Last Updated on July 18, 2018 by Carrie Korem, FNTP
My husband’s job is pretty time-consuming these days so when the Four Seasons Santa Barbara offered to host our family for the weekend, we quickly packed our bags and drove to the coast for some quiet time. We arrived to beautiful sunshine and a cool breeze rolling in from the Pacific. From the moment we stepped out of the car I was welcomed by the beauty of the resort. This property was built in 1920 and they’ve worked hard to retain its old-world feel.
From the gardens to the beach to the “rain” shower, our kids were thrilled everywhere they looked. The girls squealed when they saw a beach bag full of goodies waiting for us in our room. I loved the large walk-in closet. We were able to fit all our luggage comfortably in the closet so our room was clear and free of clutter. Wow, does that make a difference when traveling!
As an advocate for healthy eating, I particularly enjoyed by the Kid’s Menu choices at Bella Vista: grilled halibut, snow peas, mashed potatoes, grilled chicken – just to name a few. We rarely find these real, healthy food choices for our kids while traveling. We enjoyed a delicious meal, watching the sun set and the palm trees sway, listening to the waves roll in. It’s hard to say whether the milkshakes or the firelight made a bigger impression, but we certainly made a memory.
Guests of the hotel have access to the Cabana Club, positioned at the water’s edge, where the kids spent hours diving off the diving board and the parents enjoyed a drink (my favorite was the cucumber, mint, and lemon spritzer).
The highlight of our weekend was the picnic basket prepared by restaurant staff for us as part of their new Simply Irresistible Epicurean Experiences. We drove over to the Santa Barbara Mission and enjoyed a sun-drenched feast of phyllo-wrapped ahi tuna, grilled asparagus, marinated vegetables, local wine, apple pie and truffles next to the rose gardens. The kids were amazed at every turn and we enjoyed taking time to slow down and be together as a family. We ate amazing food and took in superb views.
Most of all, we reveled in a few unexpected days to slow the pace and reconnect.
* We were graciously hosted by The Four Seasons Santa Barbara. All photos and words are my own.
This looks like a dream to me right now. The allure of getting away to me is so strong. I hope you guys had a great time!
the girls squealed?? I find it so hard to imagine! 😉 lovely photos, lovely post!!
What a lovely vacation!
I love SB. I dream of getting married there and maybe buying a house there one day. Great town, great people, great everything. Glad you enjoyed your stay!
What a fantastic getaway! There is simply nothing like the Four Seasons!
I’ve stayed at that Four Seasons! Fabulous!
Such a wonderful review of the FS SB! I enjoyed lunch with girlfriends there last year & Thanksgiving there years ago. You are right…an amazing location!! Think I need to pack my bags and head back out that way 😉
It is a lovely place Carrie. We were there this past summer. So glad you all got to get away and enjoy! What a wonderful place to rejuvenate and get some fresh air. Lucky girl! Nice photos too.
Santa Barbara is one of my favorite places. What a beautiful way to spend the weekend
You and your family deserve a treat like this – thanks for sharing, love the FS anywhere!
Wow…lucky family! The Four Seasons is lovely…looks like you had a great time 🙂
WOW! Lucky, lucky you!! What a fun trip. Will have to check it out myself!
I’ve never seen that property but have always heard how gorgeous it is and your pics prove that. Glad to hear you got some down time in before the craziness of the holidays!
Funny, I never recall being offered such a treat while we were at Edwards. You seem to live a different life there than we did. I hope you enjoyed every moment!!!