One thing my husband has been aggressively pushing the last few years is:
“we do not need more vacations.”
One thing I have been aggressively pushing the last few years is:
“we are literally going to die one day.”
As you can imagine… negotiations have been tense.
So after years of passionate debate between “save the money” and “book the flight,” I believe I have accepted the great marital compromise: the staycation.
Now for those unfamiliar with this concept, a staycation is where you book a luxury hotel thirty to ninety minutes from your house, dramatically pack luggage as if you are headed to Europe, put on an outfit that says “soft life,” and temporarily disappear from your responsibilities.
Sometimes I invite friends.
Most of the time it is just me.
And occasionally, very occasionally, I allow my husband to join me, which honestly feels generous considering this entire anti-vacation movement was his idea in the first place.
Sir, I thought you said trips were unnecessary?
One property that had been on my list for years was Inn at the Mission San Juan Capistrano.
The hotel opened in late 2020 as part of Marriott International’s Autograph Collection, and unlike many luxury properties that slap a few vintage paintings on the wall and call it “historic,” this place actually understood the assignment.
The entire property feels intentionally rooted in the history of San Juan Capistrano. Spanish Colonial architecture, terracotta tones, carved wood, arches, fountains, monastery-inspired courtyards… the whole thing feels like old California romance with excellent lighting and expensive cocktails.
What makes it interesting is that they did not go for “modern luxury pretending to be historical.” They leaned heavily into what I can only describe as place-based luxury.
Meaning: this hotel could not exist anywhere else and still feel the same.
The property sits directly beside Mission San Juan Capistrano and overlooks the ruins of the Great Stone Church. The mission itself dates back to 1776 and is one of the most historically significant Spanish missions in California.
If you have never visited San Juan Capistrano before, I genuinely think it is one of Orange County’s hidden gems. It somehow manages to feel historical, romantic, peaceful, touristy, and deeply Californian all at once.
I do recommend visiting during the weekday if possible because weekends become very “matching family Disneyland stroller energy,” and the peaceful little courtyard moment can quickly turn into “where is Brayden?” echoing through the mission walls.
But there is honestly so much to do there even for a day trip:
- Los Rios Historic District
- Mission San Juan Capistrano
- Zoomars at River Street Ranch
- The Ecology Center
- San Juan Capistrano Train Depot
- little cafes, tea houses, patios, and random corners that make you want to start journaling about your life
Now back to the hotel itself because we need to discuss Ysidora.
The cocktails.
Need I say more?
The entire courtyard restaurant situation is giving:
- quiet luxury
- heritage aesthetics
- emotionally restorative architecture
- “I suddenly understand linen”
- rich aunt healing journey
There is a gorgeous fire pit and central courtyard that makes you want to sit outside for hours pretending you are working on your memoir while actually just ordering another drink.
The entire property feels grounded rather than flashy, which I personally think is why people love it so much.
And finally: Spa At The Mission.
Unfortunately I did not get to visit the spa during this stay because the trip was very last minute, but trust and believe I already plan on going back specifically for a spa day because I deserve serenity and eucalyptus steam rooms just like everybody else.
If you have been around me for any amount of time then you already know I am deeply obsessed with California.
And honestly, I think part of that comes from leaving at ten years old and always dreaming about coming back.
Ironically, this was one of the things my husband and I bonded over when we first met, our love for this state. The history, the architecture, the coastline, the mountains, the weather, the culture… California really is its own universe.
So yes, whenever possible, I absolutely plan to continue being a tourist in my own state.
There is still so much here that I have not explored yet.
And maybe this is your sign to book the staycation.
With your husband. Without your husband. With friends. Alone.
Frankly, I support whatever version gets you into a luxury robe with a courtyard view and temporarily away from your laundry.
Go live luxurious in a very “quiet California” kind of way.
Always Have, Always Will ~ Kalie
