It's always sunny in Montecito
- akhilapamula
- May 28
- 3 min read
Santa Barbara will always hold a special place in our hearts. It was a stop on my family’s yearly road trip to Northern California every summer, and later on, where Neal and I chose to get married. Nestled between the Santa Ynez Mountains and the Pacific Ocean, the American Riviera really does personify some of the best things about California: the best weather, great food and wine, and a laid-back vibe. When we visited this bit of paradise this year, we decided to stay in the town of Montecito, a quick 10 minute drive from downtown.
I have been wanting to stay at the Rosewood Miramar Beach, and used this trip as an excuse to finally check it out. I was not disappointed. It is so unique to other properties I have visited in California; as if a country club from Nantucket was dropped onto the California coast. Yet, it is not stuffy or blue-blooded at all; it still maintains its California charm and relaxed vibe. The grounds themselves are just exquisite, with sprawling lawns, multiple pools, and its own stretch of beach. I still think about the perfectly trimmed boxwoods that line all the paths, intertwined with rows of white roses, interspersed with purple and pink annuals. What makes it even more unique is the train that runs right through the property. While this may sound like a nuisance, it was every child’s favorite time of day, watching the Amtrak whiz by.
The main building on the property is just stunning. The moment you walk in, you are greeted by a large foyer with the classic Rosewood black and white marble checkered floors. Your eye is immediately drawn out towards the large lawn and the ocean beyond. The Manor Bar is tucked into a wing of the main house, and was one of our favorite ways to end the night. While pricey, the cocktails were always always on point. Shoutout to Justin, the head bartender; he made it a point to make sure Jai was involved in all the conversations. A rambunctious toddler can be seen as a nuisance, a damper on an otherwise elegant atmosphere. However, Justin, and everyone else on property, made it a point to not just engage him but include him. From specialized kids menus and drinks to ice cream served by the pool and lawn, they really went out of their way to make kids feel like they too belonged.
There are 4 genres of accommodations on property. The beachfront rooms and suites have stunning views just steps from the ocean. The lanai rooms surround the property and look out on the gardens and rolling hills. The manor house rooms are in the main house, with views of the ocean and great lawn. The bungalow rooms are reminiscent of small cottages dotted throughout the property. We stayed in a bungalow suite, which was just lovely. You enter through a private terrace into a spacious living room with a fireplace. This leads into a comfortable bedroom with the bathroom of my dreams. The decor was simple and elegant, with pale yellows, grays, and creams. It felt so comfortable yet the details were so luxurious. I could have moved in.
There are 4 restaurants on the property. Caruso’s, with its one Michelin star, looks out towards the ocean, serving Italian-leaning California coastal cuisine. Neal and I had our anniversary dinner here the year before, and the food was delicious, albeit pricey. What stuck with me more than the view was the fact that they didn’t care if you brought your kids or your dogs; they included them. Miramar Beach Bar, which sits right on top of Caruso’s, was our regular happy hour spot, and they served fish tacos that Jai couldn’t get enough of. AMA Sushi, the property’s Japanese restaurant, offers two different experiences: an omakase around the sushi bar or an a la carte menu in the dining room and patio. Neal and I partook in the omakase experience, and it was great; the sushi was delicious, the beverage pairing was spot-on, and you got to watch Chef Scott work his magic. The Revere Room, which overlooked the lawn, was open for all meals, and was where we had breakfast every morning.
As much as I could have spent the entire time on the beach or on our terrace or on the great lawn, we did make it out a few times. The Santa Barbara Zoo is just a special place, probably one of my favorites. Downtown Montecito is charming with cute boutiques and restaurants. And you can’t go to Santa Barbara without visiting the Funk Zone, with its eclectic mix of breweries, tasting rooms, art galleries, and restaurants.
Our stay at Rosewood Miramar Beach was just wonderful. It is a place where we could just exhale and relax. It embodies everything that we love in a place that we love. I cannot wait to go back.
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