Once a year I tag along with Ben to San Luis Obispo, California for the Annual Cal Poly Alumni Golf event. While he's busy golfing, I have the day to myself to explore SLO. I had such a great time last year that I look forward to coming back. Check out my post from last year: SLO - down

The Granada Inn

We stayed at the Granada Hotel and Bistro last year and loved it so much that we decided to make this a tradition. What I love about the hotel is that it has a hipster vibe. The place has an old look with a modern updated feel and was once rumored to be a brothel. Each room is unique, our room had an outdoor patio with a bistro table and chair perfect for morning coffee.






I arrived early before check in time, but luckily, the Granada was able to give me an early check in! Once I unloaded our suitcases, I set out to begin my day.

Brunch at Seeds

Seeds on Garden is a cute little juice shop that sells more than just juice. I visited Seeds last time I was in SLO and LOVED it! It's all of my favorite brunch foods in one spot. They serve acai bowls, stuff on toast, green juices, salads, smoothies and they just added mimosas and froze! Dreams really do come true. The place is small with limited seating, but most the locals stop by for pick up. I enjoyed my Bowl 1 and Toast 4 at one of the tables inside while simultaneously people-watching and reading on my kindle.

Spa Time

After brunch, I headed to Sloco Massage for some infrared sauna time and massage. I added an infrared sauna session along with my massage because I had read a lot about all the great health benefits: detoxification, anti-aging, and weight loss, to name a few. The infrared sauna is not as intense as a traditional sauna because it uses the light to heat your body directly without warming the air around you. I was in the sauna for 40 minutes and got a good sweat going. I loved it! I found the experience to be relaxing and detoxifying.




For my massage, I chose the "Nurtured Essence" because it sounded different and unique from a typical one. My therapist explained the oil used are the essence of 25 flower remedies from around the world blended together to enhance love, happiness, inspiration, and peace. Before she applied the oil, she would dry brush my skin, which felt amazing and has reminded me how vital dry brushing is for blood circulation and exfoliation. Spa day was what I needed, and I felt so rejuvenated.

Happy Hour

After my relaxing spa session, I headed back to the hotel just in time for happy hour. The Granada Hotel and Bistro has a restaurant, The Bistro and a bar, Nightcap. I decided on The Bistro bar for some champagne and a snack while I waited for Ben to finish golfing. I'm not one to strike up conversations with people because I'm a shy person, but I love sitting by myself at restaurant bars for possible random conversations with strangers.

Dinner at Luna Red

Once Ben finished golf, he met me at the hotel bar, and we headed to dinner at Luna Red. The weather was perfect during dusk. We were lucky to get seated right away and outside to watch the band play. Luna Red is well known for their paella, and their vegetable paella is vegan! Paella, wine, and live music what more could you want for a perfect night?

Hot Springs at Sycamore

To continue with the theme of my day, we headed to the hot springs after dinner. I had made a reservation for at ten o'clock in the evening for two at Sycamore Mineral Springs Resort & Spa. We checked in, grabbed champagne, and headed up to our outdoor mineral pool for our one hour treat. Sycamore has 23 open-air naturally heated mineral spring hot tubs surrounded by trees. Each hot tub has a wood fence to ensure privacy from other guests.

Morning Pilates

The next morning I woke up bright and early for a pilates class with Pilates Collective. It was a short walk from the hotel and a great warm up. The studio was intimate with about six pilates reformer stations. Everyone in class knew each other and was so friendly to me the outsider. I love a low impact exercise that focuses on strengthening and leaning the body.




I had such a great time in San Luis Obispo. I'm already looking forward to next year. Let me know in the comments if you've ever been to SLO, and what are your favorite things to do? I need inspiration for next year. Thank you for reading!