Check into a
'Private' Mediterranean Estate
Four Seasons Resort Santa Barbara
805-969-2261
$$$$ / $$$$
From the moment you pass your car keys to the valet, you enter the vortex of the fairy tale. You've arrived at one of the 50 Most Romantic Getaways in the World (2003, Travel & Leisure Magazine), where you are treated as the royal guests of the lord of the manor. You are invited to choose a private cottage suite or a room in the mansion, overlooking the swimming pool's shimmering mother-of-pearl tile. Strolling past lush gardens, you are escorted to your charming, and very spacious, quarters. Modern amenities, including, flat-panel high-definition television, rain shower heads, and the renowned Four Seasons beds, combine tastefully with old world charm. Sipping champagne, you recline on your patio, anticipating the couples massage to come.
Your treatments today will take place in the luxurious day suite, with side-by-side massage tables, whirlpool, fireplace, and the sounds of the Pacific gently kissing the shores just outside the veranda. There is no sense of urgency, as lunch is delivered to encourage you to linger.
As the afternoon sun falls closer to the horizon, it's time to set out and explore Santa Barbara's Paseo Nuevo, an outdoor mecca of entertainment, shopping and dining. A few steps away sits Santa Barbara's newest jewel, Hotel Andalucia, host to one of the locals' favorite dining spots, 31 West. Private conversation and tender moments are made possible by well-spaced tables and generous armchairs. Local wine country cuisine is anything but typical with Santa Barbara wines astutely paired. (The Ricotta Gnocchi with fresh tomato sauce should not be overlooked.) After dinner, you consider catching a movie at the nearby theatre, but opt for the romantic solitude at the Four Seasons.
The next day you set out to explore the area, your first stop is for breakfast at the delectable Jeannine's on the main drag of Montecito. Today is about surrounding yourselves in nature, so you head to the Botanical Gardens anticipating a walk through the almost mystical redwood forest. Just before sunset, you drive to the Coronado Butterfly Preserve, where clusters of Monarchs flutter among the branches from October to March. From the preserve, you walk the short distance through the meadow where it suddenly drops to the Pacific Ocean. There, hand in hand, you observe a local artist as he attempts to capture the spectacular sunset only a loving God could create. Almost breathless, you pry yourselves away and flashlight in hand, return to your vehicle.
Dinner reservations are with the Wine Cask this evening, where moonlight, candlelight and starlight combine with the soothing sounds of the fountain and jovial music--a flawless romantic setting. Executive Chef Julie Robles creates masterpieces from local ingredients to please the most discerning diner. (The Seared Sea of Cortez Scallops with sunchoke puree, wild mushrooms and peas are a standout.)
If you've timed your visit to coincide with Sunday brunch at the Four Seasons, it's an opportunity you will not want to miss. Chef-prepared delicacies abound, including 'standard' fare of Eggs Benedict and caviar, in addition to ethnic favorites and exquisite pastries.
Note: In October 2002, the Four Seasons Resort Santa Barbara completed a $30 million pool, spa and state-of-the-art ocean view fitness center. In March 2006, it completed a $180 million complete guestroom enhancement and resort restoration that began in November 2003.
More suggestions for Romantic Santa Barbara may be found on the Santa Clarita Guide's Valentine Adventures
(Outside the Santa Clarita Valley).
Santa Barbara Conference & Visitors Bureau
