CleverRoot

4 4 | t h e c l e v e r r o o t WHILE SKYVIEW LOS ALAMOS has been a fixture in California's Santa Ynez Val- ley since 1959, the motel recently reopened under new ownership and, after an extensive renovation, is quickly securing its place as the most sought-after spot to stay in the burgeoning little town of Los Alamos. Despite its noticeable cool factor, this iconic roadside outpost turned stylish boutique inn gives off a relaxed vibe in which luxury is balanced by off-the-grid authenticity. Perched on a hillside above town, Skyview Los Alamos offers 33 minimalist yet comfortable rooms with hardwood floors, custom velvet bed frames, and unique accents like hand-woven chairs from Morocco. Other personalized details don't go unnoticed, including complimentary local wine upon check-in and a collection of mini-bar items you might actually make use of (think Compartes chocolate, Casamigos Tequila, and Wine Wipes). Outside amongst the desert-inspired land- scaping are communal fire pits surrounded by black Adirondack chairs, as well as bikes available for cruising into town. Skyview's owners—the same team behind the Granada Hotel & Bistro in San Luis Obispo—set out to curate an inviting yet modernized space that would still re- flect the Western roots of Los Alamos. The resulting design seamlessly blends mid- century style with contemporary rusticity: Some of the motel's original elements, like its signature yellow "Motel" sign and the quirky cactus columns adorning the carriage porch, add to the overall air of nostalgia. One of the most notable features of Skyview Los Alamos is its retro pool and the adjacent full-service restaurant and indoor/outdoor bar. Playfully named Nor- man after the character Norman Bates in the Alfred Hitchcock film Psycho, it fo- cuses on farm-to-table California comfort food and sources seasonal ingredients from throughout the region. The atmosphere is both chic and comfortable, with large round booths and a baby grand piano—a throwback to the era in which the motel was first established. Norman's curated wine list features a collection of 60 bottles representing both regional producers and imports, while the cocktail menu impresses with its well-crafted offerings. Skyview will soon add its own house wine, produced with grapes from the property's surrounding 2.5 acres of organic Pinot Noir, as well. Whether visiting specifically for the delicious food and drink options or to briefly disconnect from modern living, Skyview Los Alamos' endearing charm and laid-back ambiance will surely fit the bill. For more information, visit skyviewlosalamos.com. CLEVER TRAVEL ■cr A Repolished Gem in Wine Country CHIC AUTHENTICITY ABOUNDS AT THE RENOVATED SKYVIEW LOS ALAMOS MOTEL IN THE SANTA YNEZ VALLEY by Hana-Lee Sedgwick Skyview Los Alamos in California's Santa Ynez Valley just reopened under new ownership after extensive renovations. Named after the main character in Alfred Hitchcock's film Psycho, Skyview's restaurant Norman serves up California comfort food.

• Cover