January 29 2008: Bacara is a beautiful resort right on the coast, which opened in 2000.  The resort has the largest spa in California with a spa restaurant and every massage treatment imaginable (although most were overpriced).  There are two pools for relaxing as well as hiking trails, golf and tennis.  While it is quite a large resort with over 300 rooms, because there were few guests, we felt like we had it to ourselves and the staff was quite attentive.  We ate at the bistro, which had great food and an extensive menu but was slightly less formal than the signature restaurant, which required a jacket and tie.  The only strange thing is that the resort doesn't take advantage of the spectacular views and sunsets over the water with the parking lot taking prime position for that vantage point.  The hotel was expensive, but would definitely recommend it for a special occasion and we look forward to returning.

Date of stay: January 2008
Purpose of stay: Leisure (With Partner)

May 15 2008: WOW! WOW! This resort is incredible and the best vacation I have ever had even though it is only about hour half north of LA, where I live. I love Santa Barbara and usually will stay at friends on my visits here so never would think of getting a hotel when I am there. The moment we checked in, we did not want to leave. WOW! The woman I work for is very generous and always encourages travel and vacations. So when she gave me an all expense paid weekend of a place of my choice (within reason) for my Xmas bonus.....I chose The Bacara. I have heard so many wonderful things about it and was in need of some R & R so I grabbed a girlfriend headed on the road trip. I made the resv around my birthday so it was just perfect! 

This resort is beautiful. Everything about it is top notch. Gorgeous. The interior, the lobby, the terra cotta floors, rugs, art , everything is gorgeous. Like little casitas.The room was beautiful and luxurious. We had a view of the Santa Ynez Mountains and private balcony. Soft linens and fully stocked mini bar. Lux robes and slippers and a dvd player. high speed net. twice daily housekeeping which was great. I have a thing about getting into unmade beds so with twice daily maid service, I happily hopped into a well made cozy bed every nap/bed time.The largest bathtubs I have ever seen. Staff treats you like a princess. They sent up strawberries and champagne for my birthday compliments of management. We did not leave the resort so you are isolated. Our favorite was the spa cafe and ordered room service all three nights. Had a few drinks at bar and they were froofi and delicious! Fitness center was nice and we took a few yoga classes. The teacher was pretty great. Spa was relaxing and beautiful. I had two treatments and my favorite was the peppermint foot treatment. The entire resort is beautiful and relaxing. We noticed a few children around the pool but they were well behaved.Many couples that looked like they were honeymooners.

The most incredible resort ever and I really would love to go back but it is very expensive and expect to pay a lot for food, services etc. I don't have any idea how much the whole weekend excursion totaled but can imagine so it will not be a hotel I will be returning to anytime soon.But I will share that if I get the same generous offer again for my next bonus - I will go back here in a heartbeat. Santa Barbara is amazing, short easy drive from LA,clean air, nice beaches,shops, and a laid back vibe. It is a resort worth saving your duckets for that special occasion....it is a big splurge and worth every single penny.

Date of stay: February 2008
Purpose of stay: Leisure (With Friends/Group)

April 28 2008: My wife and I decided to splurge for our anniversary and our destination of choice was Santa Barbara - at Bacara.

I must say I was a bit hesitant about Bacara because of certain other reviews. But those were squashed by the time we our weekend was done.

The property, other than parts of it being under renovation, was on par with a 5 Star resort. Service levels were very good and the resort itself was superb. We booked through AMEX platinum so we got an upgrade and a few other amenities. But believe me, a large ocean front suite was still up there in cost. We didn't care - we knew it was a bit of a splurge and worth it.

Dinner was fabulous. The wine list was impeccable. Very enjoyable dining. The spa was great - but we didn't have the time to fully enjoy a complete day because we also wanted to see the city.

Couple pointers:

1. The resort is a short drive from Santa Barbara itself. We didn't care. Actually we preferred it. We were driving a Ferrari 430 convertible. So the more driving, the better.

2. If your really, truly splurging and putting this on a credit card you'll be paying off for 5 years - maybe consider something else more economical. I can see how a negative review from someone that really doesn't have the means could happen. On the other hand, if it's your honeymoon or something significant - make the splurge happen.

3. The reviews about the beach was correct. But my wife and I preferred sitting on the balcony with wine and watching/listening to the waves.

Great spot. We will be back at some point in our life.

Date of stay: November 2007
Purpose of stay: Leisure (With Partner)