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Even if your late summer travel plans don’t involve sunbathing along the Cote d’Azur or dining at Lo Scoglio on the Amalfi Coast, no need to fret. Heaps of shiny new hotels and immersive experiences in European-style destinations right here in California are beckoning.
South of France in Montecito
Dubbed “The American Riviera” thanks to its sun-drenched beaches and topography reminiscent of the South of France, Santa Barbara is home to the posh hamlet of Montecito where Rick Caruso’s opulent Rosewood Miramar Beach hotel is perched. Studded with a verdant great lawn, ocean view guest rooms and jacaranda tree-lined cobblestone pathways, the property oozes a Camelot-style ambiance.
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Its crown jewel is Michelin star and Michelin green star Caruso’s, the resident beachfront restaurant helmed by chef and partner Massimo Falsini. In addition to the recently introduced three-course petite dining journey ($145, available Monday-Thursday), Falsini just debuted Fronte Mare, a decadently bespoke culinary experience that takes inspiration from Caruso’s, but with a completely different seafood-focused menu.
“I transformed the corner of the restaurant as a new way for guests to connect around the table, right next to the ocean, listening to the waves while I cook live,” Falsini tells The Hollywood Rreporter. Designed for six to 20 patrons with a $5,000 food and beverage minimum, the customized menus feature crudo, freshly made pasta and other whimsical creations Falsini dreams up from such acclaimed local purveyors as Sea Stephanie Fish and Roots Organic Farm in Santa Ynez. “The concept takes the flavor and heart from a classic trattoria style dining experience while talking with guests about the food I’m preparing live in a convivial setting,” he adds.
And on Aug. 18, a parade of pooches will take center stage as Jane Lynch co-hosts the third annual Miramar Best in Show with managing director Rick Fidel. Presented by industry-adored fashion brand Staud, some of the proceeds will go to Love Leo Rescue and Santa Barbara Humane. rosewoodhotels.com from $1,699; rooms also available through expedia.com and hotels.com.
Tuscany in the Santa Ynez Valley
Lauded for some of the most sought-after wines in the world, award-winning, chef-helmed restaurants and rolling hills for days, Santa Ynez Valley is a Tuscan-style paradise. The shiniest hotel to emerge in this beloved wine country region is the newly refreshed and rebranded The Genevieve in the town of Santa Ynez. Formerly Santa Ynez Inn, the Victorian mansion is surrounded by the property’s The Victor restaurant, lush greenery, fire pits and winding pathways with subtle enhancements across the property.
The daily happy hour and dessert hour are added treats, as is the prime positioning of the hotel — steps from the swankiest boutiques and eateries including home goods store Santa Ynez General, Baker’s Table and Maverick Saloon, the epicenter for live music and kicking up your boots. thegenevieve.com, from $399; rooms also available through expedia.com, hotels.com and booking.com.
New Around Santa Barbara County
El Encanto, a Belmond hotel, has created several new immersive experiences including an architectural tour of the historic property along with a stargazing evening. Not to be missed is the age-defying facial by Linda Ross of Beverly Hills at the spa along with a meditative stroll through the chef’s garden which has been expanded with pebble pathways and a lemon orchard. belmond.com, from $1,010; rooms also available through expedia.com, hotels.com and booking.com.
One of Santa Barbara’s most beloved romantic hideaways, San Ysidro Ranch (sanysidroranch.com, from $2,495) offers an opportunity for guests to experience their prized collections of rare wines and spirits at The Speakeasy at Plow & Angel, the property’s newest addition that evokes a Prohibition-era ambiance. And owner Ty Warner’s Wine Collective is where visitors may indulge in highly customized wine tastings led by elite masters, and include some of the most sought after wines in the world such as Château d’Yquem vintages from 1811-2008.
The Steward is a new 87-suite farmhouse-style boutique hotel set amidst lush botanical gardens and rooted in history — the property was originally purchased by pioneering horticulturist Joseph Sexton in the 1860s. thestewardsb.com, from $452; rooms also available through expedia.com, hotels.com and booking.com.
The Ritz-Carlton Bacara, situated on the ocean along the Gaviota Coast, is a hub for culinary pleasures with their six dining venues, including Angel Oak steakhouse where there’s a new tasting menu. And their spa, one of the best in Santa Barbara, has added the luxurious gold- and peptide-infused Golden Hour Collagen Massage (from $481) for taut, lifted skin. ritzcarlton.com, rooms also available through booking.com.
The Santa Ynez Valley’s Alisal Ranch is offering their California Ranch Cookouts through Aug. 24 featuring lauded guest chefs, local wines, extravagant buffet spread and live music and dancing. Upcoming chefs include Marcel Vigneron of Lemon Grove at The Aster and Brian Redzikowski of Kettner Exchange. alisalranch.com, from $1,044.
New Haven Inn is one of the most charming stays in the quaint village of Solvang in Santa Ynez Valley thanks to a modern remodel, spacious rooms with patios and just a five-minute stroll from the enticing aromas of those famous Danish bakeries. newhavensolvang.com, from $193; rooms also available through booking.com.
The Dalmatian Coast in Laguna Beach
An hour south of Los Angeles, the art-centric seaside enclave of Laguna Beach is a hedonistic slice of the Dalmatian Coast, minus the 12-hour plane ride. The 41-room Laguna Surf Lodge by SCP Hotels is the area’s newest intimate hideaway located on the Thalia Street surf break in the heart of the bubbly village. The soothing aesthetic is deeply grounding — natural woods commingle with earthy textiles and a whitewashed color palette. Rife with Scandinavian-style décor, some of the guest rooms also feature ocean view private decks.
Yearning for adventure? SCP offers their “Epic Experiences” across all properties in their portfolio, and with “Dawn Patrol” at Laguna Surf Lodge, guests may indulge in a half- or full-day opportunity to surf the local breaks along with guides, games and gourmet delicacies. scphotel.com, from $250; rooms also available through booking.com.
Italian Estate in Newport Coast
Say “ciao” to “La Dolce Vita.” With its striking scale and some of the most voluminous guest rooms in Southern California, including two-to-four bedroom private villas, The Resort at Pelican Hill instantly transports you to an elegant hillside compound in Italy. After an afternoon of lounging by the grand Coliseum circular pool designed with over one million hand-cut mosaic tiles, stroll over to The Spa at Pelican Hill featuring Barcelona’s celebrity adored Natura Bissé skincare line. New on the menu is the Citrus Drench Scrub where your entire body will be polished to baby-bottom bliss with high doses of Vitamin C.
While the ambiance is dripping with romantic vibes, the resort also draws many families for the residential-style accommodations and new fairytale experiences like the Under the Sea Royal Tea and spirited Bubblemania show. Not to be missed is dinner at Pelican Grill, the resort’s lively restaurant where you’ll find a knock-your-socks-off Za’atar summer squash salad and Snake River Farms Wagyu filet.pelicanhill.com, from $1,200; rooms also available at booking.com.
New Around Orange County
Pendry Newport Beach, one of the newer properties to emerge in town, is just across the street from the Fashion Island shopping mecca. New for summer is the Pendry + The Picnic Collective Summer Movie Series held outdoors and wine tastings with Vinopop. pendry.com, from $425; rooms also available through booking.com.
Lido House is the epicenter for summer fun courtesy of Topside — the only rooftop bar in all of Newport Beach, complete with the buzziest scene and best views in town. Their Endless Summer Experience is a new pop-up where vintage champagnes are paired with caviar and bites from chef and partner Riley Huddleston. marriot.com, from $594; rooms also available through booking.com.
Montage Laguna Beach is rolling out the red carpet with their 36’ Luxury Aviara Yacht and Cruise. Departing from the Balboa Bay Club, expect a posh captain lead, four-hour cruise through the Newport Beach Harbor for up to six guests. montage.com, from $1,250; rooms also available through booking.com.
