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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If Greece is calling… how would you answer? #Ad
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Choose Your Greek Adventure with 🇬🇷 ✨ @Expedia!

🌋 Adventure – Milos:
This volcanic island is a playground for explorers. From surreal lunar landscapes at Sarakiniko Beach to secret sea caves only accessible by boat, Milos is made for adventure seekers. Hike, sail, snorkel, and discover hidden gems around every turn.

🍷 Luxury – Santorini:
Famous for its iconic whitewashed villages and cliffside sunsets, Santorini is where elegance meets epic views. Think boutique cave hotels with infinity pools, private wine tastings, and the kind of dinners you’ll remember forever.

🏖️ Beaches – Naxos:
Greece’s best-kept secret for beach lovers. Naxos offers long stretches of golden sand, crystal-clear water, and a laid-back charm, all without the crowds. Perfect for slow mornings, seaside tavernas, and sun-soaked afternoons.

Whether you’re planning a solo escape, romantic getaway, or family trip, @Expedia helps you book everything in one place—flights, stays, experiences, and more.

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Three years of Oliver 🎂
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This past year brought more than its fair share of heartbreak. Shortly after turning two, Oliver was diagnosed with a brain tumor.

We were faced with an impossible decision: 15 months of chemotherapy, or a craniotomy that would leave him blind in his right eye.

Just 11 weeks after his diagnosis, we flew to Boston, where he underwent a 12-hour craniotomy at Boston Children’s Hospital.

He didn’t deserve any of it—countless hospital visits, six-hour infusions, a life-altering surgery, and so many unknowns.

And still, we lived. We chased joy. A dream trip to Maui, a road trip through New England in the fall, two escapes to Mexico, and even sailing through the BVIs.

Last week, we received the greatest birthday gift we could have hoped for: six months post-op, no evidence of recurrent or metastatic disease.

He’s the luckiest of the unlucky. Brave beyond belief. Overflowing with love. Pure sunshine.

Happy birthday to my sweet, resilient boy. You’ve already taught me more than I could ever teach you. 💛🌞

(Carousel compilation going back in time to his birthday last year. From baby to big boy!)
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Three years of Oliver 🎂
•••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••
This past year brought more than its fair share of heartbreak. Shortly after turning two, Oliver was diagnosed with a brain tumor.

We were faced with an impossible decision: 15 months of chemotherapy, or a craniotomy that would leave him blind in his right eye.

Just 11 weeks after his diagnosis, we flew to Boston, where he underwent a 12-hour craniotomy at Boston Children’s Hospital.

He didn’t deserve any of it—countless hospital visits, six-hour infusions, a life-altering surgery, and so many unknowns.

And still, we lived. We chased joy. A dream trip to Maui, a road trip through New England in the fall, two escapes to Mexico, and even sailing through the BVIs.

Last week, we received the greatest birthday gift we could have hoped for: six months post-op, no evidence of recurrent or metastatic disease.

He’s the luckiest of the unlucky. Brave beyond belief. Overflowing with love. Pure sunshine.

Happy birthday to my sweet, resilient boy. You’ve already taught me more than I could ever teach you. 💛🌞

(Carousel compilation going back in time to his birthday last year. From baby to big boy!)
•••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••
#opticpathwayglioma #childhoodcancerawareness

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We quietly announced our 2027 TBA Escapes All-Women’s Fly/Fly Antarctica Expedition to our email waitlist first… and it SOLD OUT fast. Luckily, we were able to add a few more spots—but this is it!

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Unforgettable memories from the ultimate girls’ weekend getaway—with 18 kids, sunshine, and pure luxury at @lascasitaspm 🌴✨

Las Casitas is managed by @vehm.mx, the premier property management company in Punta Mita. They oversee the most exclusive villas in the area, and every one of their properties is fully staffed and loaded with luxury amenities.

This gorgeous beachfront estate in the exclusive Kupuri community features three private casitas, 12 bedrooms, 13.5 bathrooms, a stunning infinity pool, hot tub, gym, and beach access. It’s designed for big groups, but feels intimate, relaxed, and totally elevated.

The real MVPs? The incredible full-time staff. We had a chef, sous chef, pastry chef, butler, concierge, and housekeeping—literally someone looking after our every need. Every meal was a gourmet experience, and every moment was effortless (which, with 18 kids, is saying a lot).

@vehm.mx helped us coordinate in-house massages for the mamas, and organized a piñata for the kids and a mariachi band to celebrate Oliver’s birthday THREE-esta!

Perfect for a 40th birthday, girlfriend getaway, or large family trip—we’re already planning our return. I can’t recommend it enough (or stop talking about it)!  Drop “VACAY” below for an exclusive 10% discount on any @vehm.mx villa booking! 🇲🇽
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Drop “VACAY” below for an exclusive 10% discount on any @vehm.mx villa booking! 🇲🇽
•••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••
Unforgettable memories from the ultimate girls’ weekend getaway—with 18 kids, sunshine, and pure luxury at @lascasitaspm 🌴✨

Las Casitas is managed by @vehm.mx, the premier property management company in Punta Mita. They oversee the most exclusive villas in the area, and every one of their properties is fully staffed and loaded with luxury amenities.

This gorgeous beachfront estate in the exclusive Kupuri community features three private casitas, 12 bedrooms, 13.5 bathrooms, a stunning infinity pool, hot tub, gym, and beach access. It’s designed for big groups, but feels intimate, relaxed, and totally elevated.

The real MVPs? The incredible full-time staff. We had a chef, sous chef, pastry chef, butler, concierge, and housekeeping—literally someone looking after our every need. Every meal was a gourmet experience, and every moment was effortless (which, with 18 kids, is saying a lot).

@vehm.mx helped us coordinate in-house massages for the mamas, and organized a piñata for the kids and a mariachi band to celebrate Oliver’s birthday THREE-esta!

Perfect for a 40th birthday, girlfriend getaway, or large family trip—we’re already planning our return. I can’t recommend it enough (or stop talking about it)!  Drop “VACAY” below for an exclusive 10% discount on any @vehm.mx villa booking! 🇲🇽
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Postcards from Punta Mita 🇲🇽
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Just got back from the ultimate girls’ weekend getaway—with 18 kids, sunshine, and pure luxury at @lascasitaspm 🌴✨

Las Casitas is managed by @vehm.mx, the premier property management company in Punta Mita. They oversee the most exclusive villas in the area, and every one of their properties is fully staffed and loaded with luxury amenities.

This gorgeous beachfront estate in the exclusive Kupuri community features three private casitas, 12 bedrooms, 13.5 bathrooms, a stunning infinity pool, hot tub, gym, and beach access. It’s designed for big groups, but feels intimate, relaxed, and totally elevated.

The real MVPs? The incredible full-time staff. We had a chef, sous chef, pastry chef, butler, concierge, and housekeeping—literally someone looking after our every need. Every meal was a gourmet experience, and every moment was effortless (which, with 18 kids, is saying a lot).

The kids ate freshly grilled burgers (with brioche buns baked by our in-house pastry chef) and snacked on homemade churros. The mamas were served fresh poke bowls and lobster tacos.

We had homemade paletas by the pool and sipped chilled coconut water fresh from the source. The food and service was out of this world!

@vehm.mx helped us coordinate in-house massages for the mamas, and organized a piñata for the kids and a mariachi band to celebrate Oliver’s birthday THREE-esta!

Perfect for a 40th birthday, girlfriend getaway, or large family trip—we’re already planning our return. I can’t recommend it enough (or stop talking about it)!
•••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••
#LasCasitasPuntaMita #VEHM #LuxuryTravel #GirlsTrip #FamilyTravel

2535 85

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Postcards from Punta Mita 🇲🇽
•••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••
Just got back from the ultimate girls’ weekend getaway—with 18 kids, sunshine, and pure luxury at @lascasitaspm 🌴✨

Las Casitas is managed by @vehm.mx, the premier property management company in Punta Mita. They oversee the most exclusive villas in the area, and every one of their properties is fully staffed and loaded with luxury amenities.

This gorgeous beachfront estate in the exclusive Kupuri community features three private casitas, 12 bedrooms, 13.5 bathrooms, a stunning infinity pool, hot tub, gym, and beach access. It’s designed for big groups, but feels intimate, relaxed, and totally elevated.

The real MVPs? The incredible full-time staff. We had a chef, sous chef, pastry chef, butler, concierge, and housekeeping—literally someone looking after our every need. Every meal was a gourmet experience, and every moment was effortless (which, with 18 kids, is saying a lot).

The kids ate freshly grilled burgers (with brioche buns baked by our in-house pastry chef) and snacked on homemade churros. The mamas were served fresh poke bowls and lobster tacos.

We had homemade paletas by the pool and sipped chilled coconut water fresh from the source. The food and service was out of this world!

@vehm.mx helped us coordinate in-house massages for the mamas, and organized a piñata for the kids and a mariachi band to celebrate Oliver’s birthday THREE-esta!

Perfect for a 40th birthday, girlfriend getaway, or large family trip—we’re already planning our return. I can’t recommend it enough (or stop talking about it)!
•••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••
#LasCasitasPuntaMita #VEHM #LuxuryTravel #GirlsTrip #FamilyTravel

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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!

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