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.
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