El Encanto, Santa Barbara

My 40th birthday is this Sunday. Originally I had a whole Palm Springs trip planned but life happened and I had to make some adjustments. We decided to go up to Santa Barbara for the night this past Monday right before my next treatment and while I am still feeling somewhat okay. We stayed at the El Encanto (http://www.belmond.com/el-encanto-santa-barbara/). It was absolutely amazing. They agreed to waive the cancellation fee if I woke up the day of and didn't feel well. We got to the hotel and the staff couldn't have been nicer. They upgraded our room and brought me a chocolate mousse cake thing that said "Happy Birthday" on it. We lay by the pool, ate a ton, napped and relaxed. It was perfect. We were able to bring Bert and they had a doggie bed, food and bowls for him. Today I started to feel a bit anxious, and I think it's because my next treatment is Thursday. I am really sad that I will be spending my 40th birthday in bed, but I am grateful we got to get away for a night to celebrate.

They gave us pillow cases with the first letters of our last names

Chillin' by the pool

Bert sunning himself on our patio

View from our diner table