Escape to a world of luxury and refinement
Montecito is a must-stop for travelers cruising down the Pacific Coast Highway, Los Angeles weekenders, and, well, anyone who desires to live out their California fantasy. So, for those planning—or just daydreaming—about a trip, here are my favorite luxury hotels in Montecito.
1) Montecito Inn
The history of the Montecito Inn pictured above dates back to 1928. It was built by Charlie Chaplin and a group of investors who wanted to create an upscale getaway. But the history isn't all that attracts guests. This iconic hotel is located within walking distance of Santa Barbara's top beaches, with boutique shopping and fine dining options just steps away along Coast Village Road. If you've got a taste for the finer things, take a drive to Santa Barbara wine country. If collegiate endeavors are on the syllabus, you've come to the right spot. From whale watching to art galleries to live theater, there's a lot to explore near the Montecito Inn.
2) Rosewood Miramar
Set on the American Riviera along one of Southern California’s most beautiful and exclusive coastlines, Forbes Five-Star Hotel & Spa, Rosewood Miramar Beach, offers a captivating estate-style atmosphere and the finest leisure amenities. Situated on an exclusive oceanfront stretch of Montecito, which is known for its stunning landscape, pleasant year-round climate and spectacular architecture, the resort offers amenities with a personal touch designed to make your stay seamless from the very beginning. The Miramar Club is a private social club for guests and there is a special pet program for four-legged guests, including a custom pet menu and exclusive pet products and amenities.
3) El Encanto
In the hills of the American Riviera is the peaceful oasis that is El Encanto, a Belmond hotel with greenery-covered walkways, ivy-adorned trellises, and a calming infinity pool that seemingly stretches into the horizon. Spacious rooms are adorned in a Spanish-colonial-meets-California-cool aesthetic (think terra cotta and painted tilework complemented with crisp white accents), and most feature balconies or patios perfect for a morning coffee—although you may want to enjoy that (or an afternoon tea service) on the property’s idyllic terrace, with its Pacific Ocean views.
4) San Ysidro Ranch
Tucked away in the leafy foothills of Montecito, San Ysidro Ranch offers a unique blend of privacy, peace, and tranquility in an idyllic setting. Thirty-eight vine-covered cottages surrounded by incredibly landscaped gardens embellished with flowers always in bloom, under a canopy of stately sycamores and gnarled oaks, make this exclusive property destination unplugged from the rest of the world. Citrus groves, olive trees, brilliantly colored lantanas, lily pond, and the sweet smell of orange blossoms, fragrant magnolias, and jasmine make you think you have just discovered a slice of paradise.
Luxury Amenities
Besides providing guests with world-class service and luxurious amenities in a beautiful setting, the above-mentioned Montecito properties come with a list of luxury amenities. Think full-service concierge, open 24/7, luxury spa services, state-of-the-art gyms, event and meeting spaces, some of the best dining experiences in the area, gardens, infinity pools, flower arrangement delivery service, complimentary safety deposit boxes, valet service, pet amenities, complimentary use of bicycle cruisers, and more.
No other town does luxury or exudes an effortlessly chic vibe like Montecito. The area itself could be viewed as the ultimate amenity. Montecito is home to some of the area's most stunning stretches of coastline, from Fernald Point, past the calm waters of Miramar Beach and renowned surf break at Hammonds Point, to sparkling Butterfly Beach. Stand-up paddlers and surfers vie for waves, and sailboats sleepily bob against their moorings offshore.
Looking for a land adventure? Lace up your hiking boots and head outdoors to the hills of Montecito to be wowed by epic views from the city of Santa Barbara to the Channel Islands and beyond. With more than 15 different trails and a plethora of flora and fauna, the hiking in Montecito and Santa Barbara ranges from easy nature walks to challenging climbs.
If you fall in love with our exclusive seaside town when you stay at any of the Montecito hotels mentioned above, who could blame you? If your stay has inspired you to buy in the 93108 zip code, give me a call at (805) 886-9378 or email me at Cristal@Montecito-Estate. You can trust me, the #1 Ranked Individual Agent in the entire Santa Barbara MLS. Let me put my magic to work on your behalf!
More resources: