We went away this weekend, only 20 minutes from our home, but a place that felt a world away. For the second time, we spent a weekend at Hidden Villa with other families from our kids’ school (Hidden Villa was founded by the same person who founded my kids’ school). Most people don’t know it’s possible to stay at Hidden Villa, and then may assume that we were camping, but it’s actually much nicer than that.
Hidden Villa in the Los Altos Hills has a hostel on-site, which can be rented out in its entirety, including seven cabins (if my memory is correct), a large kitchen, and a big living area. It feels like staying in the great outdoors, with all the comforts of being at a home.
While Hidden Villa is popular for hikers and families checking out the animals, its a unique experience once everyone has gone home. It’s silent, except for animal noises, and with the green space surrounding us, it feels like we’d left suburbia. I looked outside during the Sunday morning quiet to see my son standing still on the slope near the cabins. I called out, to ask if he was alright, and he answered, “Mom! Did you hear the cows mooing?” He was being still, listening to all the animal noises, which is pretty cool for a five year old.
Before the crowds started to come in for the day, we walked around to say good morning to the lambs with their mothers, the cows, the pigs, a goat, and many chickens. It was a great way to start the day.
