If you want to immerse yourself in the lush, sun-soaked Californian landscape, The Ritz-Carlton Bacara is the place to be. This is where Angelinos escape for a weekend countryside escape and also where picture-perfect weddings take place. It is a short 20-minute drive to the heart of Santa Barbara and even closer to the local airport.
Hotel
With 78 acres of immaculately landscaped gardens, this is one resort that will keep you entertained without you having to step foot off the premises. The Spanish colonial revival architecture prevalent in Santa Barbara is very much in evidence here as can be seen via the white-washed walls with intricate red-clay tiles above that greet you on arrival along with the verdant palm trees that deliver a sense of grandeur. You’ve arrived at your luxury hacienda.
The lobby is spacious and airy with an eye-catching chandelier and always impeccable floral displays. It is a constant hive of activity as you would expect for a resort that has 358 guest rooms, suites and residences along with constant private events. However, it never feels claustrophobic as the action is spread across so many acres of land. You may need some time to orientate yourself around the resort initially, but the helpful staff will happily transport you via golf buggies to and from your villa.
Room
The rooms are extremely well-portioned from entry-level rooms at 450 sq ft to the Channel Island suite at 3,700 sq ft. You’ll struggle to find a room that doesn’t deliver an impressive view whether you’re staring into the majestic Pacific Ocean or admiring the lush greenery in their gardens.
Natural wood furnishings are used prominently, from the wooden beams supporting the ceiling to louvered shutters separating the bathroom from the bedroom. There’s no doubt many of the oak wood must have been sourced locally. Some suites have a wet bar and fireplace whilst the fireside garden room also includes a patio with a fire pit.
It is a non-expenses spared affair in terms of the amenities. There are Diptyque hand and body lotions and they offer 100% pure cotton Terry robes as well as handcrafted luxury linens from Frette.
Food and drink
There are numerous bars and restaurants to choose from at the hotel, so you’re unlikely to be downloading any food-ordering apps. The highlight is undoubtedly Angel Oak. Their contemporary take on the traditional steak house delivers exquisite dishes like an elegantly floral and fruity yellow tail crudo filled with mint, flowering coriander and Valencia orange vinaigrette.
The oysters are served up with Champagne mignonette and the tart flavour complements the briny, creamy texture of the oysters perfectly. Whilst their A5 Japanese Wagyu redefines the meaning of ‘melt-in-your-mouth’, USDA Prime still dominates their menu, but this is a restaurant that will spare no expenses in sourcing the finest ingredients.
The cooling effect from the ocean, along with the rolling hillsides, has helped to create unique microclimates in the region, making wines from Santa Barbara County some of the most sought-after in California. The brand-new Bacara Wine Tasting Room is a must-visit venue, where they’ve embodied the wine-appreciating spirit of the funk zone in Santa Barbara with a curated menu that focuses specifically on Santa Barbara County produce. They frequently feature boutique vineyards like Star Lane Vineyard with winemakers present to speak directly with consumers.
Upgrading to a room with The Ritz-Carlton Club Lounge access is even better. You’ll get top-quality culinary offerings throughout the day, from afternoon tea to hors d’oeuvres and you can sample the finest selection of Californian wines as well as other beverages. There is also a complimentary press service and a concierge to assist with your every need when opting for club level access.
Spa
At 42,000 square feet, the hotel spa is one of the finest in California, where you can experience everything from a redwood sauna to a eucalyptus steam room.
They have signature treatments, such as the Hollywood facial, which uses cutting-edge NuFace micro-current technologies and they also offer body scrubs and beauty treatments which make for an ideal pampering escape holiday.
To do
The hotel offers a plethora of sporting activities from golf to tennis. The more unusual activity is their complimentary nature hike along the Chumash Nature Trail. The expert hotel guide helpfully explains the geology of the local landscape, the endemic plants and Native American culture.
If you are a fan of museums, then Santa Barbara is just the place for you. Santa Barbara Museum of Art has the ideal blend of contemporary and ancient artwork from all across the globe. The immersive MOXI is perfect for scientific enthusiasts with a young family.
Immersion is also a key part of the Sea Center at historic Stearns Wharf. Here, you are encouraged to interact with the sea life and nurture a better understanding of our fragile environment. Whilst those who think Santa Barbara might lack history need to visit the historic Old Mission, which was established in 1786.
In a nutshell
For a five-star experience that is off the beaten track, The Ritz-Carlton Bacara is just the place for you to consider.
Factbox
The Ritz-Carlton Bacara offers rooms from $685 per night.
Address: 8301 Hollister Avenue, Santa Barbara, California 93117 United States
Phone: +1 (805) 968 0100
Email: RCBacaraGuestRelations@ritzcarlton.com
Website: ritzcarlton.com
