This doll really is a California Girl. It’s not just about fashion when it comes to celebrating all things Barbie. We’re getting set for the pink-themed travel invasion. And we’re not the only ones.
According to Hotels.com, searches for pink hotels are up 190% this summer compared to last year. And nowhere else does the spirit of Barbie and Ken live larger than in California, where much of the new Barbie movie, released on July 21, and starring Margot Robbie (Barbie) and an all-Canada’s cast of Kens, including Ryan Gosling, Simu Liu and Michael Cera, was filmed. In fact, when Gosling was in Toronto to promote the film’s opening recently, he and Liu were heard sparring over which one of them was more Canadian. Hashtag “Kenada” indeed.
So pack your pink visors, fuchsia muscle shirts and rose-tinted sunnies and take a trip with some of the coolest spots picked by our friends from the Golden State.
Greater Palm Springs
PHOTO: Trixie Motel
In California’s resort oasis, there’s no shortage of Barbie inspiration – from fully pink hotels to actual Barbie displays! For those looking for an ultra-pink stay, Les Cactus and Sands Hotel & Spa offer beautiful pink exteriors. While at Sands, book a table at the Pink Cabana, designed by Martyn Lawrence Bullard. New spot Trixie Motel is also a must. Designed by legendary drag queen Trixie Mattel and featured on an HGTV series, this newly renovated property is an ode to Trixie’s style: Vibrant and, of course, extremely pink!
PHOTO: Fleur Noire Hotel
PHOTO: Sands Hotel
Fleur Noire Hotel, which opened in fall 2021, is a boldly re-imagined historic boutique hotel that features exteriors with giant-sized pink California flower hand-painted murals and interiors featuring floral wallpaper. The property also recently opened La Boisson, a guests-only speakeasy champagne rosé bar that serves a curated collection of rosé wines, sparkling wines and beer in a very Barbie-like setting. The Saguaro Hotel is not only an iconic spot due to its colourful exteriors, but also features an eccentric Barbie display case in the lobby. Want more Greater Palm Springs Barbie inspiration? Check out @tinypalmsprings on Instagram, which is a curated Barbie doll collection inspired by life in the destination.
Santa Barbara
PHOTO: Lotusland Hotel
The American Riviera is the perfect place for a Barbie fan.Indulge in the Barbie lifestyle by lounging on the beach or shopping on State Street, then head to Lotusland, which is one of the world’s top gardens, featuring more than 3,000 plants from all over the world. On the grounds is the beautiful pink Mediterranean estate, Cuesta Linda. When it’s time to eat, don’t miss the renowned Andersen’s Bakery, which is a family-owned bakery that’s operated in Santa Barbara for more than 40 years and features pink interior walls with black and white checkered floors – perfect for a girls’ brunch or tea
San Luis Obispo County
PHOTO: Madonna Inn
Located in the hills of San Luis Obispo, the Madonna Inn is known for its exuberant decor and 110 elaborate themed rooms. This dramatic pink inn is the perfect historical palace for all Barbie fans to enjoy. A true Barbie fan can embrace the Fashion Fairytale moments in the fairytale-like Old Mill Room, while “Show ’n Ride Equestrian” Barbies can climb aboard a carousel steed in the Pony Room.
PHOTO: Madonna Inn
PHOTO: Madonna Inn
While all the themed rooms present photo opportunities, it is room 218 that is peak Barbiecore. Dubbed the “Carin” room as a Swiss Expression for “endearment,” this enchanting room is adorned with wall-to-wall bright pink hues, two private balconies, and lovebirds nesting on the tiles in the shower. Step into The Bakery at Madonna Inn for its famous pink champagne cake. Then head outside to channel Barbie’s athletic side on the ideal Barbie and Ken tennis court – she’s stylish and sporty, just like the doll herself.
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