If money is no object, there’s no better way to unwind on the so-called American Riviera than Rosewood Miramar Beach. Located in tony, Santa Barbara-adjacent Montecito, the all-in-one luxury resort offers a serene guests-only beach, multiple swimming pools and a suite of compelling dining, shopping and spa options. While it can’t be ignored that the tracks of Amtrak’s Pacific Surfliner separates the beachfront areas from the main portion of the resort, interrupting foot traffic at all hours of the day, the sounds luckily don’t carry over to the garden bungalow suites—though I can’t speak for the experience at Rosewood’s oceanfront view rooms, located far closer to the train tracks.
From start to finish, Rosewood’s five-star service is on display here. No detail goes unaccounted for, from welcome bonbons in your room to on-demand golf carts to take you around the resort, if accessibility needs (or simply a case of aching feet) require. The manicured grounds and clapboard detailing invoke an East Coast flavor of Americana, as do the subtly nautical, comfortable guest room interiors. Closer to the main building, you’ll find the spa, the fitness center and the main boutiques, plus the library-themed Manor Bar and Edomae-style omakase bar AMA Sushi. At night, native tree frogs croak up a storm, hidden around the lily pads floating atop the manmade pond.
You could enjoy a relaxing vacation here in high style without ever leaving its grounds by unwinding at Sense Spa, where massage therapists and aestheticians offer body and skin treatments inspired by native flora along the Santa Barbara coastline. The adults-only Cabana Pool offers a quieter option for sunbathing and swimming, while the all-ages Manor Pool offers bright yellow-and-white striped umbrellas and on-site ice cream and burger shack: the ideal place to take kids and bask in the Southern California sunshine. If you’d rather enjoy the beach, Rosewood Miramar offers complimentary chairs, umbrellas, towels and even, depending on the day and hour, on-site butler service—essentially, everything you need to enjoy a seamless, carefree day on the sand. The resort’s falconer even keeps away seagulls and pigeons.
While the Miramar Beach Bar and lobby-adjacent Manor Bar offer straightforward, well-executed bites and drinks at the usual eye-wateringly expensive resort prices, the hotel’s culinary star is undoubtedly Caruso’s, Rosewood Miramar’s Michelin-starred beachfront restaurant. Located right on the water, the restaurant resembles the dining room of a swanky cruise ship, and outdoor tables have access to unobstructed oceanfront views. Chef Massimo Falsini offers a few different Cal-Italian tasting menus that make ample use of local seafood and seasonal produce. While the fare doesn’t hold a candle to the spirited Los Angeles fine dining scene a few hours down the coast, the beautiful setting and excellent pastas make for a wonderful evening, particularly on special occasions.
Neighborhood
The hotel is conveniently located just off the 101 freeway, which allows for easy access to the rest of the Central Coast. It's also about a mile east of Montecito’s main drag. Most of Santa Barbara’s major attractions are about a 15 minute drive away, and the area’s closest wineries about an hour away.
Nearby
Montecito Country Mart: One of the closest shopping and dining areas. Among the outdoor mall’s dining highlights are Bettina, a wood-fired pizzeria that’s one of the best restaurants in Santa Barbara and Rori’s, an artisanal scoop shop serving some of the best ice cream in Southern California.
Hot Springs Canyon Trail: A short, fairly strenuous hike that leads to a natural (read: quite sulfurous!) series of hot spring pools popular among locals—expect some older nudists and students on any given morning. Parking is limited, however, so I recommend getting here early.
Lotusland: A private tropical and subtropical home garden that’s open to the public via guided tours.
Time Out tip
The Miramar Beach Bar might offer views and the ocean breeze, but don’t skip out on drinks at the Manor Bar, where a cozy fireside atmosphere and a literary-inspired menu translate into the perfect nightcap.