With stunning of the Pacific Ocean visible from virtually every angle of the property, and the Santa Ynez Mountains as its backdrop, guests of the Four Seasons Resort The Biltmore Santa Barbara, are certainly not lacking for breathtaking, mind-blowing, spectacular views.

In a manner that only this unique property can so effortlessly achieve, the beauty of the lushly landscaped grounds, seamlessly blend, if not rival, the beauty of the expertly appointed rooms themselves. This coupled with service so impeccable it’s almost as though the staff telepathically anticipates your every need; the word that comes to mind to describe a property of this caliber is Flawless!

The Four Seasons Santa Barbara is rife with history, and with the $350 million renovations over the last number of years, it has been restored to its original splendor through a painstaking and meticulous process aimed to preserve the integrity of every inch of the property, down to the individually hand crafted tiles.

With a historical property fact available at every turn, one would perhaps wrongly mistake the Resort as simply of the Old Guard, but nothing could be further from the truth. This is a property, that although true to its past, has entered the millennium with every modern convenience. Unparalleled service is exhibited from the moment guests check in, and are offered refreshing fruit blended smoothies, to the moment guests check out, at which point every member of the staff will know you by name, whether your stay was a week, a month or merely 24 hours.

Although one could not be blamed for wanting to lounge in the decadent hotel rooms and simply order room service around the clock, or luxuriate in the deep bathtubs or rainforest showers, the outside activities will undoubtedly lure you out of your own private little retreat. Take advantage of the complimentary bikes and cruise around Montecito, taking in the amazing ocean air, or pedal into town and browse through the quaint boutiques.

If sun and sand are more your speed, shift gears and take a stroll on the exclusive Butterfly Beach, which is steps away from the sprawling resort grounds. If sun, minus the sand is what you are after, plop down at one of the two incredible pools and order poolside service. You will have a choice of the Resort pool, replete with a heated pool, which pumps underwater music, as well as two accompanying hot tubs of varying temperatures. Complimentary poolside margaritas are crafted by an expert mixologist generally mid afternoon on a weekly basis, and are available for guests’ imbibing pleasure.

The other option available for poolside fun is the Coral Casino Beach and Cabana Club. A stay at the Four Seasons Santa Barbara is worth its weight in gold if not merely for the priceless access to this exclusive members only club. Touted as one of the largest hotel swimming pools in the world, it is nothing short of majestic. The pool, which has lanes dedicated to lap swimming, as well as a diving board, and free swimming areas, is bordered by a dizzying array of facilities. An oversized ocean view hot tub, a state of the art fitness facility, Tydes Restaurant and Bar, the Coral Café for casual poolside dining, and the latest addition, Fins, a poolside kiosk offering healthy snacks, smoothies, as well organic fruit and veggie drinks.

Extend your day into night, at the Coral Casino Club and take advantage of the cheekily named “Dive In” outdoor movie night screened under the beautiful open skies, or leave the kids to be entertained by movie night while you slip away to your own romantic evening under the stars at the Bella Vista restaurant. Offering California coastal cuisine with an Italian flair, every dish is mouthwateringly better than the last, pair with a glass of wine or the seasonal summer Rose menu and you will truly have achieved culinary bliss at its finest.

Four Seasons Resort the Biltmore Santa Barbara is the gold standard by which to judge all other resorts, but there really is no other competition as this amazing property is truly in a league of its own!

-Jennifer O’Neil

Four Seasons Resort the Biltmore Santa Barbara 1260 Channel Drive Santa Barbara, CA, 93108 805.969.2261