On a recent 24 hour jaunt to Santa Barbara, I had to make a pilgrimage to one of my favorite places, where natural beauty and luxury commingle in understated beauty. The low-key hideaway that is the San Ysidro Ranch is favored by the A-list crowd as well, and to those who seek solitude amongst 500 acres that feature 41 individually decorated private cottages, appointed with vine-covered decks and hot tubs. Built in 1893 on a former citrus grove in the Montecito foothills- just outside Santa Barbara- this historic property was Vivien Leigh’s own version of Tara, as she and Laurence Oliver married during a secret midnight ceremony in the lush rose garden, and is most noted for John And Jackie Kennedy’s honeymoon destination in 1953, where they accessed a private gated entrance which led them to what is now called the Kennedy Cottage- a palatial 2,000 sq. ft. abode with panoramic ocean views.
Purchased in 2000 by Billionaire Ty Warner- the Beanie Babies king– this exquisite oasis winds along San Ysidro’s hillside creek where olive and lavender trees line the tranquil paths, offering guests 17 miles of guided hiking trails, nearby golf, biking, in-room spa services- even massages, food, and toys for your pampered pooch- and amenities for kids. Shortly after Warner’s purchase, the Ranch received a 150 Million Dollar face-lift…but not to worry, as careful attention to preserve the overall bones and charming character was reinforced during the renovation, resulting in a well needed refreshed look- placing guests in an even deeper spell upon arrival.
Consistently rated a top resort by Forbes Traveler, Conde Nast Traveler, and Travel + Leisure, destination weddings are a fixture, where top celebrity wedding planners have had their share of nuptial goings-on, as this majestic environment sets the stage for true romance. When it was time to leave, I reluctantly drove down that vibrant lavender-filled driveway and headed back to the big city where I’m always on the lookout for some serenity of my own. Good thing I’m just 90 minutes away… www.sanysidroranch.com
