Find Your Inner Harmony: Allegretto

Paso Robles Horse Park is in full swing and we have the perfect SIP AWAY retreat that also contributes to inner harmony. If inner harmony starts with an affordable resort that’s close to the showgrounds, count me in. We were overjoyed to find out that the Allegretto Vineyard Resort by Ayres is so much more than that. This beautiful Tuscany-like getaway is right down the street from PRHP and provides the ultimate reset for both mind and body, trust us it’s unlike any property we’ve ever visited. The resort prides itself on providing inner harmony experiences. We could all use some calming forces no? Showing isn’t easy, it’s usually lengthy days, some filled with excitement and others with stressful situations. So why not unwind after the windup?

First of all, it’s close. You’ll find Allegretto just off the 46 and a mere 3.8 miles from the horse park. Admittedly, we were a little surprised when we rolled in as it was so easily accessible, this beautiful Tuscan estate-like resort right off the main road who would have known? Once you enter the grounds you are immediately transported into the serenity which is Allegretto, a resort that is purposely designed as a conduit in helping its guests center themselves and explore. I know it sounds a bit mystic or a bit new agey but the artwork, experiences and even the placement of the gardens and paths lead somewhere you might not have planned on discovering. Last year Condé Nast Traveler announced the results of its annual Readers’ Choice Awards with the Allegretto Vineyard Resort recognized as the #11 Top Resort in Northern California. This marks the 7th consecutive year that the Allegretto has been recognized as a Top Resort by Condé Nast Traveler. The Allegretto Vineyard Resort, offers guests exceptional spaces, experiences, services and amenities along the path of their life’s journey, the Allegretto is inspired by wine country evoking an Italian vineyard estate on 20 acres of vineyards and fruit-bearing orchards on Paso Robles’ idyllic east side. The property is a world unto itself with 171 guest rooms and suites, locally farmed and foraged cuisine, a wine tasting lounge featuring the Resort’s private wine label, among many others, a full-service boutique spa, pool and cabanas, manicured gardens, walking paths, French-inspired Abbey, hundreds of antiques, a 12,000-square-foot piazza and inspired vignettes that invoke luxury, warmth, and beauty of the good life.

We started our journey with a walk through the Star Garden Trail. The name, in itself, sparded an interest to me. What we experienced was a wonderful walk through stations that represent a constellation in the Zodiac – a system long used for self reflection, seeking answers, and decoding messages from the energies around us. The Star Garden was created by Douglas Ayres, the proprietor of the estate and runs through it’s gardens along the property. His intention is to inspire people of all spiritualities in a place that doesn’t require specific knowledge or adherence to a certain set of beliefs. The 12 stations are designed for mediation. The trail itself is constantly changing as the seasons change and foliage grows so every time you visit the path it can pose new experience. A new opportunity if you will to explore your inner feelings, goals and aspirations.

Perhaps a walk of enlightenment may not be on your Aprés ride menu, no problem. The entire resort is built for luxurious comfort. The rooms are quiet and comfortable with all the amenities one would expect from a property such as this. The staff is gracious and friendly and the grounds are welcoming from every angle providing several cozy sitting areas and a lovely palazzo in the center. At Allegretto, the discoveries never end. Take a refreshing dip in the pool, treat yourself to a soothing Spa treatment or savor some of the finest regional wines while dining on finely-crafted cuisine cultivated from local farms and purveyors. Yes, the Allegretto and it’s European-style hospitality is graciously waiting to serve you and who knows, you may end up leaving well-grounded in mind and in spirit as well. Dine at Cello Ristorante