Taking a stroll along the coastline trail at The Ritz Carlton Bacara, Santa Barbara, guests can soak up the California sunshine as it illuminates the natural beauty of the Mediterranean-style luxury resort.
Refreshed in 2017, some of the 358 guestrooms and suites have terraces and balconies with ocean views. Guests sit at sunset with a glass of wine in hand to watch the sun sizzle into the Pacific Ocean.
At the top of the bluff is the fine dining restaurant, Angel Oak offering an elevated California coastal menu. Besides an array of grilled fresh fish entrees, the menu features steaks and Santa Barbara uni. On the outdoor terrace, tables overlook the Channel Islands and pier in the distance. A sommelier offers wine pairing recommendations from a list of wines that are stored at the resort's extensive wine cellar below.
Other wine opportunities include one of the weekly enrichment opportunities 'Painting and Pinot'. Sip a local Santa Barbara County wine while painting in a garden.
Guests staying overnight on a Friday can enjoy this complimentary outdoor experience, starting with a generous pour of Pinot, such as Lincourt Pinot Noir from nearby Sta. Rita Hills. Participants sit at a table in front of a blank canvas, and receive paint, an apron, brushes, water, and plenty of inspiration to paint their own work of art to take home.
Even though The Ritz Carlton Bacara is located within minutes of Santa Barbara's award-winning wineries, guests can stay at the resort for an intimate wine tasting experience. Step inside the beautiful Foley Wine Tasting Room near the entrance of the hotel for an exclusive wine flight.
Every Thursday through Sunday guests can make a reservation to sit inside the boutique cellar for a unique tasting experience. Flights include a pour of 2019 Folley Sonoma Winemaker's Chardonnay offering notes of Meyer Lemon, pear and creme brulee. Other participating wine pours might include tastes from Kuleto Estate, Chalk Hill Estate, Sebastiani and Lancaster Estate. One tasting flight is $40 and this fee is waived when you purchase two of your favorite bottles.
Other activities at this luxe resort include morning outdoor yoga, and then take the hotel's cruiser bikes for a spin.
Guests have three pools to bask in the sun and swim, including the outdoor spa pool in front of the 42,000 sqft. Spa. Besides a variety of relaxing wellness treatment rooms, there is also an indoor sauna, eucalyptus steam room, and fireplace lounge area.
Next door to the Spa is the signature Ritz-Carlton Club Lounge. A personal concierge host guides guests through the exclusive communal space for complimentary culinary offerings throughout the day including breakfast, lunch, afternoon tea, hors d'oeuvres, non-alcoholic beverages and desserts. Enjoy a mimosa in the morning, and wine beer and spirits in the later afternoon and evening.
The appealing Club Lounge also offers an array of local art on loan from Sullivan Goss - an American Gallery featuring oil paintings that highlight modern art and the California Coast.
The Ritz Carlton Bacara offers specials for guests who stay longer and a Bed & Breakfast special through the end of 2021.