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# Weekend escapes you’ll actually want to book 🌊
- URL: https://www.gabriellas-edit.com/weekend-escapes-you-ll-actually-want-to-book/
- Published: 2026-04-13T04:25:00.000Z
- Updated: 2026-04-13T04:25:00.000Z
- Description: Weekend getaway ideas, what I’ve been wearing lately, Sephora + Amazon favorites, and a few spots worth saving. Basically everything I’ve been loving this week, all in one place.
- Author: Gabriella Quansah
- Tags: #newsletter, Issues, #Import 2026-08-28 20:13

![](https://media.beehiiv.com/uploads/asset/file/c5a86f28-486d-48a3-957d-07894bafbe41/Amazon_Signature_Template_1.png?t=1776050133)

## What’s got me thinking this week:

*Consistency is the real flex — in love, in life, in everything.*

## THIS WEEK’S EDIT:

## WEEKEND ESCAPES (THAT ACTUALLY FEEL LIKE AN ESCAPE)

![](https://media.beehiiv.com/uploads/asset/file/08832afe-2d4c-423a-be00-b99506662c27/Madrona_Accomodations_Header-Two.jpg?t=1776038009)

[The Madrona](https://themadronahotel.com/?ref=gabriellas-edit.com)

Lately I’ve been craving a true weekend reset — like leave your laptop at home, wake up slow, romanticize your coffee type of energy.

So I pulled together a list of my favorite NorCal escapes (all within \~3 hours of Oakland) that actually feel like you went somewhere.

## 🌊**Coastal cool / dreamy ocean energy**

- **Hyatt Carmel Highlands (2 hrs)**  
Cliffside views, fireplaces, sunset energy. Feels like a full reset weekend.
- **Villa Mara (2 hrs)**  
Boutique, soft, quiet luxury. Perfect for slow mornings + wine nights.
- **La Playa Hotel (2 hrs)**  
Garden courtyards, classic charm, walkable to everything.
- **Timber Cove Resort (2.5 hrs)**  
Moody, design-forward, fireplaces everywhere. Very Pinterest-core NorCal.
- **Sea Ranch Lodge (3 hrs)**  
Minimal, architectural, calming. Feels like a nervous system reset.

## 🌿**Wine country, but elevated**

- **Cottage Inn & Spa (1 hr)**  
Cozy, romantic, fireplace energy.
- **MacArthur Place Hotel & Spa (1 hr)**  
Garden, airy, perfect for a girls weekend.
- **Montage Healdsburg (1.5 hrs)**  
Luxe, expansive, and one of those “treat yourself” stays.
- **Bardessono Hotel & Spa (1.5 hrs)**  
Clean, modern, spa-forward reset.
- **The Madrona (1.5 hrs)**  
Vintage, editorial, slightly moody (very content).

## 🏡**European summer but NorCal**

- **Casia Inn (1 hr)**  
Soft neutrals, curated design, mini European escape.
- **Kenwood Inn & Spa (1.5 hrs)**  
Tuscany energy without leaving California.
- **Mission Ranch Hotel (2 hrs)**  
Storybook charm, sheep grazing outside your window.
- **Olema House (1.5 hrs)**  
Countryside meets coastal. Slow mornings, oysters, biking.
- **Carmel Valley Ranch (2 hrs)**  
A little more active, still aesthetic.

## 🌊**Slightly further, but worth it**

- **White Water (\~3–3.5 hrs)**  
Clean, beachy, minimal.
- **Alila Ventana Big Sur (2.5 hrs)**  
Spa, nature, luxury. Unreal reset energy.
- **Harbor House Inn (3 hrs)**  
Intimate, understated luxury + amazing food.
- **Nicholson House (3 hrs)**  
Cozy, charming, slower pace.

## 🍽️**What I’d actually eat**

### **Carmel / Big Sur**

**☕ Coffee / pastries**

- Stationaery
- Rise + Roam Bakery

**🍽️ Dinner**

- La Bicyclette
- Nepenthe

### **Sonoma / Napa / Healdsburg**

**☕ Coffee / pastries**

- Les Pascals Patisserie et Boulangerie
- Model Bakery

**🍽️ Dinner**

- Valette
- The Girl & The Fig
- SingleThread

### **Point Reyes / Mendocino Coast**

**☕ Coffee / casual**

- Cafe Aquatica
- Side Street Kitchen

🍦**Treat stops**

- Cowgirl Creamery
- Frankie’s Ice Cream Cafe

## 🍷**Where I’d actually go wine tasting**

I’m very particular about wineries — I want good wine *and* a vibe. These are the ones that actually feel worth the stop:

- Bricoleur Vineyards – full experience, garden, food pairings
- Priest Ranch – modern, sleek, slightly moodier
- Flowers Vineyards & Winery – coastal, serene, stunning design
- Reeve Wines – smaller, intimate, cool crowd
- Ashes & Diamonds Winery – mid-century modern, very aesthetic
- Buena Vista Winery – historic, dramatic, castle-like + caves (a little iconic moment)

[![](https://media.beehiiv.com/uploads/asset/file/16c98336-0bdc-4ef6-a56c-7639957584e1/Screenshot_2026-04-12_at_4.58.25_PM.png?t=1776038323)](https://www.labicycletterestaurant.com/?ref=gabriellas-edit.com)

[La Bicyclette](https://www.labicycletterestaurant.com/?ref=gabriellas-edit.com)

## WHAT I WORE

![](https://media.beehiiv.com/uploads/asset/file/4de55132-8887-4918-9d14-cd2a1aef77fc/IG_Amazon_BachEdit_Apr8_2.png?t=1776038785)

Should we do a list of all the venues I toured?👀

**Lately I’ve been thinking in “packs” — what actually makes sense to bring for a weekend vs. what just sits in your suitcase.**

### **Bonus Outfits**

- What I Wore to Church [Wide Leg Jeans](https://www.zara.com/us/en/trf-high-waist-extra-wide-leg-jeans-p05575025.html?v1=495689072&v2=2419239&ref=gabriellas-edit.com) [Brown & silver belt](https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0DKMD6QVN?linkCode=ssc&tag=onamzgabr0c64-20&creativeASIN=B0DKMD6QVN&asc%5Fitem-id=amzn1.ideas.S6PGFGOCGOID&ref%5F=aip%5Fsf%5Flist%5Fspv%5Fons%5Fmixed%5Fd%5Fasin&ref=gabriellas-edit.com) [Brown croc leather trench coat](https://go.shopmy.us/p-52261548?ref=gabriellas-edit.com) [Black long sleeve top Skims dupe](https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0CHB6TJLV?linkCode=ssc&tag=onamzgabr0c64-20&creativeASIN=B0CHB6TJLV&asc%5Fitem-id=amzn1.ideas.S6PGFGOCGOID&ref%5F=aip%5Fsf%5Flist%5Fspv%5Fons%5Fmixed%5Fd%5Fasin&th=1&psc=1&ref=gabriellas-edit.com) [Red croc boots](https://go.shopmy.us/p-52261340?ref=gabriellas-edit.com)
- [Wide Leg Jeans](https://www.zara.com/us/en/trf-high-waist-extra-wide-leg-jeans-p05575025.html?v1=495689072&v2=2419239&ref=gabriellas-edit.com)
- [Brown & silver belt](https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0DKMD6QVN?linkCode=ssc&tag=onamzgabr0c64-20&creativeASIN=B0DKMD6QVN&asc%5Fitem-id=amzn1.ideas.S6PGFGOCGOID&ref%5F=aip%5Fsf%5Flist%5Fspv%5Fons%5Fmixed%5Fd%5Fasin&ref=gabriellas-edit.com)
- [Brown croc leather trench coat](https://go.shopmy.us/p-52261548?ref=gabriellas-edit.com)
- [Black long sleeve top Skims dupe](https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0CHB6TJLV?linkCode=ssc&tag=onamzgabr0c64-20&creativeASIN=B0CHB6TJLV&asc%5Fitem-id=amzn1.ideas.S6PGFGOCGOID&ref%5F=aip%5Fsf%5Flist%5Fspv%5Fons%5Fmixed%5Fd%5Fasin&th=1&psc=1&ref=gabriellas-edit.com)
- [Red croc boots](https://go.shopmy.us/p-52261340?ref=gabriellas-edit.com)
- What I Wore to Our Girls Night Out [Burgundy funnel vinyl jacket](https://go.shopmy.us/p-52260642?ref=gabriellas-edit.com) [Black silk dress](https://www.amazon.com/Seyurigaoka-Camisole-Layering-Asymmetrical-Patchwork/dp/B0FRXXGQH8/ref=sr%5F1%5F2?crid=3SCAXBW6VVSU0&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.UwNbGKc6E-uz3jA-6Jft-uCRHT4stToQUWhXxdIR8hvJ-3vw39Hu5yREAhntiMq%5F937s4gBEwGVwslD7s%5FsMISb0T5opMw0mQTTUaA3qR4EOvlB6BHhuVa17MazSII-vKjViD0-8aMnT-TL7N8kE66o9%5FWQ0cz3MtrsFixG6Lo2ZRVPfUnZofyc4snh9CjjyocLiMOYcxIcxpqbWMYMKCh30YicJB7wHS6hjP6eYMdMJcz0ObBOELjfrnfIsIWuB59YgbtPtDC2JAAm8QxwU6AQcOSEq7S1InL6woUnm-nQ.N0kLqsdURmXEl5DITGH6ud0ujtTfkbwHRRyk2fNllPo&dib%5Ftag=se&keywords=dresses%2Bsilk%2Blace&qid=1776040213&sprefix=dresses%2Bsilk%2Bla%2Caps%2C230&sr=8-2&th=1&psc=1&ref=gabriellas-edit.com) [Faux cow hair brown boots](https://go.shopmy.us/p-52261126?ref=gabriellas-edit.com)
- [Burgundy funnel vinyl jacket](https://go.shopmy.us/p-52260642?ref=gabriellas-edit.com)
- [Black silk dress](https://www.amazon.com/Seyurigaoka-Camisole-Layering-Asymmetrical-Patchwork/dp/B0FRXXGQH8/ref=sr%5F1%5F2?crid=3SCAXBW6VVSU0&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.UwNbGKc6E-uz3jA-6Jft-uCRHT4stToQUWhXxdIR8hvJ-3vw39Hu5yREAhntiMq%5F937s4gBEwGVwslD7s%5FsMISb0T5opMw0mQTTUaA3qR4EOvlB6BHhuVa17MazSII-vKjViD0-8aMnT-TL7N8kE66o9%5FWQ0cz3MtrsFixG6Lo2ZRVPfUnZofyc4snh9CjjyocLiMOYcxIcxpqbWMYMKCh30YicJB7wHS6hjP6eYMdMJcz0ObBOELjfrnfIsIWuB59YgbtPtDC2JAAm8QxwU6AQcOSEq7S1InL6woUnm-nQ.N0kLqsdURmXEl5DITGH6ud0ujtTfkbwHRRyk2fNllPo&dib%5Ftag=se&keywords=dresses%2Bsilk%2Blace&qid=1776040213&sprefix=dresses%2Bsilk%2Bla%2Caps%2C230&sr=8-2&th=1&psc=1&ref=gabriellas-edit.com)
- [Faux cow hair brown boots](https://go.shopmy.us/p-52261126?ref=gabriellas-edit.com)
- Deep dive on my favorite wedding outfits*👉*[*Shop more here*](https://shopmy.us/shop/collections/4785268?ref=gabriellas-edit.com)
- *👉*[*Shop more here*](https://shopmy.us/shop/collections/4785268?ref=gabriellas-edit.com)

### **Bachelorette Trip Edit**

Everything I’d bring for a weekend away:

- Easy daytime sets
- One solid dinner look
- A go-to night out outfit
- Layers you can throw on without thinking

It’s less about overpacking and more about having outfits that *just work*.

*Everything linked here:*  
👉*[Amazon Storefront](https://www.amazon.com/shop/gabriiellas15/photo/amzn1.shoppablemedia.v1.collage.ad441043-46d3-4b3c-bdae-7b8671d5c863?ref%5F=aip%5Fsf%5Fphoto%5Fspv%5Fons%5Fmixed%5Fd&ref=gabriellas-edit.com)*

### **San Diego outfits**

This weekend was very much:

- tanks + low-rise / mini skirts
- airport cozy
- outfits that go from day → to night

Nothing overthought, just pieces that are flattering and easy.

*Everything linked here:*  
👉*[ShopMy Storefront](https://shopmy.us/gabriiellas/posts?ref=gabriellas-edit.com)*

![](https://media.beehiiv.com/uploads/asset/file/b0ad76d1-bd3c-430d-b8d2-e92e1c65b437/IG_MIXED_WhatIWoreSD_Apr9_3.png?t=1776038737)

LMK what outfits you want to see next!

## YOUR INSPO FOR GNO

![](https://media.beehiiv.com/uploads/asset/file/95e0958f-7902-4efe-9377-3a1d21f05b0a/Tezza-2870.JPG?t=1776040799)

**If you’re in your “we don’t need a crazy plan, just good spots and good energy” era — this is the exact loop I’d do again.**

Everything is walkable, which makes it way too easy to say “just one more stop” (and then suddenly it’s a full night).

*[Full list here to save!](https://maps.app.goo.gl/395RUBF8CcYNEVtK8?ref=gabriellas-edit.com)*

### **🍽️ Start with dinner**

- Pizzaiolo

We waited almost 2 hours… but honestly worth it.

The vibe is cozy, a little chaotic, very “everyone here knows it’s good.”  
 They were so sweet and gave us a little discount because my best friend just got engaged🥹

👉*Pro tip:* put your name down early and grab a drink nearby while you wait.

### 🍷**Then ease into drinks (walkable circuit)**

- Tallboy  
 Always good vibes & music. Fun early in the night and later.
- North Light  
 Dim, vibey, feels a little more elevated but still fun. Cute library feel!
- 51st & Tel  
 More casual, slightly louder, good for when the night starts picking up.

### ✨**Other Recos in the Area**

- The Avenue Bar  
 A little more divey, a little more chaotic — in the best way.
- Burdell  
 If you want to pivot into something more elevated / sit-down energy.

### 💌**The vibe**

This is one of those nights where nothing is overplanned — you just bounce around, catch up, celebrate something small (or big), and suddenly it’s your favorite night in a while.

**And that’s what it was for us - no doubt!**

![](https://media.beehiiv.com/uploads/asset/file/3175889f-5295-4dc6-9ea8-d41715311c10/Tezza-9700.JPG?t=1776047637)

Pizza pizza!

## **WHERE I WENT**

![](https://media.beehiiv.com/uploads/asset/file/1c2bb6f8-6377-42f0-b936-2350ee29dffb/IG_Restaurants_LeleNYC_Apr_12_1.png?t=1776046769)

### **NYC 🍸**

**Lele**— easily one of my favorite spots from the trip.

The lighting, the cocktails, the overall vibe… it’s one of those places that just *feels* like a night out.

10/10 date night energy.

*👉* *[Check out the post here](https://www.instagram.com/p/DXDtpD9lRme/?igsh=MzRlODBiNWFlZA%3D%3D&ref=gabriellas-edit.com)*

### **A Few More Spots To Add To Your List**

### **SF / Bay Area**

- Hamburgesa — heard this is one of those lowkey spots that ends up being really good
- Cafe Gara — cute café energy, perfect for a slower morning
- Bar Jabroni — fun, casual, good for drinks that turn into a night
- Frankie’s Java House — classic, waterfront, more laid-back vibe

*👉* *[Live list here](https://maps.app.goo.gl/pzwMsgD4xdoZEBBJ6?ref=gabriellas-edit.com)*

****NYC**

- Joe’s Pizza — classic, always hits, no notes
- Little Ruby’s Cafe — Australian café, brunch/lunch staple
- Lucky’s — cozy, neighborhood dinner spot
- Apollo Bagels — one of those “worth the line” bagel spots

*👉* *[Live list here](https://maps.app.goo.gl/BNMgyH6sdwYuNXKf9?ref=gabriellas-edit.com)*

****LA**

- Sam’s Place — super casual, easy lunch or post-beach stop
- Alba — clean, aesthetic, very “LA dinner” energy
- Beethoven Market — deli / market situation, perfect for a quick but good bite

*👉* *[Live list here](https://maps.app.goo.gl/7xo6b13fJZhLtVR8A?ref=gabriellas-edit.com)*

## HIS EDIT

![](https://media.beehiiv.com/uploads/asset/file/d31fb173-09fa-4db2-8877-3f4509714b5e/IMG_8468.jpeg?t=1776047771)

👉[](https://shopmy.us/shop/collections/4788597?ref=gabriellas-edit.com)[*Shop his picks*](https://shopmy.us/shop/collections/4788597?ref=gabriellas-edit.com)

## **PAAK’S PICKS**

He’s very much in his “simple but dialed” era — clean basics, strong silhouettes, and a few statement accessories that make it feel elevated without trying too hard.

This look is proof you don’t need a million pieces… just the *right* ones.

### Quick takeaway (for the boys reading this👀)

If you’re trying to upgrade your style:

- Start with **good basics**(tee + trousers)
- Add **one standout accessory**(hat, scarf, or shoes)
- Keep everything else clean

### What he wore

- Red LA Dodgers hat
- Black heavyweight tee (Zara)
- Pleated wide black trousers (Zara)
- Black + white Duke & Dexter loafers
- Fuzzy black cardigan (Abercrombie)
- Long black scarf (Zara)
- Black leather gloves

### The vibe

It’s very “I just threw this on” but every piece is doing something.

The wide-leg trousers + loafers give it structure, while the hat + tee keep it relaxed. Then the cardigan, scarf, and gloves pull it all together and make it feel styled.

AKA: minimal effort, maximum impact.

## *What I’m Loving*

### **March Amazon Favorites**

A mix of:

- Elevated basics
- Cozy pieces
- Little home / hosting upgrades

These are all things I’ve actually been wearing or using on repeat — not just one-time buys.

*👉*[*Shop it all here*](https://www.amazon.com/shop/gabriiellas15/photo/amzn1.shoppablemedia.v1.collage.e56d164d-6875-4fb7-8c67-dd69e882d4ae?ref%5F=aip%5Fsf%5Fphoto%5Fspv%5Fofs%5Fphoto%5Fd&ref=gabriellas-edit.com)

### **Sephora Sale Favorites**

This one was basically built by all of us — I asked on IG stories and added your recs too.

Think:

- My go-to staples
- A few new things I’ve been testing
- Crowd favorites that actually live up to the hype

👉[](https://shopmy.us/shop/collections/4732192?ref=gabriellas-edit.com)[*Everything linked here*](https://shopmy.us/shop/collections/4732192?ref=gabriellas-edit.com)

![](https://media.beehiiv.com/uploads/asset/file/0bb0056a-cc95-48fb-a08c-6d45115e001b/71fCkuZTz3L._AC_SY695_.jpg?t=1776048465)

**These little heels**  
[shop now](https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0FS73KY9N?linkCode=ssc&tag=onamzgabr0c64-20&creativeASIN=B0FS73KY9N&asc%5Fitem-id=amzn1.shoppablemedia.v1.9187ecd2-f782-48db-8666-44910baecfb5&ref%5F=aip%5Fsf%5Fphoto%5Fspv%5Fons%5Fphoto%5Fd%5Fasin&th=1&psc=1&ref=gabriellas-edit.com)

![](https://media.beehiiv.com/uploads/asset/file/d71919d3-3543-4b44-8aac-51000ef6eeba/81oGwEJBcmL._AC_SL1500_.jpg?t=1776048534)

**This cute mirror**  
[shop now](https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0C7G62S68?linkCode=ssc&tag=onamzgabr0c64-20&creativeASIN=B0C7G62S68&asc%5Fitem-id=amzn1.shoppablemedia.v1.592499f7-81c9-40ba-b6ad-f5988694083f&ref%5F=aip%5Fsf%5Fphoto%5Fspv%5Fons%5Fphoto%5Fd%5Fasin&th=1&ref=gabriellas-edit.com)

![](https://media.beehiiv.com/uploads/asset/file/3b3c2e51-426e-47a1-b80b-52cbb3468e89/71d8VzkmOhL._AC_SX679_.jpg?t=1776048649)

**This marble vanity tray**  
[shop now](https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0FL7MPKVY?linkCode=ssc&tag=onamzgabr0c64-20&creativeASIN=B0FL7MPKVY&asc%5Fitem-id=amzn1.shoppablemedia.v1.a7a76308-b908-4b51-829b-420bc232b7fc&ref%5F=aip%5Fsf%5Fphoto%5Fspv%5Fons%5Fphoto%5Fd%5Fasin&th=1&ref=gabriellas-edit.com)

![](https://media.beehiiv.com/uploads/asset/file/e262453f-2a61-422b-a743-adb82f9ae625/81WT-tQLXpL._AC_SY695_.jpg?t=1776048719)

**These little slides**

[shop now](https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0G26NSJ9B?linkCode=ssc&tag=onamzgabr0c64-20&creativeASIN=B0G26NSJ9B&asc%5Fitem-id=amzn1.shoppablemedia.v1.e1a53a4f-0b26-41bf-bc41-2c268fa0a3b3&ref%5F=aip%5Fsf%5Fphoto%5Fspv%5Fons%5Fphoto%5Fd%5Fasin&th=1&psc=1&ref=gabriellas-edit.com)

## CLOSING VIBES

**A few things I’ve been into lately…**

### Jury Duty Show (2023)

Late to this but wow… so good.

It follows one normal guy who thinks he’s part of a real jury trial — but everyone else is an actor (including James Marsden playing the most unhinged version of himself).

It’s chaotic, funny, and somehow also very wholesome.

10/10 easy watch.

### Anything Harlan Coben

If you need a binge… this is it.

His books and books turned into shows are all very “just one more episode” energy — think secrets, disappearances, plot twists every five minutes.

Start with:

- Fool Me Once
- The Stranger
- Stay Close

Perfect for a weekend where you don’t leave the couch.

**The West + Amanda Summer House Situation…**

I don’t know what to call this situation but it’s messyyyy.

Ciara’s reaction though?? chefs kiss.

The subtle shade, the loyalty comment, the timing… it’s giving reality tv gold.

- Read the breakdown → [https://www.cosmopolitan.com/entertainment/celebs/a70995478/ciara-miller-shady-message-loyalty-amanda-batula-west-wilson-drama/](https://www.cosmopolitan.com/entertainment/celebs/a70995478/ciara-miller-shady-message-loyalty-amanda-batula-west-wilson-drama/?ref=gabriellas-edit.com)
- Watch the interview → [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gbJWcJPCmPY](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gbJWcJPCmPY&ref=gabriellas-edit.com)

### Little things that stuck with me this week

A few from Sunday church but super relatable:

- Chemistry without character collapses (i.e. if the right intention isn’t there with your partner/love interest, it isn’t going to last! Go in with pure intention)
- Routine romance > chaos (locking into the consistent gestures rather than the up and down love bombs)
- Get around people that grow you (of course we need the people that “get” us but we also need to branch out to the people that get you to grow and challenge you…sound anything like your partner/spouse? LOL)

Feels like a reminder that the best things in life aren’t always the loudest… just the most consistent.