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 The resort is located at luxurious Butterfly Beach. Everything from its stunning Spanish Colonial Revival style hotel to the heated bathroom tiles is first-rate at this resort, located on Butterfly Beach in the high-rent district of Montecito. It’s a luxurious blend of old and new: the resort opened in 1927 with views of the Pacific Ocean and the Santa Ynez Mountains, and while the views remain the same, the august property has benefited from a $240 million renovation that was completed in 2007. The renovation preserved the historical ambiance of the property, added the latest in high-tech luxury amenities and even restored some qualities that had mellowed with time, such as a face-lift of the main lobby and replacement of the asphalt main driveway with the original design of brick and native Santa Barbara sandstone curbing. The result is a resort experience that tugs at the heart and the senses, from the impossibly lush 20 acres of manicured tropical gardens to the 10,000-square-foot spa and the excellent fare at the resort’s signature restaurant, Bella Vista. It’s a beautifully intimate place consisting of 207 rooms and 13 cottages that’s made more enjoyable by some of the best amenities my wife and I have ever experienced, anywhere. One of the top privileges for resort guests is access to the private members’ club, the landmark Coral Casino Beach and Cabana Club. Closed for three years due to a $65 million renovation, the refurbished beachfront establishment re-opened last October looking like it must have when it first opened its doors in 1937. Offering 180-degree views of the ocean, Santa Catalina Island and the Channel Islands, the price tag for joining the club, long a hangout for Hollywood’s elite, is a cool $250,000. The club includes an Olympic-size swimming pool flanked by 31 cabanas, a state-of-the-art fitness center and the resort’s new second-story restaurant — Tydes Restaurant and Bar, a stunningly well-appointed restaurant with an inner atrium that allows guests to dine under the stars, and a terrace circling the perimeter offering incredible ocean views. In addition to the beautiful grounds, great restaurants, and amazing pools, one thing that really stood out for me was a spot of the resort not always prominently mentioned in these kinds of articles: the bathrooms. Seriously, our room’s bathroom felt like a mini-resort of its own, from the heated tiles beneath to a rain and steam shower feature. From its grandiose gardens to the smallest details in its rooms, Four Seasons Resort The Biltmore Santa Barbara doesn’t just live up to its luxury resort designation, it manages to raise the bar. Four Seasons guests can play some great courses in Santa Barbara While the Four Seasons Resort The Biltmore Santa Barbara doesn’t include a golf course on its gorgeous property, there are several top-quality public golf courses nearby. Any list of Santa Barbara-area golf must start with Sandpiper Golf Club, one of the most acclaimed public tracks in the state. Designed by William F. Bell, the course opened in 1972 and features ocean and mountain views from every hole. While scenic, the layout can be a bear, particularly from the tips, which measure 7,068 yards. Rates range between $139-$159. For more information, visit sandpipergolf.com. Another public Santa Barbara gem is Rancho San Marcos Golf Course, the creation of Robert Trent Jones, Jr. Located in Los Padres National Forest, it winds through centuries-old oak trees and offers views of both the Santa Ynez River and Lake Cachuma. The front nine is relatively flat, but the back nine offers numerous elevation changes. Three years ago, a comprehensive renovation at Rancho San Marcos restored several bunkers and added more for further challenge. The par-71 course measures 6,817 yards from the tips. Green fees range from $79 to $104. For more information, visit rsm1804.com. Another option is Glen Annie Golf Club (glenanniegolf.com), which opened in 1997. Designed by Damian Pascuzzo and Robert Muir Graves, it’s another stern challenge, especially on the hilly back nine. Rates range between $59-$74. For a truly unforgettable experience, hotel guests are allowed access to private Montecito Country Club, a Max Behr masterpiece which opened in 1922. Four Seasons Resort The Biltmore Santa Barbara Amenities: Rooms include DVD player and heated bathroom tiles; property includes 10,000-square-foot spa and access to Coral Casino Beach and Cabana Club. More information: (805) 969-2261 or visit fourseasons.com/santabarbara. |
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