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San Ysidro Ranch
San Ysidro Ranch
San Ysidro Ranch

22

San Ysidro Ranch

Santa Barbara

All-season oasis in California’s chicest beach town

Give me the lowdown: The property dates back to 1893, when it operated as a working citrus farm and guest ranch, but owners in 1935 upgraded it to a hidden-gem retreat, making it popular with notable guests like Winston Churchill and JFK and Jackie Kennedy (on their honeymoon – both of whom have cottages named after them). Current owner (and neighbour) Ty Warner purchased it in 2000 and spared no expense refurbishing the property with hand-picked art, antiques, handmade wallpaper from France and acres of lush landscaping.

What's the Vibe: Guests range from locals driving up two hours from Los Angeles for the weekend to stylish Europeans working their way through a PCH road trip. A ton of celebrities have transplanted from Los Angeles to Montecito since covid and the property also serves as a popular local hangout for them.

The rooms: Just 38 cottages, each carrying their own unique layout and design scheme, line the property, complete with their own private hot tubs. There are no bad rooms, it just depends what you prefer. For an expansive garden and private library, book Churchill. For a two-bedroom cottage with ocean views, book Kennedy. Only guests have access to amenities like the pool, gym and mini-golf-style putting green, but with the rooms so well appointed, it's sometimes hard to leave them.

How far away is the beach? It doesn't matter. Yes, this part of Santa Barbara is the ultimate California-chic beach town with plenty of sandy shores and surf spots, but a stay at San Ysidro Ranch is about staying at San Ysidro Ranch. Nestled in hills of the city's most exclusive enclave, the property instantly transports guests to their own microclimate, where it can be cloudy near the sea, but sunny at the Ranch. Come any time of year. Even when it's raining, the fireplaces in each room are perfect for cozying up to. If you really need it, the beach is about five minutes away by car.

Eating and drinking: The property became all-inclusive during covid, which means that all meals (along with parking and resort fees) are included in the nightly rates. The Stonehouse restaurant is one of the loveliest dining rooms in the city, while the Speakeasy is the perfect place for top-notch mixology, exploring Warner's knockout wine list and listening to live music. 

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