The Ritz-Carlton Bacara, Santa Barbara

A weekend at the The Ritz-Carlton Bacara offered a luxurious, warm and inviting stay in Santa Barbara, California

For a weekend escape to Santa Barbara, my vision was clear: horseback riding through rolling hills, wine tasting in lush vineyards, and an indulgent stay at the Ritz-Carlton Bacara.

Santa Barbara has a natural elegance—the kind that lures you in with its beaches, mountain trails, and the vibrant greens of the nearby vineyards in Los Olivos. Riding horseback along scenic trails, feeling the fresh coastal breeze and catching glimpses of the Pacific, was everything I’d hoped for regarding a romantic weekend away.

So, after horseback riding at Circle Bar B Stables and relaxing during wine tasting at Kalyra Winery in Los Olivos, it was time to check in to the Ritz-Carlton Bacara.

Nothing beats that magic when a plan falls perfectly into place!

Stay

Staying at the Ritz-Carlton Bacara was a luxurious experience in every sense. The moment we arrived, the lush landscapes and ocean breeze signaled that this would be a special retreat away from Los Angeles. Nestled on the bluffs of Santa Barbara, the resort’s proximity to the Pacific Ocean made it easy to slip into a state of relaxation, knowing the water was just steps away.

Our California Spanish-inspired room perfectly combined elegance and comfort, with warm earthy tones, intricate tile work, and rustic wood accents that paid homage to the region’s heritage. I chose a garden-view room, and it was a delightful choice.

With the ocean so close and the meticulously designed interiors, the Ritz-Carlton Bacara was the perfect blend of luxury and coastal tranquility.

Every detail, from the plush bedding to the private patio, made it feel like a personal sanctuary on the California coast.

The pools at the Ritz-Carlton Bacara were nothing short of stunning, creating a true oasis experience. There’s something relaxing about being able to stand in one part of the resort and see both pools glistening under the California sun, framed beautifully by the expansive blue of the Pacific Ocean in the background.

The layout of the pools was thoughtfully designed, each nestled within lush, landscaped gardens and offering a variety of cozy lounge chairs, luxurious cabanas, and shaded nooks.

Beach Access

One of the highlights of staying at the Ritz-Carlton Bacara was its effortless beach access, just a short walk down a beautifully landscaped path from the main resort.

The beach itself was stunning, with soft sands stretching out against a backdrop of rugged cliffs, giving us the perfect spot for peaceful strolls and breathtaking ocean views.

Before heading down, the signs inform guests about the naturally occurring tar on the beach, which is common along certain parts of California’s coast. While it doesn’t detract from the experience, it’s something to be mindful of. The resort anticipated this with thoughtful amenities—our room was stocked with special cleaning products designed to safely remove any tar from shoes or feet.

Service

Navigating the expansive grounds of the Ritz-Carlton Bacara was both convenient and enjoyable, thanks to the thoughtful options available for getting around the property. With its sprawling landscape set against ocean bluffs, the resort is beautifully designed to encourage exploration, whether by foot or by a quick golf cart ride.

Dining

To kick off our weekend, we started with poolside drinks at Haskell’s Poolside Bar, which was the perfect way to ease into relaxation mode. The vibe here was refreshingly casual yet elegant, with lounge chairs under shaded umbrellas and the sparkling pools just steps away.

Beyond Haskell’s, the Ritz-Carlton Bacara offered a range of dining experiences, each with a distinct ambiance and menu that felt perfectly crafted for the setting. One standout was dinner at San Setto. The best part – beside the food? The view of the Pacific Ocean and the overall look and decor of the restaurant.

San Setto offered a dining experience that went beyond the plate, combining the beauty of the ocean with a stylish, thoughtfully designed atmosphere that made the meal feel bespoke and unique.

Unparalleled for ocean front dining with a lovely, California coastal vibe?

Priceless.

Breakfast at The Bistro was a delight. There was nothing quite like starting the day with a delicious meal while basking in the warm California sunlight.

Enjoying breakfast on the patio, surrounded by lush gardens and with the gentle ocean breeze, made the experience even more memorable. It was the perfect way to ease into the day and soak up the coastal vibe of the hotel.

Overall

Overall, I absolutely loved my weekend stay at The Ritz-Carlton Bacara in Santa Barbara, California. Like I felt during my stay at the Ritz Carlton Aruba, and the Ritz Carlton Atlanta, there’s simply something special about the brand.

When done well, it’s exemplary.

When done wrong (as it was during a previous stay I had at this hotel), they will go OUT OF THEIR WAY to make it right.

Which is absolutely what one should expect from a hotel of this stature and brand quality.

In the end, the commitment to excellence and guest satisfaction at The Ritz-Carlton Bacara truly embodies the standard of luxury that defines its esteemed brand.

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