Great Stays | Mattei's Tavern in Los Olivos

Happy Tuesday, friends, I hope your week is off to a great start! Mr. SP and I are island-bound as we speak, headed some place new to celebrate our 27th anniversary! It feels like yesterday, but also a lifetime ago, that we said, ‘I do.’

Hard to believe we’ve already raised two kids, and now we’re back to just the two of us. Part of me is always a little sad to be through those years, but most of me is excited for our next chapter together. He’s truly my best friend and favorite person, and so far we’re loving this ‘Freedom Tour’ stage, ha!

Last month our family had a long weekend in Yosemite (I’m working on a blog post, but you can see more of our trip HERE for now), then we dropped the kids and headed to the Santa Ynez Valley for a few nights with our friends.

The area, and especially Mattei’s Tavern, was a surprise find for us, and certainly one to add to your list for a dreamy couples weekend!

A Dreamy Couple’s Getaway at Mattei’s Tavern, Los Olivos //

Tucked away in the Santa Ynez Valley, Mattei’s Tavern in Los Olivos is the perfect blend of wine country charm, elevated dining, and serious R&R.

First Impressions: Historic Meets Heavenly

Mattei’s Tavern is part of the Auberge Resorts collection, and it feels like it—every inch is intentional, yet nothing feels too precious. Originally a stagecoach stop in the 1880s, the property has been lovingly restored with white clapboard cottages, cozy fire pits, and a pool that feels straight out of a Slim Aarons photo. There’s a storybook charm that hits you as soon as you walk under the oak trees and see the iconic white water tower in the distance.

We stayed in one of the cottage suites—think vaulted ceilings, a fireplace, soaking tub, and a private patio made for morning coffee or post-dinner wine. All rooms are stocked with luxurious lavender amenities, cozy blankets, and nightly treats.

Silk Slip Dress (Small) | Cashmere Crewneck (Small) | Clear Toe Strap Sandals | Bucket Bag (Similar HERE) | Beaded Necklace

Short Sleeve Sweater | White Shorts (code CASSIE15) (Similar HERE) | Flip Flops | Rx Sunglasses (Similar HERE)

French Terry Set

Seashell Dress (XS) | Clear Toe Strap Sandals | Bucket Bag (Similar HERE) | Rx Sunglasses (Similar HERE) | Shell Necklace

Dining at Mattei’s: A Whole Experience

Mattei’s is focused on cuisine first, and it shows! We ate dinner at the onsite restaurant twice because… why mess with perfection? The vibe is upscale rustic (white linen meets wood fire), and everything on the menu is seasonal and beautifully plated without being fussy.

We loved sitting outside under the string lights—blankets were offered as the temps dropped, and the fire pits gave it all a magical glow.

Sugarplum Tip: Book through a travel advisor (we use Elevate Travel), and your reservation will include free breakfast, too!

The Lavender Spa onsite offers a full range of beautiful services, as well as sauna, cold plunge, and hot tub. The pool is a great spot to catch some sun, or read under the umbrellas, and has full service, as well.

We didn’t use the gym, but it was definitely top notch!

Brown Bikini (Small) | Flip Flops | Similar Tote Bag | Similar Straw Hat | Rx Sunglasses (Similar HERE)

Los Olivos: Small Town, Big Flavor

‘Downtown’ Los Olivos—just a few minutes’ walk from Mattei’s, is lined with charming tasting rooms, art galleries, and little shops you didn’t know you needed. Word is it’s fairly busy on weekends, but we had the place to ourselves during the week.

We also took a scenic drive through Ballard Canyon, stopped at a few roadside stands, and popped into Brave & Maiden for an incredible tasting with a view, and dinner at SY Kitchen. Highly recommend!

Sugarplum Tip: We had a rental car, but Mattei’s has several cars available for guests to explore the area… we cruised round in a Mercedes G-Wagon if you can believe it!

We met these dear friends 10 years ago on our first trip with Princess Cruises, and became fast friends! We’ve quite literally traveled the world together (see all our cruises HERE), and look for opportunities to connect any chance we get.

Sugar & Charm | Zan World

What We Loved Most about Mattei’s Tavern

– Quiet mornings on our patio with coffee and the fire pit
– Slow days with no agenda but great wine and fresh air
– The service—warm, intuitive, and never overbearing
– That perfect mix of luxury and comfort (no pretentious vibes here)

Be sure to check out nearby Solvang and Los Alamos, a short drive away… and Santa Barbara is just 45 minutes. We ended our trip celebrating our beautiful friend’s birthday, and it was the perfect bookend to our California road trip.

Sugarplum Tip: Add an afternoon at The Barbara Beach Club on your next trip to Santa Barbara! Our friends just opened this fun spot for the perfect, easy beach day.

Suzie at FlyBrow | Valorie Darling

Bandeau Swimsuit (size 6) | Floral Maxi Skirt (XS) | Similar Straw Hat | Shell Necklace

If you’re craving something romantic, relaxed, and just a little bit luxurious, Mattei’s Tavern is a total gem. It’s ideal for a long weekend with your person—especially if your love language includes good food and slow mornings. See more of our trip HERE.

What are some of your favorite little gems for couples getaways? Oh, and make sure to follow my Instagram HERE to see where we’re headed for our anniversary trip this week!