Set against seventy-eight acres of breathtaking coastline, The Ritz-Carlton Bacara, Santa Barbara has long been one of California’s most treasured luxury destinations. This year, the iconic resort celebrates its twenty-fifth anniversary with a multi-million-dollar transformation that elevates its guest experience to new heights. From reimagined guestrooms and suites to inspired dining concepts, refreshed pools, and modernized public spaces, the beloved property blends tradition with contemporary coastal elegance.
A Welcome That Feels Like Home
The journey begins the moment guests arrive. The refreshed lobby and arrival experience were designed by award-winning firm Meyer Davis, whose vision blends the warmth of an old-world casita with the effortless sophistication of California’s coast. Sculptural furnishings framed in iron and terracotta, layered planting schemes, and atmospheric lighting create a sense of immersion in the natural landscape.
“Our goal was to design a place that belongs to the coastline itself,” explained Will Meyer, Co-Founder of Meyer Davis. The result is a welcome that feels intimate, authentic, and deeply rooted in Santa Barbara’s rich cultural and natural heritage.
Guestrooms and Suites Inspired by the American Riviera
The resort’s 358 guestrooms and suites have been reimagined with a residential-inspired design that captures the relaxed spirit of Santa Barbara. Terracotta hues, handwoven textiles, Spanish tilework, and custom fabrics by Erica Shamrock reflect the cultural legacy of the region. Each room, framed by either ocean or lush garden views, feels like a private sanctuary.
For those seeking elevated experiences, the resort’s signature suites deliver unparalleled luxury. The two-bedroom Ritz-Carlton Suites offer over 2,000 square feet of space ideal for families or wedding parties, while the 3,700-square-foot Channel Islands Suite provides the ultimate coastal residence with sweeping Pacific views, multiple living areas, and expansive terraces.
Guests can also access the exclusive Ritz-Carlton Club, where personalized concierge services, private lounge access, and curated culinary presentations provide an intimate “hotel within a hotel” experience.
Dining Concepts That Celebrate Sea and Land
No transformation would be complete without a focus on cuisine, and The Ritz-Carlton Bacara has unveiled several standout dining experiences.
Marisella – Overseen by Maple Hospitality Group’s Chef Danny Grant, this oceanfront restaurant is a culinary love letter to the California coast. Mediterranean influences meet local farms and fisheries in a menu featuring handmade pastas, wood-fired meats, and seasonal seafood.
Lulio – With vibrant flavors and a sun-washed design, Lulio brings the spirit of summer to the table year-round. Guests enjoy coastal-inspired small plates, farm-to-table entrees, and craft cocktails infused with local ingredients.
‘O’ Bar and Terrace – The resort’s new social hub pairs dramatic ocean views with fresh California-inspired cuisine. A circular bar clad in Malibu Ceramics tiles serves as the focal point, while signature offerings such as Ritz-Carlton caviar and a Pacific shellfish tower capture the essence of refined coastal dining.
Mission Market – Perfect for casual mornings, this market offers artisanal coffee, fresh pastries, and curated grab-and-go selections.
Each venue celebrates the bounty of California while maintaining the refined hospitality that defines the Ritz-Carlton brand.
Pools, Cabanas, and Coastal Leisure
The resort’s outdoor experience has also been elevated. Guests can now enjoy three zero-edge swimming pools surrounded by expanded terraces and luxurious Bacara Cabanas, each offering shaded comfort, dedicated attendants, stocked mini fridges, and curated amenities.
At the heart of the poolside experience is SunBar, a lively yet relaxed space that serves seasonal bites by day and craft cocktails by evening. The resort’s landscape incorporates sustainable, native planting to preserve the region’s natural beauty while enhancing guest enjoyment.
A Sanctuary for Wellness
For those seeking restoration, the 42,000-square-foot Ritz-Carlton Bacara Spa offers one of the most comprehensive wellness programs in California. Guests can indulge in traditional treatments alongside innovative experiences such as robotic luxury massage, Theraface LED therapies, and virtual reality meditation. A eucalyptus steam room, redwood sauna, and dedicated spa pool complete the retreat.
Events and Experiences by the Sea
With 85,000 square feet of indoor and outdoor event space, The Ritz-Carlton Bacara is also a premier destination for weddings, galas, and corporate retreats. Scenic terraces, ocean-view ballrooms, and gardens provide unforgettable settings for celebrations of all sizes.
Guests can also explore curated lifestyle activities including the resort’s world-class tennis program led by Cliff Drysdale Tennis, electric bike tours along the coast, and immersive Ambassadors of the Environment excursions that highlight the region’s rich ecology and cultural heritage.
A Coastal Icon Redefined
As it marks twenty-five years of excellence, The Ritz-Carlton Bacara, Santa Barbara reaffirms its position as a premier luxury retreat on California’s Central Coast. With its thoughtful redesign, world-class dining, and unrivaled coastal setting, the resort continues to embody the relaxed elegance of the American Riviera.
For reservations and details about the transformation, visit the Ritz-Carlton Bacara Santa Barbara or explore exclusive benefits through Marriott Bonvoy.
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