 |
| The Four Seasons Biltmore Santa Barbara |
I've been reading a lot of books by the great Isabel Allende lately and finished Zorro a few weeks ago. The story takes readers from Southern California (Zorro's birthplace) to Barcelona, in a swashbuckling adventure that reveals the history and backstory behind the legendary masked man. As a daughter of Southern California, I am charmed by the Spanish history that reigns in the region, the characters of legendary novels, and by the architecture left behind. So imagine my delight when I pulled up to The Four Seasons Biltmore in Santa Barbara. This hacienda style oasis on the Pacific Ocean, backed by the Santa Ynez Mountains, is a fantasy come to life. The red barrel roof tiles popped against the white stucco walls and the bright blue December sky, and it wouldn't be California without a palm tree or two. I couldn't help but wonder if it's here where Zorro comes to take off his mask, set down his sword, take a break from carving his trademark "Z" and sip champagne. Once inside the hotel, I felt like a character in a Spanish romance. "Welcome, Senorita," I swear I heard whispered when I opened the door.
 |
Stairway to a romantic suite |
Despite the old world feel, the beamed ceilings and terra cotta tiled floors, the Four Seasons is a modern and seamless five-star resort that caters to high-class clientele. I know the employees were there---someone put chocolate on my pillows and turned on the heating beneath my tiled bathroom floor (beyond indulgent)---but I never saw them, until I needed them. When we wandered in from the parking lot, lost in the dark with no one in sight, lugging our bags, a young man with a cart came to the rescue, out of nowhere it seemed, to guide us to our room. Swish Swish Swish.
Normally I like to get off the hotel property and explore, but the Four Seasons Biltmore gives you plenty of reasons to stay. The property is huge, with winding paths with overgrown tropical foliage that provide enough privacy to make sure you forget where you are for a moment or two. There is a well-equipped fitness center, pool, spa, a bar, restaurant, tennis courts, golf, and plenty of quiet courtyards, which could only have been more enchanting had there been a guitar plucking swashbuckler sitting in a corner, composing musical poetry. There is even a putting green and a croquet pitch. Scrolling iron balconies and splashes of color from the abundant flowers added to the romantic appeal of the hotel, and for one of the very first times in my life, I felt my camera could not capture what I saw. The outside terrace off the bar is heated and a great place for a pre-dinner drink.
Across the street, guests are invited to visit the private Coral Casino Beach and Cabana Club with a pool overlooking the Channel Islands and Butterfly Beach. There is also a restaurant upstairs...a nice place to watch the sunset. If you prefer to put your sand in the toes, public access to Butterfly Beach is just across from the hotel and is a peaceful place for a morning walk.
 |
Coral Casino Beach and Cabana Club |
The small village of Montecito is just a mile a way and there you'll find shops, some good restaurants (I liked Tre Lune) and bars, a Starbucks, a CVS pharmacy, and plenty of real estate offices whose inventory boggles the mind. The Four Seasons Biltmore is pricey. Room rates start at $350 and soar from there. Count on expensive menu items too, both onsite and across the way at the beach club, and wines/champagnes by the glass will cost you over $12. And, my pet peeve in hotels these days, there is a charge for internet access, even in the lobby. Grrrr. And to add insult to injury, the price is PER DEVICE, not per room. Double Grrrrr. The business center allows access on their three computers, but if you work on your laptop or smartphone like most people do, this doesn't help. I hope they change this policy.
But for a special occasion or celebration, or if you just need to take a break from your superhero life for a while, nothing beats a siesta at the Four Seasons Biltmore Santa Barbara. The invisible yet omnipresent staff will take good care of your cape. Just don't be surprised if you see a black mask on the table beside you, and find a "Z" carved into your beach towel.
BASICS
-207 rooms and suites -Wifi charge $10 per device, not per room!
-12 cottages -Restaurant/Bar onsite
-Spa and Fitness Center -Pool onsite and across the street at beach club
-Walking paths and beach access
Tip: Self park lots are convenient. Save yourself the valet fee
Four Seasons Biltmore Santa Barbara
1260 Channel Drive
Santa Barbara (Montecito), CA 93108
www.fourseasons.com/satabarbara
Twitter: @FSSantaBarbara
 |
Palm trees and balconies |
 |
Butterfly Beach across from the hotel |
No comments:
Post a Comment