Rosewood Miramar Beach | Montecito
With 153 ultra-luxury guestrooms and suites, including direct beachfront accommodations, Rosewood Miramar Beach ushered in a new era of Santa Barbara travel when it opened in 2019. Now, the resort has introduced FronteMare, an unparalleled communal culinary experience for up to 12 guests. Nestled in an outdoor semi-private space at Caruso’s—the Michelin-starred restaurant named after owner and Brentwood resident Rick Caruso—FronteMare features an intimately interactive dinner by acclaimed chef Massimo Falsini, who prepares each dish live, showcasing ingredients and providing a unique view and understanding of the coast’s incredible cuisine. Highlights include antipasti with crudo, Morro Bay oysters, housemade pasta with local abalone and sea urchin and main courses such as roasted vermillion and Richards Regenerative steak. 1759 S. Jameson Ln., Montecito; 805-900-8388; rosewoodhotels.com
The Inn at Mattei’s Tavern | Los Olivos
Set on a historic property that originally served as a popular stagecoach stop from the 1880s, Mattei’s Tavern was transformed into a luxury hotel by Auberge Resorts Collection in 2023. Now, the much-awaited spa, Lavender Barn, has debuted. Developed by acclaimed design firm AvroKO, this transformative retreat celebrates the region’s rich heritage and natural beauty with rustic charm. Offerings include a variety of soothing and rejuvenating body and facial treatments, as well as visiting practitioners ranging from yoga and meditation to local healers and regional experts. In addition to five treatment rooms and a couple’s suite, a barn-style thermal area boasts an oak wood sauna, eucalyptus steam room, cold plunge and vitality pool. 2350 Railway Ave., Los Olivos; 844-788-6145; aubergeresorts.com
San Ysidro Ranch | Montecito
Tucked away in the Montecito foothills, this iconic 130-year-old hideaway is comprised of 38 bungalow-style cottages set amidst rolling lavender fields, olive groves and rose gardens. The new Ty Warner Wine Collective is an immersive exploration into the art of winemaking across Central California and beyond. Experiences are tailored for individual tastes, featuring bespoke consultations, curated classes highlighting rare and exceptional vintages and exclusive access to esteemed local vineyards such as the Hilt Estate and Dragonette Cellars. The hotel also now holds one of the world’s most coveted wine acquisitions: a 138-vintage collection of Château d’Yquem, including the legendary 1811 “asteroid”—the most expensive white wine ever sold. 900 San Ysidro Ln., Montecito; 805-565-1720; sanysidroranch.com
El Encanto, a Belmond Hotel | Santa Barbara
Nestled among idyllic hills overlooking the ocean on seven acres of secluded gardens, El Encanto has always been known for its wellness-focused philosophy. Now, the 90-room resort is introducing a new all-day culinary concept led by executive chef Alexander Bollinger aligning with the healthy principles of the Mediterranean diet. Meals begin with fresh-baked rosemary focaccia served with Ojai Valley olive oil alongside spreads and dips incorporating fresh herbs and citrus zest from the hotel’s grounds. Menu standouts include kefta skewers with sumac onions and charred Persian cucumbers, Hamachi crudo with coconut, ginger and lychee and Ora King salmon with saffron basmati rice tahdig and preserved lemon honey glaze. 800 Alvarado Pl., Santa Barbara; 805-845-5800; belmond.com
Alisal Ranch | Santa Ynez Valley
Situated on 10,500 sweeping acres in the golden hills of Santa Ynez Valley, this timeless, family-owned property has embraced the spirit and nature of the American West for nearly a century. With only 73 guest cottages, the ranch is intimate yet expansive, featuring endless outdoor activities such as horseback riding, golf, tennis, archery, mountain biking and fly fishing and boating on a 100-acre spring-fed lake. This summer—in addition to the ranch’s signature rodeos—Alisal is welcoming award-winning chefs such as Cat Cora, Javier Plascencia and Maeve Schulz for a series of California Ranch Cookouts. These weekend-long events culminate with al fresco cookouts under the stars, featuring the chef’s signature creations as well as festive entertainment, live music and dancing. 1054 Alisal Rd., Solvang; 800-425-4725; alisalranch.com
The Ritz-Carlton Bacara | Santa Barbara
In honor of its 25th anniversary, this beloved beachfront resort is unveiling an extensive multi-million-dollar renovation overseen by renowned design firm Meyer Davis. The property’s TK# guestrooms and suites, lobby and public spaces have all been transformed, with fresh, coastal-inspired décor, light-filled spaces, soft earth tones and natural materials such as reclaimed wood, terracotta tile and stone. New culinary offerings include Lulio, a stylish Mediterranean-style eatery, O Bar & Terrace, with California-inspired cocktails and cuisine and a bustling all-day café. Bacara’s iconic pool area has also been reimagined, with an expanded pool deck and cabanas and a new expansive terrace capturing stunning ocean views. 8301 Hollister Ave., Santa Barbara; 805-968-0100; ritzcarlton.com
Ojai Valley Inn | Ojai
Situated amidst 220 lush, rolling acres, this legendary Mediterranean-style resort—originally built as a private golf club by esteemed California architect Wallace Neff in 1923—has long been considered the premier place to stay in Ojai. Summers are always a prime time to visit the 303-room property, and with good reason. This season, offerings include Camp Oak, an enriching adventure and discovery program for children ages 4-12, with activities like arts and crafts, science experiments and scavenger hunts. There is also an interactive beekeeping and honey tasting experience—led by Ojai’s resident beekeeper—and starlight cinema nights featuring screenings of family-favorite films such as Encanto and Ratatouille. 905 Country Club Rd., Ojai; 855-697-8780; ojaivalleyinn.com