Santa Barbara has a romantic side for sure! Check out these wonderful choices for a memorable get-away!

by Teryn Bonime www.teryndowntheroad.com

Bacara Resort & Spa

bacararesort.com / 805-968-0100

This resort is top of the line. Here’s a secret if you want to enjoy the hotel but aren’t staying there: Make an appointment for a service (pedicure, facial, massage) and you get access to the spa for the entire day! This includes use of the spa pool, exercise classes and equipment plus the steam, sauna and jet tub amenities. If you are brave, head to the clothing-optional, co-ed top floor lounge area!  Start out with a hike around the property and end the day with a fun cocktail or a fine dinner. It’s a day you will remember for years to come!

Canary Hotel

canarysantabarbara.com / 805-884-0300

Reserved for hotel guests only, the rooftop terrace that has a view of the world! You’ll love the pool too.  Their restaurant, the Finch & Fork, is a local favorite.

El Encanto

elencanto.com / 805-845-5800

Located in a delightful setting this recently renovated classic is another top-of-the-line destination. Just to have dinner and/or cocktails on the outdoor patio is a piece of heaven!  If you are not staying at the hotel, the spa has services which gives you access to their fitness classes, however, pool access is for hotel guests only.

Four Seasons Resort Biltmore

fourseasons.comsantabarbara.com / 805-969-2261

Located across from Butterfly Beach, this oceanside grand hotel is a classic with its bungalows steeped in movie star history.  Not staying at the hotel? Schedule a spa service and spend the day using the sauna, steam room and relaxation lounge. The pool is for hotel guests only.

Ojai Valley Inn & Spa

ojairesort.com / 955-697-8780

Located in another movie star rich area, this spectacular compound has it all. Surrounded by a golf course with numerous restaurant choices, you’ll love the peacefulness and tranquility of a luxurious get-away.  My favorite is the patio restaurant. If you are not staying at the hotel, purchase a spa service and spend the day poolside!

San Ysidro Ranch

sanysidroranch.com / 805-565-1700

Tucked away in upper Montecito, this hotel harkens back to a time long ago! The grounds are spectacular surrounding beautiful bungalows. There is no spa but they do provide in-room facials and massages. The heated pool is open 24 hours and is for hotel guests only. If you are not staying at the hotel, do dine in the restaurants. Not only is it the best people watching/movie star sighting location around, the food is beyond spectacular, and so is the service. (Carol Burnett was having dinner a few tables over when I was last there!)

*The photo of the Ojai Valley Inn & Spa above is from when my friend David flew us up the Ojai Valley! (Sorry that is sideways…)