Away From the City -311

A characteristic very true to Santa Barbara is it's small town feel. While we have big city amenities like universities and big name stores, things seem to be simple, the architecture flows smoothly, and life is quite mellow. The ocean and beaches may be the most attractive of locales, as the Spanish architectural influence is prevalent on plenty of city buildings. SB is like a "get away" and the best place to get away to may be the Bacara Resort and Spa.

Located about 15 miles north of downtown SB, on beautiful bluffs, with amazing ocean views is the Bacara. I have had the opportunity to be pampered twice at their spa, and my love has enjoyed the course at Sandpiper Golf Club. After a spa treatment, we walked the grounds to take everything in. It was a mid-Saturday morning in January, 72 degrees, not a cloud in the sky. The landscaping was clean and green, the paths were tiled, the pools looked amazing (2 levels and cabanas included), and the ocean glistened under the sun.

Most of the photos I took were of the ocean. We walked towards a restaurant that sits on the highest point of the bluffs and enjoyed the view.

The Bacara's glamorous yet understated nature is so perfect for a chic beach wedding/elegant reception. They have ballrooms and patios, outdoor ceremony locations, and their own private beach. Described on their site as having, "Spanish colonial warmth, old Hollywood glamour, new California dreaming" this is my dream wedding location. A perfect get away to be pampered and playful.