Perched in the hills overlooking downtown Santa Barbara with sweeping ocean and city views, the El Encanto, a Belmond Hotel has been welcoming discerning travelers to The American Riviera® since 1918. Renovations and upgrades to the historic landmark property over the years resulted in a mix of Craftsman and Spanish Colonial architecture. From the moment you pull into the circular drive and are greeted by the attentive valets and bellhops, the guest experience feels seamless—and everyone seems to know your name. Given the historic footprint, the 92 bungalows and suites are all incredibly spacious. The massive marble bathrooms are a thing of beauty, while thoughtful touches like monogrammed accent pillows and personalized stationery make you truly feel at home. Perks of the property include the stunning zero-edge pool, a restaurant and bar (so lovely, they are frequented by locals), a full-service spa, courtesy shuttle and fitness center. Learn More

The glamorous 121-room Hotel Californian is a newer addition to Santa Barbara’s hotel line-up, and it’s located in the heart of the action where Lower State Street, the waterfront and Funk Zone converge. Taking a nod from the original 1925 structure destroyed in an earthquake, the architecture is Spanish Colonial Revival through-and-through. The interiors created by celebrity designer Martyn Lawrence Bullard are Moorish-inspired with Moroccan accents. Plush rooms feature striking black and white photography of old Hollywood stars, custom furnishings and premium cocktail carts that are a far cry from a typical hotel “mini-bar.” The stylish property boasts a rooftop pool, a Turkish-inspired spa, upscale clothing boutique, two destination restaurants and a cocktail bar. Learn More

Rosewood Miramar Beach Montecito is the one-and-only Santa Barbara South Coast hotel that sits right on the sand. It’s also the first hotel project by Los Angeles developer Rick Caruso, known for premier shopping destinations like The Grove and Palisades Village. The idyllic Miramar Beach property has been a work in progress for decades, and will add 124 guest rooms and 37 suites to the region’s ultra-luxury lodging inventory when it debuts. Onsite dining will include Caruso’s, The Revere Room, AMA Sushi and Miramar Beach Bar restaurants, plus an ice cream shop and bars. Guests can choose from two pools and indulge in pampering treatments at Sense®Spa. An indoor-outdoor fitness studio will offer yoga and group fitness classes, along with the typical gym accouterments. Learn More

The Ritz-Carlton Bacara, Santa Barbara is a grand, self-contained oasis north of the city. The tranquil, 78-acre waterfront property is perched on bluffs overlooking the beach with an easy path to reach the sand and surf below. Of the 358 Mediterranean-style guest rooms, options range from ample “standard” rooms and luxury suites to standalone villas and the ultimate penthouse residence. The Spa is the largest of its kind in the region, providing 42,000 square feet of bliss featuring treatment rooms, an adults-only pool, redwood saunas, eucalyptus steam rooms, fireside lounges and a salon. The two main zero-edge guest pools are the centerpiece of the property and private cabanas are available for rent. The Ritz-Carlton takes its food and beverage program very seriously, with five restaurants and a 12,000-bottle wine collection. The activity menu is equally robust—tennis, Sandpiper Golf Club next door and adventures like horseback riding, biking, kayaking and paddle boarding. Learn More

The storied San Ysidro Ranch has often been ranked among the world’s best hotels, earning the number one spot on Forbes Traveler’s “Best Hotels in America” list several years running. It’s where JFK and Jackie O honeymooned and where Clark Gable and Vivien Leigh exchanged wedding vows—to name just a few of its impressive “credits.” Privacy is paramount at the beloved hideaway in the foothills of Montecito. Each of the 41 individually-decorated bungalows and cottages feature hot tubs and fireplaces. Guests can visit the spa or enjoy treatments in the privacy of their rooms. Two stellar dining options include the formal Stonehouse and its relaxed counterpart, Speakeasy at Plow & Angel. The peaceful resort has a heated pool, fitness center and is in close proximity to 17 miles of hiking trails. Guided hikes and yoga instruction are among the bespoke fitness services available to guests. Learn More