what awesome memories! I can imagine the Austrian Suite would have been perfect for a wedding suite. xx

April 17, 2016 at 9:23 am · Reply

Heather

It’s so pretty!!!! Its like Barbie’s own hotel (sorry I collect them). This made me think of her. I love it. Its all so amazing. Happy 4th Birthday!!!! The booths and rooms are amazing.

April 16, 2016 at 7:49 pm · Reply

Kiersten Rich

Thank you!xx

April 17, 2016 at 9:22 am · Reply

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We were lucky enough to stay in the Austrian Suite.

Oh, and let’s not forget to mention the vibrant pink dining booths!

So, naturally, we ate the rest for breakfast!

Read Next: 3-Day California Coast Road Trip

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SHOP my Madonna Inn-inspired style!

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