Since 2011, we have been lucky to travel to all 4 of the larger Hawaiian Islands, Oahu, Maui, Big Island, and Kauai, each enthralling in it's own way. As a creative person, each trip has brought me renewal and inspiration, a respite from the city lifestyle and hustle that is Los Angeles. On our most recent visit we traveled to Kauai seeking relaxation, adventure and family time. I had been feeling overwhelmed by the never-ending list of work related tasks in the city, which in turn, had diminished my creativity. Once in Kauai, we headed to the North Shore, rainy-side of the island, where it was so easy to unwind and recharge. In Princeville, we stayed at the Princeville Westin Resort and Villas, which I would highly recommend. It was lush and close to hiking, kayaking and an artsy town called Hanalei. 

​On Day 2, we visited Kīlauea Lighthouse located at Kīlauea Point National Wildlife Refuge, where we saw protected birds such as the Nene and albatross as we soaked in the views.

One thing, that has charmed me about Kauai, is all the color green from every angle. Since Kauai is known as the garden-isle it is so lush due to the abundant rainfall especially on the North Shore of the island. There are a variety of tropical plants that make it especially verdant. Since, Kauai manages to be simultaneously rainy and sunny throughout a single day, it provides the perfect environment (for me, a rain lover) to vacation!

Read on through to the bottom to see where we stayed, what we ate, and really truly enjoyed during our 7 day adventure on the beautiful Garden Isle.

It's Friday and I'd like to take you on a virtual adventure to a boutique hotel in eastern Oregon. Even if you are like me and you aren't going anywhere this weekend, I hope this post might inspire you. 
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I came across this unique hotel a few weeks ago, back when I was searching for places to visit in Oregon (before we decided to go to Lake Arrowhead and Hawaii). Arrowhead for a long weekend, and Hawaii for a whole week, more on that later! I was specifically searching for boutique Oregon hotels, when I came across The Jennings Hotel. Immediately, I got excited about it's concept, which showcases the work of regional craftsmen and small businesses founded by Greg Hennes. 

One thing, that seems fun about visiting an art hotel is that guests truly get a sense of the character and culture of the people around them. The second part that draws me to the Jennings Hotel is the iddylic location: the breathtaking natural setting of mountains and lakes. I would love to take a week to explore it. 

I am drawn to this room which is simple and modern. I love that it features a black and white drawing, wall mirror and vintage furnishings. I love that the room's signature pieces are handmade by a visual artist and a local architect. I have a thing for walnut hanging mirrors and love this one too. 

In the room below, I love use of black and white paint which creates an illusion within the positive and negative space, along with the sculptural walnut coat rack. 

As for the kitchen, I like the minimal modern design and custom carpentry. 

Another opportunity that I think is exciting is that the Jennings offers an affordable artist residency. I would personally love to stay and work in the wood-shop there on a mini-collection. Have you considered doing a long term or short term artist residency? If so, where did you do it?  

I admire the work of Phloem Studio and their chairs created for the hotel. 

Hennes, the founder was able to get his project off the ground largely through a Kickstarter campaign. I have often wondered about the prospects of tackling a renovation project of this kind through a crowd-sourcing platform. I think his idea to engage the community through art and local interests is innovation at it's best. There are other art hotels across the country that I have seen or read about in my travels each unique in it's own way. I hope to share more of those places with you soon. 

In the mean time, I am making travel plans for the near future and I'd love to hear about your travel plans. Where are you going on your next getaway?