The Ritz-Carlton Bacara, Santa Barbara Celebrates National Relaxation Day

The Pool at The Spa at The Ritz Carlton Bacara, Santa Barbara. Photo Jill Weinlein

Those looking to escape the heat will find golden beaches and cool marine air at the five-star The Ritz Carlton Bacara, Santa Barbara.

This oceanfront getaway offers a 42,000-square-foot sanctuary Spa with its own saltwater, adult-only outdoor swimming pool, and shaded rooftop terrace lounge area.

Since National Relaxation Day is on August 15, the resort's Spa is offering a special on any 50-minute massage or facial with a complimentary enhancement of your choice. It's only applicable for services on this celebratory day and can not be combined with other promotions or discounts. 

Women's Indoor Lounge. Photo Jill Weinlein

Start your experience in either the men's and women's locker room to change into a plush robe and sandals. Be sure to visit the eucalyptus steam room, redwood sauna, and hot bubbling whirlpool.

Step into the relaxing fireside quiet lounge before and after your treatment. Complimentary hot tea, infused water and healthy snacks are available throughout the day.

The Spa maintains a Mediterranean design. Photo Jill Weinlein

Those who reserve the new 50-minute Golden Hour Collagen Massage treatment will walk out of the Spa feeling relaxed and silky smooth. Ask for massage therapist Owen, he is one of the best. He will inquire about your pressure preference while you recline on a heated massage bed. From one's head to one's feet, Owen works on tight muscles as stress melts away.

This Golden Hour Collagen massage has two applications. One is applying an ultra-luxurious, anti-gravity gold and peptide-infused cream all over your body. This therapeutical is applied to enhance the massage experience. Next, to brighten one's skin, KNESKO gold body serum is applied to hydrate and smooth skin. It leaves a full body cashmere-soft finish.

Enhancements include a KNESKO hand and foot mask that are applied during your 50-minute treatment. For those looking for ageless radiance and to unwind in style, The Spa at Ritz-Carlton Bacara, Santa Barbara offers locals and guests this unique treatment for $395. 

The Spa at The Ritz-Carlton Bacara, Santa Barbara. Photo Jill Weinlein

Wellness opportunities for locals include special promotions at the Spa. Select a 50-minute signature massage or 50-minute custom facial. The special price of $205 per person is available on Monday through Thursday. This is a savings of $70 for locals now until September 15, 2024.

Arrange the treatment in advance by contacting the Spa receptionist at 805-571-4210. The pricing is exclusive of tax and gratuity, and it is not available on holidays and weekends.

The Spa Boutique in the lobby offers an array of stylish apparel, quality skincare products and fun souvenirs.

Also through the lobby doors is the fitness center offering the latest equipment and cardiovascular training. There is strength training and a complete line of free weights. This area is open from 5 am to 9 pm for guests ages 16 years old and older..

Terrace view from Villa 9 306. Photo Jill Weinlein

This Central California luxury resort offers 78 acres along a picturesque Santa Barbara beach. One immediately feels as if they have been transported to a picturesque Mediterranean village.

Each of the 398 guest rooms and suites are unique. Some of the rooms are cool and dark, while others are light and bright. There are semi-private rooms, while others are very private. All the guest rooms are surrounded by lush landscaping, Spanish-style archways, Saltillo and custom tlle flooring, decorative tile stairways, and fountains in large courtyards.

Those staying in Villa 9 306 will enjoy a spacious king-sized comfortable bed suite with French doors leading out to a private terrace. Views from this top floor terrace include the main swimming pool and towering palm trees. Look to the right to see a partial view of the golden sand and Pacific Ocean waves reaching the shoreline.

In the evening this villa suite is safe and private for guests to push open the French doors to allow the cool marine air to waft inside while sleeping. Listen to the palm fronds gently rustle in the evening breeze, while nearby waves roll and touch the shore.

Two pools have ocean views. Photo Jill Weinlein

Other heated saltwater swimming pool areas to cool down during the day, include the Main pool and Oval zero-edge outdoor swimming pool. There are lots of lounge chairs and signature pool towels in both pool areas.

The Oval pool offers shaded cabanas to reserve for the day to enjoy with family and friends.

Beyond these pools, along a nature walk are four Har-tru clay composition tennis courts. The resort hosts adult and junior clinics, matches and private and semi-private lessons.

Main family pool. Photo Jill Weinlein

Next to the main pool is The Bistro offering California coastal cuisine with Mediterranean flavors during breakfast starting at 7 a.m., and lunch beginning at 11:30 a.m.

Steps from the Main and Oval pools, and also a short walk to the beach is Haskell's Pool Bar. It's open daily from 10 am to 8 pm, serving cold beverages and seasonal cocktails.

Nearby is Haskell's Food Truck providing classic beach fare. It's near the nature trail and is open daily from 12 to 5 pm for an al fresco beachside lunch.

Spain or The Ritz-Carlton Bacara, Santa Barbara. Photo Jill Weinlein

Throughout the resort are distinctive Mediterranean design features that transport guests to Spain, Italy, Greece and Morocco. There are layers of natural design elements that include baskets from the native Chumash who resided on the grounds centuries ago.

A nod to the early movie industry who used this picturesque site for filming, and information about the area's World War II location are reflected in glass showcases off the lobby near the resort's gift shop.

Some guest rooms and suites have oceanfront views. Photo Jill Weinlein

Wake up and walk around the resort while it's still quiet before stepping into the lobby for a complimentary cup of coffee or hot tea.

Towering palm trees provide organic textures interplaying with smooth polished white stucco buildings with back metal railings and red-tiled roofs.

The lobby is decorated in coastal colors. Photo Jill Weinlein

The California coastal design and colors featured in the lobby and sitting areas invite one to relax or check emails before taking on a day of resort activities.

This soaring ceiling lobby off the brick courtyard valet entrance has Italian hand-carved stone reception desks. The flooring has undulating patterns on area rugs, and the arched glass doors bring the outdoors into the lobby. 

Easels around the lobby showcase a revolving art exhibition. Curated by Canvas Art Consultant Benjamin Anderson, artist-in-residence, each showing tells a story of the property’s flora, fauna and culture.

Starting on August 12 through September 22, artist Lety Garcia, a UCSB alumni and resident of nearby Carpinteria, CA, displays her pieces focusing on drought intolerant plants, along with paintings of pools and buildings.

Complimentary Cocktail at 6 pm. Photo Jill Weinlein

Come back to the lobby at 6 p.m., for a complimentary Apres Sea cocktail. Located at a pop-up cocktail station across from the stunning circular bar, the daily cocktail is offered for 30 minutes as a pre-drink before dinner at one of the resort's restaurants.

Inspired by the resort's local surroundings, the Patron Blanco Tequila based drink has a pour of Butterfly Pea Pollen that changes from blue to a beautiful pink color that matches Santa Barbara's sunsets. 

As a tribute to the Monarch Butterfly migration that travels through Santa Barbara, the Butterfly Pea Pollen beverage can be made into a mocktail with a splash of rose syrup and sweet and sour mix.

Angel Oak Restaurant

Culinary experiences at six different culinary venues include the fine dining oceanfront Angel Oak. Below the restaurant is a wine cave housing the resort’s 12,000-bottle wine collection.

Angel Oak offers an elevated twist on a traditional steakhouse featuring an elegant a la carte menu. Diners can enjoy coconut lobster bisque, a classic wedge salad, steaks, grilled fish, and a chocolate sphere filled with luscious coconut, mango and strawberry.

Since this resort is distinctly nestled between the Pacific Ocean and the Santa Ynez Mountains, it provides easy access to the region’s best wineries and vineyards. The property is also a few minutes from the center of charming and historic Santa Barbara. 

For the quintessential babymoon, celebration of life, wedding, birthday, or spa wellness getaway, The Ritz-Carlton Bacara, Santa Barbara offers the ultimate getaway experience for all ages.

Jill Weinlein

Los Angeles based Jill Weinlein covers travel, food and lifestyle destinations for multiple newspapers, magazines and websites. Her areas of expertise include, luxury travel, culinary reviews, cruising and family travel destinations. Born in Los Angeles, Jill studied Communications and Theatre Arts at UCLA. She has a a Dine and Travel blog - www.dineandtravel.me and she writes a weekly restaur...(Read More)

The Ritz-Carlton Bacara, Santa Barbara Celebrates National Relaxation Day

The Ritz-Carlton Bacara, Santa Barbara Celebrates National Relaxation Day

The Ritz-Carlton Bacara, Santa Barbara Celebrates National Relaxation Day

The Ritz-Carlton Bacara, Santa Barbara Celebrates National Relaxation Day

The Ritz-Carlton Bacara, Santa Barbara Celebrates National Relaxation Day