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Looking for a quick getaway in California? Look no further than the Ritz Carlton Bacara, Santa Barbara. We recently stayed and it was divine getaway in the midst of a pandemic. The property is incredibly safe and clean. Moreover, it provides direct access to the beach and outdoor activities like golf and wineries – plenty of space to social distance from others!
About the property: The Ritz Carlton Bacara Santa Barbara became a Ritz property in 2017. Bacara is set on 78 acres with a two-mile natural beach. Located only 20 minutes from downtown, it provides a little haven away from the hustle and bustle. From the main pool you can soak up the luxurious view of the Santa Barbara coast. They recently renovated the lobby and bar area in November 2019. It’s absolutely beautiful. It’s a quintessential Santa Barbara property reminiscent of California missions and a beach town.
What to do: It’s only a short ride away from the wineries at St. Ynez Valley or the tasting rooms downtown. There are 2 main pools that overlook on to the beach and an adults only pool.The activities around the property are plenty. For the golf enthusiast, the Sandpiper Golf course is right next door. For the tennis enthusiast there are four courts and they offer lessons and reservations. The 24 hair footless center also has a range of free weights and classes for yoga, spin, pilates, TRX, and more.
The food: There are 6 restaurants on property including Angel Oak Steakhouse, The Bistro, the O bar, The Beach House, and Pool bar . We luckily were able to snag a reservation at Angel Oak on Friday. It was so worthwhile for not only the food, but the views. I had the filet and the butter was to die for (along with the bread).
The rooms: There are 19 guest villas with a variety of suites, 2 penthouse suites, and 1 three story villa. The biggest difference between the suites is what it faces – you have an option between a garden, pool, or beach view. Rooms fit up to 4 people and is dog/pet friendly! There is a $250 cleaning fee for pets
The service: The staff is attentive and friendly. Our only hiccup with the service was the delivery of a wine opener. Most likely because of lots of in-room dining, it took over a hour to get a bottle opener delivered.
Covid19 practices: When I visited we were in the height of bursting caseloads in California. What you need to know:
- They are adhering to all California guidelines of social distancing. There are no menus for any service. Everything is through a QR code or app to make sure there is touch less contact
- The 3 restaurants only offer outdoor seating with reservations. Staff repeatedly told me that they did not have capacity to seat everyone. Temperature checks were taken before being seated. You want to sit outside anyways
- They also offer in-room dining. Unfortunately we did not have the greatest interaction with this. We ordered a bottle opener and it took over a hour to get to us even though we walked up to the front to get it
- The spa and adult pool were not open
- The pool requires reservations and is operating at 50% capacity. All guests are only allowed for 3 hour blocks. In between the blocks, they are spending 30 minutes sanitizing. Masks are required on deck and everywhere except at your chair.
- Standard amenities like glassware, slippers, bottle openers, silverware, ironing boards in the room are not available. All of those amenities must be requested
Are you interested in booking the Bacara? If so, reach out to me. By booking with me you get VIP access like upgrade on arrival, breakfast daily for two guests per bedroom, $100 resort/hotel credit, early/late checkout, and a VIP special amenity on arrival day! These offers aren’t even available for Marriott Titanium Members, so be sure to book with me to take advantage. Sending my many thanks to the staff at the Ritz for making my adventure out during shelter in place feel as safe as you could make it.
Cheers to loving your wanderlust!
XOXO,
Kristie
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