What it is

A Spanish Colonial Revival stunner set on 78 acres abutting the Pacific Ocean, with a 42,000-square-foot spa, three infinity saline pools and 8 bars and restaurants.

What it isn't

Lacking anything. Curated activities here include practically anything your vacationing heart could dream of, ranging from tennis on Har-Tru clay courts to private guided tours of the nearby wineries.

What we think

The exceedingly well-heeled town of Santa Barbara already has a reputation for pure perfection, as local residents Oprah Winfrey, Jennifer Lopez, and Steven Spielberg would attest. And even here, the Ritz-Carlton Bacara kicks things up a notch. All 358 guest rooms are as luxe as they come, with Frette linens, marble-lined showers and soaking tubs, patios or balconies, and many with fireplaces. “Starter” room categories such as the Fireside Garden Room are nothing less than enormous at 450 square feet, in a soothing color palette of blues and earthy browns (and complete with Mediterranean-inspired exposed wood beams overhead). For a blissful “I actually live here” feel, we love the One-Bedroom Suite Ocean View; it’s 925 square feet and has a separate living room and wet bar, plus two bathrooms and an oversized balcony peeping out on the sea.

You're here because

The spa is tailor-made for Hollywood starlets and tycoons alike, and has a redwood sauna and eucalyptus steam room in addition to California-inspired treatments such as a citrus avocado body scrub.

The Moment

You know a restaurant with a 12,000-bottle deep wine collection, like Angel Oak, is going to be great. But you never guessed it would be this great. Currently wow’ing you as much as the ocean views? Grilled bone marrow with pistachio marmalade.

Restaurants & Bars

ANGEL OAK - A modern take on the traditional steakhouse serving an assortment of aged and prime cuts paired with the deepest wine cellar in the region over panoramic views of the Pacific.

THE 'O' BAR AND KITCHEN - Located adjacent to the lobby, this bar and restaurant combines rustic California cuisine and premium beverages for a casual yet refined dining experience overlooking the majestic Pacific Ocean.

THE BISTRO - Capturing the casual essence of the resort, The Bistro offers a menu highlighting local produce and sustainable seafood. The dining room is complemented by an oceanfront terrace with a fireplace.

FIRST DROP - Inspired by French and Italian traditions, this café offers coffee and espresso beverages, traditional breakfast and lunch dishes, fresh pastries and soft-serve ice cream.

POOL BAR - Guests can spend the entire day in the sun, uninterrupted, with poolside food and beverage service including cocktails, frozen drinks, sandwiches and salads.

FOLEY TASTING ROOM - This exclusive culinary experience features flight tastings from premier wineries in a luxurious setting. Reserve tastings can also be arranged.

Location

Half a mile from the iconic Sandpiper Golf Course (which, yes, you’ll have access to) and fronting the Pacific Ocean. Don’t miss the nearby Goleta Monarch Butterfly Grove at Ellwood Mesa, where monarch butterflies flit October through February.