16
TRAVEL
VACATION » SIGHTS » DAY TRIPS » ADVENTURE » EXPLORE » TRAVEL
Enjoy a sojourn in SoCal stunner Santa Barbara Alison Bailin Batz >>The Entertainer!
J
ust over an hour from the Valley by plane—and only about seven by car—lies Santa Barbara. Nicknamed the American Riviera for its similarity to the French Riviera, the region boasts dozens of beaches and offers visitors everything from whale watching, rock climbing, scuba diving and backcountry Jeep tours to eaglewatching tours, sky diving, wind surfing, sailing excursions, fishing charters, a skateboard park and seven 18-hole championship golf courses. Though a mere 90 minutes from Los Angeles, Santa Barbara is truly a world apart. Visually, expect more of a Mediterranean vibe as the city bursts with Spanish-, Moorish-, Portugueseand American Indian-inspired architecture. More than 100 years ago, the region was a major player in the film industry, with over 1,200 movies filmed in the area during the silent-film
era. As a result, families including the Rockefellers, Vanderbilts, Carnegies and DuPonts invested in land in the area, which inspired poets and artists to come see what all the fuss was about. Overwhelmed by Santa Barbara’s splendor, many made the area their permanent home and still do, giving the area a reputation for being as culturally rich as it is beautiful. The world’s biggest names are still frequenting the area, notably Oprah Winfrey, who loves it so much she moved there. Given there is so much to see and do, however, getting it all in on one’s first trip—or first trip in a while—is virtually impossible. Here is a look at where to stay, what to do and how to make the most of a visit.
ACCOMMODATIONS Life’s a journey, not a destination. However, Belmond believes that by exploring destinations and cultures both near and far, one’s journey can be so much richer. A luxury travel and adventure brand with a collection of
46 hotels as well as trains and river cruises in 22 countries, Belmond is no mere travel planner or website, instead considering itself the ultimate travel curator and connoisseur for even the most discerning of travelers. Among its most impressive offerings is Belmond El Encanto. Majestic and regal, the Forbes Five Star award-winning property features 7 acres of gardens and is limited to just 96 rooms, suites and bungalows. Restored in recent years for today’s traveler, it still boasts much of the charm guests like President Franklin D. Roosevelt enjoyed nearly 100 years ago, including its original 1928 wishing well, lily pond and romantically placed wisteria vines that climb up brickcolumned arbor. Its negative-edge pool not only has sweeping views of the entire city, but one of the most impressive views of the miles of beaches and crystal blue oceans you will ever see. The spa is similarly lavish yet cozy, with just seven treatment rooms and intoxicatingly relaxing men’s and women’s lounges as well as treatments
inspired by the California coast. Drinking and dining on property are special treats. The lounge excels at using herbs and citrus grown on property in its cocktails, and the dining room— which has a stunning terrace known for some of the best al fresco dining in the country—not only does the same with its dishes and has a sumptuous caviar service to boot, but the property even makes its own signature cheese, thanks to a hotel cow named Ellie, who lives on-site. For anything it cannot source from on property, every effort is made to support nearby local farmers, ranchers and fishermen by using their vegetables, fruits and sustainable wild seafood.
DINING Of course, Belmond is not the only culinary adventure to be had in Santa Barbara. People come from around the world to enjoy the farms, waters, vineyards, restaurants, farmers and fishermen markets, cooking classes, and food and wine events that create, cultivate and celebrate the region’s distinctive flavors. A true bucket-list experience is Bouchon. Chef Greg Murphy is a flavor wizard. If there was a doctorate available in kitchen science, he would not simply have the degree, but be teaching the graduate courses. The best way to experience his genius is by joining him through his cooking process via his market tour and gourmet dinner package ($125 per person). Through it, twice a week Murphy leads an intimate group through Santa Barbara Certified Farmers Market, both giving a tour and showing how he sources ingredients for his award-winning dishes. And then,
