Bacara Resort & Spa isn’t just another upscale haven along the California coastline. It is a getaway for those in need of serenity, a consoling locale perfect for centering the mind and the consciousness, an escape for enjoying the finer things life has to offer, and a safe harbor for the soul. Located between the expansive Pacific Ocean and the exalting views of the Santa Ynez Mountain Range sits the property’s seventy-eight well-manicured acres of ocean front privacy constructed with a Mediterranean style. Two miles of natural beaches allow guests to indulge in what a stunning picturesque shore has to offer, while just steps away, comforting suites await their return after a day at the beach or a jaunt to local wineries and shopping plazas.
The approach to the resort is intriguing with its intricately paved drive, center-of-attention fountain, and stunning arched entryway into the main building. High ceilings grace the reception area, comfortable well-thought-out seating areas in the expansive lobby allow for intimate conversations fireside as well as space for larger groups to mingle and meet for cocktails before dinner, and an overall feel of tranquility graces those who step foot into this quantum of serenity.
Breathtaking floral arrangements are prepared to embrace the attention of guests and visitors alike. Bright orange perfectly selected Gerber Daisies were chosen for the arrangement we witnessed upon checking in, which graced the space with a vibrant pop of color in the lobby.
Separated by an arched entrance, the Bacara Bar enchants and attracts guests into its circular space that surrounds the circumference of a spectacular full bar. Calming tones of color enhance the area with calm ocean blues, subtle golds, and plenty of natural sunlight during the day. Offering appetizers, snacks, refreshing hand-shaken libations, and an adjacent outdoor terrace, the Bacara Bar will accommodate any taste in mind. A charming and intricate wrought iron-appointed stairwell hugs one exterior wall of the bar leading upstairs, while outside, a Mediterranean-styled terraced staircase leads past the lounge and down to the next level of the beautiful Bacara grounds.
The grounds at Bacara are immaculate. Expertly manicured lawns, flower-laden paths everywhere one looks, low-rise Mediterranean-styled buildings, and towering palms and other attractive plants and local foliage create an experience like no other. This private and captivating resort is simply amazing. What an alluring environment to get lost in… even if just for a few days.
An expansive, yet intimate terrace welcomes guests with a bird’s eye view overlooking the property as well as the Bacara Spa pool. Views of the Pacific Ocean can also be seen from this striking area of the property complete with a massive built-in outdoor fireplace, heaters for cooler evenings, elegant lounge furniture providing comfortable seating, and a dramatic ambiance worth exploring.
We enjoyed several days at the resort in our Partial Ocean View Room. Complete with a corner fireplace, private balcony overlooking one of the resort pools, dark mahogany furniture, a partial view of the Pacific Ocean, and an intimate bath area with folding doors above the tub looking into the bedroom, this second-story refuge was spacious, nicely-appointed, and suited all of our needs quite nicely.
Bacara Resort & Spa was a thoroughly enjoyable locale for us. We hope to return again in the future. Close to Santa Barbara’s wine country, upscale shops, on-site spa, and bewitching coastline, it was a fantasy well worth indulging in.
PROPERTY: The immense acreage of Bacara will enchant you at every turn. Meticulously landscaped meandering garden paths lead brilliant floral designs throughout the property, the low-rise height of all of the Spanish Colonial-style 354 well-appointed guest rooms, three alluring heated saltwater infinity-edge swimming pools surrounded by palm trees, and an expansive view of the mighty Pacific Ocean will whisk you away to where you belong…in serenity.
SERVICE / STAFF: Good-natured, courteous, and willing to go to most any means necessary to ensure you have a perfectly memorable experience, the staff at Bacara will not let you down.
PET FRIENDLINESS: Unfortunately, Bacara only allows dogs 50 pounds and under for a $150 non-refundable fee. (Cats are not currently accepted.) Included in your furry friend staying with you, a luxurious pet bed, food and water bowls, and pet pick-up bags are available. Your pet is also allowed to dine with you outdoors at the Bistro & Spa Cafe Terrace.
DINING OPTIONS: There is an array of dining options to suit whatever culinary mood you may be in at Bacara. MIRO, named after Spanish artisan Joan Miro ia a Four Diamond Forbes 2012 Restaurant which offers cuisine prepared and beautifully delivered by Executive Chef David Reardon. Within this modernly-appointed, brilliantly-vibrant restaurant, you will find a menu catering to every craving using local ingredients open daily for breakfast, lunch, dinner, and a delightful Sunday brunch. MIRO’S WINE CELLAR also offers nearly 12,000 fine bottled vintages from 13 countries to chose from. Bacara’s BEACH HOUSE allows for seaside dining in the picnic area on the property June through September where surf rentals can be obtained for riding the waves. THE SPA CAFE serves up all organic detoxifying meals and refreshments indoors and outside overlooking the tranquil spa pool. The spacious BACARA BAR adjacent to the main lobby of the resort provides snacks, cocktails, and other items inside the architectural circular bar as well as on the outdoor Ocean Terrace with immaculate sweeping views of the Pacific Ocean and the manicured grounds. Live entertainment is provided Friday and Saturday evenings. In-Room Dining is also available at your service 24 hours a day, providing convenient access to delicious fare delivered straight to your doorstep.
LOCATION: Bacara is located in the Santa Barbara area at 8301 Hollister Avenue in Goleta, CA 93117.
CONTACT INFO: Phone: (805) 968-0100, Website: www.bacararesort.com
PARKING: Parking is handled through the resort’s valet service for your convenience.
RESORT AMENITIES: The resort’s zero-entry heated saline pools will lessen the stresses of your day, while four Har-Tru surface lighted tennis courts provide space to work on your backhand. Beach activities include such options as surfing, body boarding, kayaking, horseback riding, mountain biking and more. Fireside s’mores, wine tastings and salsa lessons offer more interesting suggestions for guests, while golfing is enhanced at three nearby championship 18-hole courses: Sandpiper, Glen Annie, and Rancho San Marcos. The Bacara Spa will relieve any tensions you may have through their Four Diamond award-winning treatment facility and fitness complex. With a combined total of 42,000 square feet, you will depart the resort feeling revived, relaxed and renewed from visiting any one of 36 treatment rooms or the 3,500 square foot fitness facility. Spa treatments include, but are not limited to, body scrubs, massages, manicures & pedicures, water therapy sessions, facials, and sauna treatments…not to mention the accessibility to yoga and Pilates classes, cardiovascular and strength training, and fitness instruction. The resort’s Concierge will be happy to arrange any activities for your party as a guest at Bacara Resort & Spa.
Please note, this establishment’s information may have changed or may have been permanently closed since this article’s publication.