Bella Cristia is in La Quinta, California, better known as Gem of the Desert. La Quinta has many outdoor activities and special events throughout the year, along with plenty of sunshine. La Quinta is pretty much, a resort town, filled with premiere golf courses. There are plenty of beautiful open spaces, with its lush vegetation, mountains, flowers and fresh clean air. All of these wonderful things come with a stay any where in La Quinta, what doesn’t come with a stay in La Quinta is the personal touch that Innkeepers Leah and Patrick lend to this very peaceful environment. Their homespun attitude and attention to detail will make you want to come back to Bella Crotsia time and time again.
Another amazing thing that happens when you walk in the door at Bella Cristia is the overwhelming presence of Leah’s daughter Cristia, the bed and breakfasts namesake. What seems to be a very horrific story, one that will stick with you while you look into Leah’s beautiful eyes during your heartfelt conversations about life, will end up warming your heart and teaching you a lot about the human spirit and love. During my stay Leah was about to commemorate the 9th year of her daughters passing. Cristia passed away in Nov. of 2007, on a brisk fall morning in a car accident. Her passing was very quick and not something any of her family ever thought would have happened. When you talk to Leah about her daughter she has nothing but love and respect for Cristia, but you can also feel the shock of a life-gone way to soon. Leah discussed with me the after life, and all of her very detailed dreams about Cristia after she passed. You can just feel her daughter everywhere in their lovely bed and breakfast. There was time when Leah could not talk about her loss, but she feels in a cathartic way it helps her with her tragedy by keeping Cristia in her thoughts every day. For me I am very attuned to after life and consider myself a bit psychic, you would have to be open for this kind of telepathic activity to be able to embrace it. I am sure if you just came to relax and did not broach the subject it would just feel like a wonderful stay at a hidden oasis in La Quinta. Although Leah feels that everyone who stays at Bella Cristia was brought there by divine intervention, some kind of spiritual journey. She learns from each and every guest and their own different types of life situations, and wants to be of service to other parents who may be hurting. She has had some guests who lost children in similar types of accidents and relishes the fact they found their way to her and that she can heal herself and her guests by sharing their experiences. I would say that Leah’s rock is her husband and partner Patrick, who has also had his own struggles, surviving cancer a few years back. Patrick is the chef; he whips up a delicious breakfast before he goes off to work at The La Quinta Chamber of Commerce every day. This powerful duo has some much love to give, with all of their tragedies you are rest assured that you will be in the lap of luxury at Bella Cristia, with every attention to detail taken care of. The elegance surrounds you, with all of Patrick’s and Leah’s little touches. I felt really blessed that some thing brought me to them and that I was elevated to a better understanding of how love can conquer all.
And then there is Dusty Rose and Wanda, their fantastic pooches, who both have their own wonderful personalities. Wanda is a Seeing Eye dog poodle and Dusty Rose a service Labradoodle. They will greet you when you enter and find time to give you lots of love throughout your stay.
The house has two fantastic suites that have their own entrances, with large flat screen TV’s jazucci’s bath tubs, all of the luxurious amenities you would need to have a nice tranquil vacation. I stayed in the The Meiomi Suite. The Meiomi suite is a beautiful room named after one of Leah and Patrick’s favorite wines, a Pinot Noir out of Napa Valley. This room is decorated with an elegant Spanish feel. During the cool season, you can sit by the fireplace, gaze through the French Doors and take in the magnificent view of the Santa Rosa Mountains. Bella Cristia is designed and operated for an adult clientele, so leave the kids at home, no one under 21 years of age is allowed.
Patrick serves a very tasty breakfast, using the healthiest freshest ingredients. I had a sausage frittata served in a mini iron skillet, homemade blueberry scones, this dish was very delicious, and kept me energized until lunch. They use organic food and farm grown when available. They also will accommodate anyone with a special food request, or food allergies.
Their décor is cozy, not too over done. Their beds are extremely comfortable. There are little nick knacks as well as large pieces of furniture and art. At night they enhance the pool with midnight blue lighting, that changes colors. Everything here is sophisticated elegance. They also have cruiser bikes so you can get some exercise while your out site seeing.
Leah and Patrick’s story will restore your faith in mankind, and make you truly appreciate the little things in life that you might be taking for granted. Their resiliency and ability to face life’s tragedies head on will give you a new reason to value your own circumstances. What ever the occasion you will be forever touched by Leah and Patrick’s, hospitality, warmth, and grace!
Bella Cristia a Bed & Breakfast
78705 Avenida La Torres
La Quinta, CA 92253
760-275-2119
www.bellacristia.com/