Milliken Creek (just the two of us)

by Ashley on April 29, 2011


We mentioned in our travelogue that while we were in California, we stole away for a few days for a romantic trip to the Napa Valley–just the two of us. And knowing that we’ll be saying  “just the two of us” far less in the near future, we splurged on an amazing hotel, the Milliken Creek Inn & Spa, which we booked through Mr & Mrs Smith. (Seriously, it was honeymoon-worthy.) With wine-tasting being a bit less appealing for me in my pregnant state (and having grown-up in California), we felt we could indulge ourselves and make relaxing in our hotel room one of the main activities.(It wasn’t difficult.)

After our drive around the valley, we pulled in off the Silverado Trail and checked into our place. The Inn is situated on the the banks of the Napa River and it is lovely. The room–more spacious than our apartment in New York–was gorgeous and so, so calm. There was a demi-bottle of champagne on ice and chocolate-covered strawberries on the table–waiting right next to the huge bathtub.


That afternoon (as they do every afternoon), the hotel set out a selection of cheeses and a vintner came by for a wine tasting. I would snack on the cheese while Aron would sip and report back to me on the wine–and offer thoughts about which Ports he would sample after dinner.

Perhaps even better, however, was returning to our room in the evenings to find that turn-down service meant that we walked into a dim, music-filled room, with votives lit and flickering all around.


But my favorite bit? Definitely breakfast. We filled out our requests in the evening and hung them on the door. Breakfast was brought to us in a basket–with waffles, eggs, rolls, fresh-squeezed orange juice, and coffee–wherever we wished, at the hour of our choosing the next morning! I think I understand why breakfast-in-bed gets so much hype!

We only had two days, but I actually think Aron’s eyes were brighter when we left (the poor fellow works so hard). It was the perfect “just the two of us” two days.




By the way, on baby mine this week, I posted some thoughts about traveling while pregnant.
And guess what? Our wallpaper arrived! 


{ 22 comments… read them below or add one }

Scientific Housewife April 29, 2011 at 9:24 am

Beautiful! I am going to Sonoma in a month and I am so excited :)

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Brigid *FrenchLogic April 29, 2011 at 9:36 am

Looks like a wonderful treat that you both deserved. Retreats are the best reward for hard work. Happy Weekend!

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Dee Stephens April 29, 2011 at 9:59 am

This place looks awesome! I hear Solage in Calistoga is pretty awesome too.

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betty April 29, 2011 at 9:59 am

I feel more relaxed just looking at the pictures! Love that cheese board.

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Elisa April 29, 2011 at 10:23 am

such wonderful photos. you captured the moment perfectly.

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Hannah {Culture Connoisseur} April 29, 2011 at 10:52 am

Wow, methinks that was worth every last penny you spent. Sometimes it's worth the splurge!

What a great way to celebrate everything coming your way and find an intimate moment before the transition happens!

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Meaghin April 29, 2011 at 11:04 am

I could dive right into that bed and sleep for 15 + hours!

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Jenna Lee April 29, 2011 at 11:37 am

omg.. is that what heaven looks like! Its beautiful!

http://jennaleelac.blogspot.com/

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Marina April 29, 2011 at 11:47 am

Love the photos. I want to be there!
Have a nice weekend ;)

vidaretalls.blogspot.com

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Jesse April 29, 2011 at 12:21 pm

looks like an amazing getaway:)
p.s. love the wallpaper!

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Dancing Branflake April 29, 2011 at 12:58 pm

This is such a perfect post. I cannot get over how wonderful each moment was. I wish I could just tag along all the time when you go on your amazing adventures. You sure know how to make the most out of life.

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olivia rae April 29, 2011 at 1:16 pm

you guys seriously know how to travel… beautiful, serene, delicious scenes that i want to jump into. and you look stunning!! xo

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Ana Degenaar April 29, 2011 at 1:37 pm

Oh how gorgeous, these photos just made my day so much better, I feel relaxed and happy.

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Stephanie April 29, 2011 at 1:56 pm

How amazing! I would definitely have a hard time leaving my room if I were staying there. Glad you got a nice little bit of "just the two of you" time. :)

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Mandy Koster April 29, 2011 at 3:06 pm

Perfect breakfast! x MENNEPEN

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nicole April 29, 2011 at 3:58 pm

Wow! Gorgeous photos. I am bookmarking this place. Thanks for the tip. xo.

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rebecca April 29, 2011 at 4:42 pm

whoot whoot for wallpaper! that's so great you guys could get away for a bit to recharge. the hubs and i are headed to aruba in august for an official honeymoon (2 years late) and i couldn't be more excited. no matter what the expense, everyone needs some time away.

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Lady Grey April 29, 2011 at 11:36 pm

Looks absolutely splendid!

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TheBeautyFile April 30, 2011 at 7:58 am

This place looks UNREAL. In fact, I just emailed it to my husband for further consideration…we really, really nee a vacay!!

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marjorie rose April 30, 2011 at 12:25 pm

Oh my goodness, Michael and I are overdue for this! This is just so lovely and they took such good care of you guys. Thanks for sharing those photographs.. you had me at bathtub and cheese (though not necessarily together :) .. the idea of a turndown service then breakfast the next day is just divine..

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Lauren May 1, 2011 at 4:41 pm

you two are so sweet! I'm glad you got some well-deserved, relaxing time to yourselves!

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Tamara Lohan May 3, 2011 at 7:03 am

Fab photos. So pleased you love Milliken Creek! and thanks for the link!
Tamara (AKA Mrs Smith)

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