Whether you are traveling from afar or live in the Los Angeles area and are looking for a weekend reprieve, this place is truly a hidden gem. Sylviane was such an accommodating and sweet host — ensuring all the details were in place to make our stay as special as possible, from fresh bedding and bathroom supplies to comfy bathrobes to wear out to the hot tub and outdoor shower. We had everything we needed to cook meals and heat coffee; to handle e-mails and phone calls (thanks to the property’s Verizon hotspot; reception is poor in the canyon); and to relax in the yard with one of the many cool books that line the cottage’s walls. It was unusually chilly for this time of year, so she stopped by in the evening to turn on the fire in the living room, which we enjoyed with our toes in a shaggy rug (and against a backdrop of orange trees and roses -- cue the Leonard Cohen eight-track). We had never heard of Topanga before our trip, but look back on it as a truly magical place. You can feel an energy that must have been there for centuries and that is made more vibrant when you imagine other travelers and residents who must have come there before. In the cottage, we felt transported back in time, not just because of Sylviane’s eclectic taste, but also because it has an old energy about that envelopes you like a warm blanket. I enjoyed meandering drives down Old Topanga Canyon Road in the morning, soaking in the forest air and sun as it slooooowly rises through the canyon. In the little town just a mile away, there is a general store where you can get all the food provisions you need: We enjoyed some awesome picnics. Malibu is expensive — a vegan and gluten-free pastry from one of the local bakeries will practically cost you your last paycheck — but there is no reason you can’t live it up on a tight budget if you get creative like the locals do! Guaranteed to have more fun his way, too, and probably avoid a visit to the doctor for throat abrasions. My favorite thing about our stay was snuggling with Pablo, the canine resident who Sylviane had greet us upon our arrival when she heard that we were animal lovers. Pablo, besides being generally awesome, is a real pro at yoga; we found out he will practice a variety of ridiculously cute poses in exchange for niblets (including an impressive tree pose and his obvious favorite, down dog). Who could ask for better entertainment? Overall, we could not recommend this cottage more highly, and if we end up moving to LA, we will definitely be coming back for weekend getaways. There is no way not to feel completely rejuvenated, even if you are on business as we were. So vacation and business travelers alike: Why not take a chance on something off the beaten...