Darling Behind The Scenes: Madonna Inn

If you haven’t visited the iconic Madonna Inn in San Luis Obispo, you should add it to your travel itinerary right now. With 110 unique, artistically whimsical guestrooms, a luxurious spa, horseback riding and even a hot pink and baby blue tennis court, it’s a sight to behold and an experience that you won’t soon forget.

Darling headed up to the Inn with photographer Kat Borchart for a photo shoot that appears in our current spring issue. We had a concept based on ego (“Your Ego Is Floating Away”, page 70) which fit perfectly with the colorful, patterned rooms and over-the-top dresses and crowns (styled by Natalie Hemmati) worn by model Ganna Bodgan. Another concept was based on fun fitness (“Elevated Moment”, page 138) that we shot on the vibrant tennis courts with hot pink tennis balls flying through the air.

Perfect for dreamers and explorers alike, the Madonna Inn is classic California. Beautiful, rugged, charming and fantastical, it would be the highlight of a drive up the PCH or make your weekend getaway one unlike any other. Whether experienced in person or through our pages, you’re sure to fall in love with the inn just like we did.

We hope you enjoy these behind the scenes and outtakes from the shoot at the Madonna Inn. To see and read more, please purchase Darling Issue No. 11, here.

BTS Images via Milena Mallory; Portraits via Kat Borchart