Bacara Resort & Spa

California
United States

The Experience

This eight-year-old, sprawling resort of whitewashed, red-tiled Spanish Colonial buildings is set on 78 beachfront acres in Bacara, Santa Barbara, nestled between the Pacific Ocean and the Santa Ynez Mountains. Its remote location (no shops or restaurants nearby) and meandering layout make it feel like a seaside village, perfect for families who like lots of activities under one roof. Everything is on a grand scale here, from the traditionally furnished, high-ceilinged Lobby Lounge to the three-story spa. But the grandest is not even on site: Bacara has its own 1,000-acre ranch for hotel guests to experience hiking, gardening and the occasional bobcat sighting.

The Rooms

Basic rooms are decently sized, with enough space for a king-size bed, a desk and an armoire, and the decor is soothingly Mediterranean, with terra-cotta tile floors and mounds of blue and white bedding. Still, if you've come to spend more time in the rooms and less time at the ranch, skip the gardenview rooms and upgrade to the ocean views, which have a balcony or patio. Shutters open between the bathroom and bedroom, so if you're soaking in a hot tub you can still enjoy the picturesque view of the ocean (and the colorful gardens).

The Service

Eager to please and swift on your feet are the attributes needed to get a job here. Despite considerable distances to cover, service is rarely slow. And even the waiters are knowledgeable about the cuisine and local wine market.

The Highlights

The enormous grounds offer enough amusements to fill a few hours or a few days, with three saline-filled, zero-edge swimming pools and a spa that feels warm and intimate despite its expansive 42,000 square feet. There's also tennis, golf and a two-mile beach with surfboards and water sports, as well as the ranch, just minutes away in Los Padres National Forest. Take a guided hike, and be sure to visit the 10 acres of organic gardens; herbs, avocados and other goodies end up on your plate at Bacara's restaurants, including Miro. With chic and sleek furnishings, Miro's ambience may feel more New York than Santa Barbara, but the delicious herb-sprinkled lobster reminds you that the ocean is never far away.

 

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