Santa Barbara has been considered “The American Riviera” for over a century. A self-contained paradise surrounded by undeveloped coastline, the city’s signature red-tile roofs, white-washed buildings and lush gardens evoke the topography and architectural aesthetic of the European Riviera—with a distinctly Californian twist. Simultaneously sophisticated and bohemian, easy-going and energetic, Santa Barbara revives visitors with its vibrant arts and entertainment scene, inviting resorts and hideaways, abundant outdoor adventures and bucolic wine country.
Sweeping views in the hills above the downtown district
My favorite hotel/resort in the region.
Perched high in the Santa Barbara hills, this iconic hideaway offers the best views of the American Riviera. Spread across seven acres of secluded gardens, Belmond El Encanto opened in 1918 and has been part of Santa Barbara’s social scene ever since. A Forbes Five Star resort, this enchanting escape features 92 bungalow-style suites and guest rooms with sweeping views over Santa Barbara and the Pacific Coast. The resort is gleaming and glamorous, yet relaxed and low-key – the kind of place that invites you to recline poolside, breathe in the ocean air, and sip a glass of crisp local wine.
PART OF MY BELMOND PREFERRED PARTNER PORTFOLIO
Center of town in the Funk Zone.
Hotel Californian adds a modern touch to Santa Barbara’s revitalized waterfront. The 121-room hotel features a traditional Spanish colonial exterior paired with a design-centric interior, beginning with more than a million Moroccan-inspired tiles in dozens of different patterns. Its richly appointed spa uses Majorelle blue to set a soothing tone for customized therapies. Acclaimed mixologist Devon Espinosa brings his unparalleled cocktails to Blackbird and Goat Tree restaurants and Djinn library bar. Watch the sunset by the rooftop pool, which features breathtaking views of the Pacific coastline and the Santa Ynez Mountains.
A VIRTUOSO PREFERRED PARTNER
PART OF MY PREFERRED PARTNER PORTFOLIO
in the hills above Santa Barbara
At San Ysidro Ranch, it’s easy to hide away in one of 38 individually decorated cottages and suites, thoughtfully sited along the resort’s hillside paths, neighboring the pleasant creek. Each offers a king-size bed, fireplace, patio, outdoor hot tub, and rainhead shower, while the newest boast private plunge pools. It’s little wonder that John and Jackie Kennedy honeymooned here – to this day, the resort is legendary for its discreet personal service and stunning natural environment. The Stonehouse offers remarkable regional cuisine, with herbs and vegetables harvested from the on-site garden.
A VIRTUOSO PREFERRED PARTNER
Down the coast a bit in Montecito
With its light and airy guest rooms and suites on one of Southern California’s most exclusive beaches, Rosewood Miramar Beach is a seaside gem. Tucked away in idyllic Montecito, just 80 miles northwest of L.A., the resort’s bungalows are the perfect respite from the everyday grind. Rejuvenation happens daily at Sense Spa, while sunrise yoga and sunset walks begin and end days in paradise. Indulge in Italian-inflected coastal cuisine at the oceanfront Caruso’s.
A VIRTUOSO PREFERRED PARTNER
PART OF MY ROSEWOOD PREFERRED PARTNER PORTFOLIO
Learn to sail, charter a sailboat, rent a variety of small sail or power boats or escape on award-winning Liveaboard Instructional Sailing Vacations to the world-famous Channel Islands National Park. Choose from a wide variety of private & public cruises, including whale watching cruises, and see oceans of marine life and spectacular coastline views.
Santa Barbara wine tours offer a personalized wine country experience, all based on your budget, timing and expectations. Discover a variety of fun and fascinating tasting room and winery tours to choose from throughout the city and in the beautiful Santa Ynez Valley.
Various options are offered as well:
• SIP & SAIL
• SIP & CYCLE
• GIDDY UP by horse
The Funk Zone central Santa Barbara
This food & photo tour starts on lower State Street and will walk you through the Funk Zone neighborhood where you will taste what Santa Barbara is known for from bites of fresh seafood, gastropub creations, and Mexican or Spanish foods to artisan beer, locally grown wines, & hand-crafted spirits. Along the way, you’ll get immersed in the local culture and hear interesting stories about each place you’ll visit.
Los Angeles – the East Side and DTLA Information Page
Los Angeles – the West Side Information Page
Need a bit of help planning a trip?
Let me know.
page updated: March 2023
images courtesy: Visit Santa Barbara
Leave a Reply