Whether on the beach, in the mountains or around the corner from the area’s hippest neighborhoods, here’s a guide to help you select the best resort for your Santa Barbara vacation.
LessSituated on the idyllic Miramar Beach in Montecito is the Rosewood Miramar Beach, the only property in Santa Barbara that puts you directly on the golden sand of this hidden inlet. At this Forbes Five Star Resort, guests can dine at the property’s Michelin-starred restaurant, Caruso’s, whose sunsets are nearly as exquisite as its menu, unwind at the Sense, A Rosewood Spa, go shopping at one of the resort’s luxury retail stores and sip literary-inspired cocktails at The Manor Bar.
The ideal Santa Barbara sojourn, Hotel Californian is a Spanish-style enclave that continues to redefine luxury. Here, you’re seconds away from wine bars, restaurants and eclectic boutiques in the Funk Zone neighborhood. On property, expect to be treated like a Hollywood star with amenities such as an on-site spa, several dining options—including a Moroccan-inspired eatery—and one of the area’s best cocktail bars, Djinn, where its world-class mixologist crafts innovative, delicious drinks.
Enjoy sweeping views of the Pacific and Santa Barbara countryside while lounging in your Cali-style bungalow at El Encanto. Each room invites coastal serenity with light, airy textures, locally carved furniture and a private terrace overlooking the resort’s verdant seven-acre garden. El Encanto also boasts unique experiences you won’t find at traditional resorts, like The Literary Club, a celebration of notable authors and writers, alfresco movie nights, private hilltop picnics and more.
True to its name, Hilton Santa Barbara Beachfront Resort is just steps away from East Beach, one of Santa Barbara’s most popular beaches. While staying in one of the resort’s 360 rooms and suites, grab morning coffee to-go at Java del Mar and take a quick jaunt on the beach. Then, walk downtown and spend the afternoon exploring the famed Funk Zone district. End the day cozying up by the fire pits to watch the sun set.
What do Winston Churchill, Sinclair Lewis and Jackie O have in common? They’ve all lodged at the legendary San Ysidro Ranch, a tranquil hideaway tucked right underneath the Santa Ynez Mountains. Relax in vine-covered cottages, relish in miles of hiking trails, book a private yoga class or wine tasting, meander through pristine botanical gardens and much more all within the property’s serene 550 acres. The resort also boasts several on-site dining options and an array of spa treatments.
Sweeping vistas of the Gaviota Coast. Three infinity-edge pools. A redwood sauna and eucalyptus steam room. The Ritz-Carlton Bacara, Santa Barbara, is the luxury sanctuary you’ve been dreaming of. While here, be rejuvenated by the property’s expansive selection of spa treatments, sip wine on the rooftop terrace, dine at one of its six restaurants, including the three-course prix fixe menu at Angel Oak, or take a 20-minute drive to discover everything downtown Santa Barbara has to offer.