The Ritz-Carlton Bacara, Santa Barbara
Spanish Colonial hacienda meets laid-back California coast. Warm terracotta and cream tones, arched doorways, fireplaces in many rooms, and ocean-blue accents throughout. Dressy enough for the Ritz name, relaxed enough for flip-flops at SunBar.
Resort fee includes complimentary e-bike rentals (2 guests, 2 hours daily), guided beach walks at 3pm, and one hour of clay court tennis — book these as soon as you arrive or they fill up
Why It Matters
One of the largest spa facilities on the West Coast at 42,000 square feet. Exclusive on-property nature programming via Jean-Michel Cousteau's Ambassadors of the Environment. The Channel Island Suite tops out at 3,700 sq ft. Flagship restaurant Marisella by Chef Danny Grant brings Amalfi-meets-California ambition to the bluff. Won the 2025 Condé Nast Traveler Readers' Choice Award.
A 78-acre resort planted on a dramatic bluff between the Pacific and the Santa Ynez Mountains, about 15 minutes north of downtown Santa Barbara. Opened in 2000 in Spanish Colonial hacienda style, the property was recently renovated — returning guests say it now reads as genuinely California coastal: lighter, cleaner, more intentional. The scale is almost a small village: rooms are scattered across gardens, courtyards, and winding paths, and a walk from the lobby to the beach takes a few minutes. Three saltwater infinity pools, two miles of natural beach, a 42,000-square-foot spa, and four clay tennis courts make this a genuinely self-contained resort that most guests never feel the need to leave.
Where You'll Stay
5 room types available
Fireside Guest Room with Partial Ocean View
Standard entry-level room with a private patio, indoor fireplace, and partial ocean views through the hacienda-style gardens. Hacienda interiors with dark-wood floors, cream tones, and locally inspired art. Pillowtop bed with Frette Italian linens, Nespresso machine, and Asprey bath products.
Garden View Guest Room
Garden-facing rooms set among the resort's lush courtyards and fountain pathways. Private patio, hacienda interiors with premium furnishings and locally inspired art. No ocean view but typically quieter and slightly more affordable than oceanfront options.
Ocean View Suite – 1 Bedroom
One-bedroom suite with a separate sitting area and Pacific Ocean views. King bed, furnished balcony, and soaking tub. Fully renovated with hacienda-style interiors that lean coastal California — lighter and cleaner than the pre-renovation look.
King
The Channel Island Suite
The largest accommodation on property at 3,700 sq ft, designed with a residential feel — Spanish tile steps lead to a private entrance. Two king bedrooms, 4 bathrooms including a soaking tub, walk-in closets, a full office overlooking the Pacific, in-suite bar, private terrace perfect for sunset watching, and Club Lounge access. Sleeps up to 8.
2 Kings · 333 sqmThe Ritz-Carlton Suite
The flagship two-bedroom suite spanning 2,000 sq ft with sweeping Pacific views from a private balcony. Two master bedrooms each with king beds, a separate living room with sofa bed, fireplace, 2.5 baths including a soaking tub, dining area that seats 8, mini fridge, Nespresso, and Club Lounge access. Up to 6 guests.
2 Kings · 180 sqmThe Property
Eat & Drink
5 venues on property
Restaurant
Spa & Wellness
Treatment Menu
On Property
How you'll actually spend your days.
Guided nature hike through the coastal landscape of the Gaviota Coast, led by college-trained naturalists certified by Jean-Michel Cousteau's program. Explores unique ecology including kelp forest, diverse birds, and traditional Chumash culture. Advance reservations required; 24-hour cancellation policy.
Daily guided beach walk at 3pm led by Jean-Michel Cousteau's Ambassadors of the Environment certified naturalists. Explores the Gaviota Coast's intertidal zone, local bird species, and Chumash cultural history. Included in the resort fee for 2 guests.
BCycle pedal-assist e-bikes available daily 9am-7pm for 2 guests for 2 hours (waiver required). First hotel in Santa Barbara to offer this. Bikes travel up to 30 miles on a single charge at up to 17 mph. Helmets and bike locks included. Included in resort fee.
Championship 18-hole Sandpiper Golf Course is literally adjacent to the resort — 0.1 miles away. Daily complimentary transportation for 2 guests included in resort fee. Pack & Play offer available combining tee time with hotel room rate.
In partnership with Santa Barbara Adventure Company, guests can explore the Gaviota Coast — a coastline with over 1,500 species of plant and animal life — by kayak. Surfing and paddleboarding also available off-site, weather permitting.
Supervised outdoor and creative activities for children aged 5-12, available Friday through Sunday, 9am-4pm (half-day options available). Designed by the Ritz-Carlton and focused on nature discovery and environmental education. Advance booking required; release waiver needed.
Exclusive to Club-level room and suite guests. Five food and beverage presentations daily: hot buffet breakfast, light lunch, afternoon tea, hors d'oeuvres, and desserts. Premium California wines, cocktails, beer, and non-alcoholic beverages included. Dedicated outdoor space, free Wi-Fi, concierge service, and complimentary garment pressing. Ages 21+ only. Open daily 7am-10pm.
Four Har-Tru clay courts managed by Cliff Drysdale Tennis (founded by the ESPN analyst and International Tennis Hall of Fame member). Resort fee includes 1 hour daily for 2 guests (rackets and ball machine use) plus a 30-minute group clinic with a pro at 2pm. Private lessons, cardio tennis, and summer camp also available.
Three heated outdoor saline pools: Main Pool (10am-8pm), Oval Pool (10am-8pm), and Spa Pool (adults-only, 8am-6pm). Private cabana rentals available — Oceano Cabanas feature a TV, refrigerator, safe, and dining table with direct pool access; Riviera Cabanas offer panoramic views with shade and loungers. Fresh fruit and water included in cabana rentals.
Amenities & Practical Info
The details that matter for planning.
Two miles of natural beach directly accessible from the resort. Beach towels provided. Watersports (surfing, kayaking, paddle boarding) available off-site.
24-hour business center plus 70,000+ square feet of indoor and outdoor meeting and event space, including ballrooms, the Rotunda (ocean views), outdoor terraces, and The Bluff event overlook. Largest ballroom between Santa Barbara and Los Angeles.
Complimentary high-speed Wi-Fi throughout the property. Enhanced internet included in resort fee. Marriott Bonvoy members booking direct receive complimentary in-room internet.
Room service available with rotating seasonal menus. Breakfast on the private balcony is a popular choice.
Daily valet service at $75 per day. EV charging stations available on property.
Dogs up to 50 lbs welcome in one- and two-bedroom suites. Maximum 2 dogs. Non-refundable fee of $300/stay ($50 for each additional dog). Specialty suites (Ritz-Carlton Suite and Channel Island Suite) charge $600/stay. Dogs allowed on Lulio's outdoor patio, O Bar terrace, and café terrace. Not permitted in restaurants, fitness center, spa, or pools.
Main Pool, Oval Pool (both 10am-8pm), and Spa Pool (adults-only, 8am-6pm). All outdoor, heated, and saltwater. Towels provided at poolside.
Open 5am-9pm daily. Full cardiovascular and strength training equipment including treadmills, ellipticals, rowing machines, stair climbers, Smith machine, Synrgy360, and free weights. Instructor-led classes available. Guests must be 16+ to use the facility. Fresh fruit and cool towels provided.
BUILD YOUR THE RITZ-CARLTON BACARA, SANTA BARBARA PLAN
Rooms, dining, spa, and resort experiences — organized into one trip plan.
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