Splendor at The Ritz-Carlton Bacara, Santa Barbara
Some hotels appeal to all the senses, and at The Ritz-Carlton, Bacara Santa Barbara, the resort offers a multitude of relaxing enrichment opportunities next to the beach. One of the grandest hotels along the American Riviera, the hotel opened in 2000, on 78 acres of beachfront and natural land in Santa Barbara County. Some of the guest rooms and spacious suites have panoramic ocean views and all have semi-private patios and balconies.
Patios and balconies – Jill Weinlein
This striking resort featuring Spanish-style architecture became The Ritz Carlton Bacara, Santa Barbara in 2017. The multi-million-dollar renovation included refreshing all guest rooms and suites in coastal colors and enhancing the resort’s culinary venues, including the private keycard-entry Club Lounge.
Club Lounge al fresco dining – Jill Weinlein
Overlooking the Spa Pool, Club Lounge guests can visit the exclusive area throughout the day, starting with a complimentary hot and cold breakfast items in the morning, leisure lunch, afternoon tea, sunset hors d’oeuvres, light dinner and desserts.
Photo by Jill Weinlein
While inside the lounge, guests will appreciate the tranquil colors and art exhibited throughout featuring four artists who reside in Santa Barbara – John Nava, Hank Pitcher, Phoebe Brunner and Nicole Strasburg. On loan from Sullivan Goss – An American Gallery, the collection features oil paintings that highlight the beautiful California Coast. A Club Lounge Concierge host assists in your travel experience while at the resort. Besides a selection of snacks, water, juice and sodas, the lounge also offers a small selection of California wines, beers, spirits and after-meal liqueurs.
Spa at Ritz Carlton Bacara – Jill Weinlein
Next to the Club Lounge is the 42,000-square foot luxury spa. Reserve a 50-minute Bacara Signature Massage incorporating heated stones and hot towels to provide soothing warmth and relaxation. When you make your reservation, you can request that your massage be performed by a vaccinated spa staff member. Besides 30+ treatment rooms, there is also a redwood sauna, eucalyptus room, salon and a start-of-the-art fitness center.
Large fitness center – Jill Weinlein
Evening dining opportunities include the oceanfront Angel Oak, offering a fine dining menu featuring salads, A5 Japanese Wagyu steaks, and fresh local seafood, including the iconic Santa Barbara uni. It’s a local and international delicacy. Other venues include the ‘O’ Bar + Kitchen for craft cocktails and lighter Latin bites off the main lobby. The Haskell’s Bar is next to the main pool for guests to enjoy sandwiches, salads, frozen margaritas and craft cocktails.
The Main pool – Jill Weinlein
There are three saltwater swimming pools and private cabanas for social distancing. The main pool and oval cabana pool are family friendly, however the spa pool is for adults-only.
Adult-only Spa Pool – Jill Weinlein
Oceano cabanas offer a television, refrigerator, safe, dining table and comfortable lounge furniture. The Riviera cabanas have additional shade, a dining table and two lounge chairs. Cabanas can accommodate up to six and are for registered guests and club members only.
Cabanas at the oval pool – Jill Weinlein
Start your weekend vacation early and arrive on Friday before 2 p.m. to enjoy a complimentary Pinot and Paint session on one of the expansive lawns. The hosts provide a canvas, apron, paint, and plenty of inspiration while offering bottled water and glasses of wine from local wineries.
Pinot and Paint – Jill Weinlein
Other enrichment opportunities include a guided beach walk starting at 4 p.m. at the Pool Bar. Follow one of the Naturalist into Naples marine preserve, a stretch of coastline north of the resort to explore tide pools and scenic views. Learn about the history of marine conservation along the California coast and its ecosystem. This hike may be changed depending on the tide and can be rescheduled during high tides.
Sunset photo by Jill Weinlein
Those seeking to explore areas in Goleta, beyond the resort, can borrow one of the complimentary multi-gear bicycles and ride to Isla Vista and the University of California, Santa Barbara. There are designated and paved bike paths after riding up to the waterfront Sandpiper Golf Course, a public 18-hole course offering picturesque mountain and ocean views at every hole.
Entrance photo by Jill Weinlein
The Ritz-Carlton, Bacara Santa Barbara is ideally situated two hours from Los Angeles, and within minutes to downtown Santa Barbara offering the harbor for water sports, shopping, dining venues and wine tasting opportunities.
Currently their Bed and Breakfast special rates begin at $499 per night. Guests receive a $50 breakfast credit for in-room dining, plus the resort fee of $50 is waived and guests receive complimentary valet parking. This special is good until December 31, 2021.
