When the horns, hoes and haze of LA overwhelm, seek respite up the coast in slow and serene Santa Barbara.
Just a ‘kini fling from the hustle and bustle of Tinseltown, and aptly nicknamed the American Riviera, Santa Barbara shows off all the things California does best: magnificent mountains, sublime coastlines, swaying palms, temperate climes and totally relaxed vibes. It’s an easy day trip and an even better weekender, so pack your trusty Globetrotter and get in the car, Kate!
STAY
While luxurious lodgings and cute inns abound, the undisputed grandmammy of Santa Barbara accommodations is the Four Seasons’ The Biltmore. Nestling against the Pacific in all her sprawling, clipped-lawn, soaring tree-shaded glory, the Spani-Cali stunner offers a heavenly concoction of airy, demure suites (spring for a cottage if you’ve the means) with amazing Signature Sleep beds, a barrage of drinking and dining options including organic Italian Bella Vista and sultry sipper Ty Lounge, and a full service spa. There’s cycling, SUP-ing and scuba, or simply flop on a sunbed at the Coral Casino Beach and Cabana Club. Kaftan at the ready!
Four Seasons Resort The Biltmore, 1260 Channel Dr, Santa Barbara, California, +1 805 969 2261, fourseasons.com/santabarbara
EAT
If you manage to peel yourself away from the pool, your first port of call should be sweet and iconic street-side brunchster Jeannine’s. Just a short amble from The Biltmore (and with three other locations), Jeannine’s Montecito branch is a cottage-cute vision of white picket fencing, creeping foliage, and Parisian-style alfrisky seating. There are healthy picks for fussy Fannys, but we say skip the side order of guilt and get friendly with the epic breakfast burrito. Your hips won’t thank you, but your lips sure will.
Jeannine’s Restaurant & Bakery, 1253 Coast Village Rd, Montecito, California, +1 805 969 7878, jeannines.com
SHOP
Post Jeannine’s feast just a couple of doors down you’ll find exotic treasure box Maison K, the chic fashion, lifestyle and decor collection of globetrotting owner/curator Kimberly Phillips Hayes. Sourced from buying trips spanning Paris to Istanbul to Morocco and beyond, Maison K’s booty is a textural wonderland of neutral hues and raw materials, including Syrian shell mirrors, Mexican felted silk scarves, Italian blown glass vases, Nepalese cashmere, plus dreamy leathers, silks, woods and Astier de Villatte ceramics. Swoon!
Maison K, 1253 Coast Village Rd, Santa Barbara, California, +1 805 969 1676, maisonkstyle.com
DO
Besides all things sun, sand and sea, Santa Barbara is also renowned for its off-water activities, not least hiking in the Santa Ynez hills, meandering through the town’s myriad heritage sites and neighbourhoods, and sampling locally-produced wines. There’s no shortage of glorious pockets of nature, character and flavour to be discovered, so best get clicking ahead for some expert direction at santabarbarahikes.com, sbcountywines.com and santabarbarawalkingtours.com.
For more of the sweetest day trips from LA, grab the LUXE Los Angeles guide, or download our fab new app!
