Four Seasons Resort The Biltmore, Santa Barbara

Our luxury weekend getaway begins at the glamorous Four Seasons Resort, The Biltmore.  Located directly on breathtaking Butterfly Beach, this magnificently restored 1927 Spanish colonial style jewel is a famous landmark in Santa Barbara.  I call her the Queen of Santa Barbara because she represents everything that has made this destination so popular along the California coast.  Frequented past and present by the rich and famous as well as discerning travelers near and far, the Four Seasons Biltmore is known for its luxurious accommodations, gracious hospitality, beautiful grounds and five star service.  As we turned into the sweeping brick entrance of the hotel, its appeal beckoned us further in – classic white adobe, red tiled roof, rose gardens, graceful archways, bubbling fountains.  The interiors of the lobby and public rooms are richly furnished in warm tones of burnished gold, ivory, sienna and russet – all reminiscent of an elegant Spanish hacienda.  Bella Vista, the hotel’s restaurant, is open and airy with floor to ceiling windows and a pretty terrace for spectacular ocean views with al fresco dining.  While not a small hotel, the ambiance here is intimate, warm and personal.  We felt like we had just been given the keys to our own private villa!

Our deluxe guest room was located in one of the hotel’s 12 cottages.  Noted for their privacy and intimacy, the cottages are dotted along secluded camellia-laden pathways and beautiful gardens near a lush lawn with putting green and croquet court.  Our cottage is classy and impeccable, featuring hard wood floors with oriental carpets, a plush king size bed with crisp white linens, a comfortable sitting area, an antique armoire containing a minibar and refrigerator, heavy walnut Mission style desk and night tables, large flat screen television and patio.  The separate dressing area and bath are spacious and designed with blue and white Spanish tile, double vanities, fragrant L’Occitane amenities, a shower with rain faucet, and bathtub.  Ahhh…one minute inside this quiet retreat and I am already relaxed.

Coral Casino Beach and Cabana Club Pool

The grounds and surrounding area of the hotel feature scenic walking and jogging paths along the ocean.  A two minute stroll from our cottage and situated directly on Butterfly Beach is the hotel’s exclusive Coral Casino Beach and Cabana Club Pool.  Built in 1937, this historic landmark has been meticulously restored, but the 1930’s art deco motif of this legendary establishment still calls to mind the splendor of a by-gone era.  The walls of this place actually talk – throughout the club, vintage photographs are displayed telling the story of debutantes, Hollywood stars and politicians who have made this place their private playground.  Today, the Coral Casino Beach and Cabana Club still boasts many of its original features, including the star of the show, an  Olympic-size swimming pool with lap lanes and diving board – now that’s something you rarely see at a hotel these days!  In addition, a children’s wading pool, an oversized beachfront whirlpool jacuzzi, 31 private cabanas and 200 guest lounges are perched over the blue Pacific. While not lounging and enjoying attentive Four Seasons’ service and amenities such as chilled towels, spritzers, fresh fruit skewers or cocktails, guests can ‘work it all off’ with a visit to the state of the art fitness center here.  The Club is also home to the Four Seasons Biltmore’s signature restaurant, Tydes, which features California coastal cuisine and stunning ocean views.

http://www.fourseasons.com/santabarbara/

Photos Courtesy of The Four Seasons