Wish You Were Here: San Ysidro Ranch, Santa Barbara
Just so you know, it’s a balmy 30 degrees in LA right now – the sun is shining, people are working out along the pier and somewhere a celebrity is walking to their Soul Cycle class with a kale, carrot and pear smoothie in hand. You can almost hear The OC theme song from here.
If you’re looking for peak-Cali though, you can’t go past this hidden beach spot famed for its celebrity sightings just two hours from LA – you’ll find it hidden deep in Santa Barbara wine country, nestled near the cascading hills, throws of vine leaves and Oprah’s summer home.
The San Ysudro Ranch is the romantic hideaway to end all romantic hideaways – John and Jackie Kennedy had their honeymoon here, Sir Laurence Olivier and Vivien Leigh were married in the backyard and even Drew Barrymore had her wedding rehearsal dinner here.
Besides being one of the go-to places for celebrities to host their secret weddings or private indiscretions, the San Ysidro Ranch is a stunning place for a chill weekend away from the dizziness of Los Angeles. The ranch is home to what Trip Advisor named the “most romantic restaurant in Santa Barbara” – The Stonehouse.
There’s 41 cottages on offer at the ranch, each with their own bungalow fit out. Rooms come with a king-sized bed, a fireplace and a patio overlooking San Ysirdo’s hillside creek. There’s also the luxury Montecito resort suites that offer a private hot tub on your patio, complete with outdoor rain showers, flat-screen TVs and antique furnishings. Ooh la la.
Prices start at around $745USD per night, per person.
(All images: San Ysidro Ranch)
Private luxury is only a plane ride away – check out Qantas flights to LA here.
