New Pastorals
Dior celebrates summer in Santa Barbara with its Dioriviera takeover at the Rosewood Miramar Beach
Dior celebrates summer in Santa Barbara with its Dioriviera takeover at the Rosewood Miramar Beach
Actor/dancer Melissa Barrera wears a Dior Dioriviera swimsuit, $880, and hat, price upon request. Dioriviera umbrella, price upon request.
Dioriviera deck chair, $1,200.
Summer essentials such as skateboards, visors, parasols, and fans—all covered in scenic Toile de Jouy motifs—highlight the Dioriviera takeover of two bungalows at the Rosewood Miramar Beach hotel in Montecito. The pop-up boutique, open through September 6, houses Maria Grazia Chiuri’s summer capsule of raspberry, black, or chartreuse women’s ready-to-wear; accessories; and D-Connect sneakers, espadrilles, and mules for the French fashion house. Dior’s elegant patterns, woven throughout the collection, elevate everyday objects and resort mainstays, even beach chairs, into instant heirlooms. There are also book totes and Lady D-Lite and Caro bags. The bold colors, an early nod to the house’s fall palette, enliven beach games and hammocks, plus a limited-edition customizable Vespa 946. 1759 S. Jameson Lane, Montecito, 805-900-8388, DIOR.COM.
Written by Elizabeth Varnell
Dior: Photography by Emman Montalvan. Fashion Direction by Samantha Traina. Location: Bellosguardo Foundation, Santa Barbara. Hair by Clayton Hawkins at A-Frame Agency. Makeup by Lilly Keys at A-Frame Agency.
Family Fun
Los Olivos Lemons, the charming lemonade cart from God’s Country Provisions.
A curious ostrich at OstrichLand USA in Buellton
Must-try activities in and around town for kids of all ages
Santa Ynez’s Folded Hills Farmstead invites guests to feed their friendly animals (from goats and piglets to llamas) and grab some organic produce to take home. 2323 Old Coast Hwy, Gaviota, 805-694-8086, FOLDEDHILLS.COM.
OstrichLand USA is home to more than 100 ostriches and emus that roam the Solvang ranch. 610 E Hwy 246, Solvang, 805-686-9696, OSTRICHLANDUSA.COM.
For little equestrians, SB Party Ponies offers group and private horsemanship lessons at Modoc Riding Ring, as well as pony or miniature horse visits for parties. 805-335-0538, SBPARTYPONIES.COM.
Of course, there’s always the Santa Barbara Zoo—unique in its proximity to the ocean—with more than 500 animals housed across 30 acres. 500 Ninos Dr., Santa Barbara, 805-962-5339, SBZOO.ORG.
All net proceeds from The Elephant Project plushies benefit nonprofits that aid and protect the animal. THEELEPHANTPROJECT.COM.
Adventurers can rent an electric Moke car from Santa Barbara’s Wheel Fun Rentals or Solvang’s Moke Experience. 805-650-7770, WHEELFUNRENTALS.COM; 1510 Mission Dr., Solvang, 866-523-6653, MOKEXP.COM.
At Lighthouse Skate Shop, stock up on gear before hitting the half-pipe at Skater’s Point nearby. 16B Helena Ave., 805-770-3042, Santa Barbara, LIGHTHOUSESB.COM.
Head to A-Frame or Surf Happens in Carpinteria for private surf lessons or kids’ summer surf camp. 3785 Santa Claus Lane, Carpinteria, 805-684-8803, AFRAMESURF.COM; 3825 Santa Claus Lane, Carpinteria, 805-966-3613, SURFHAPPENS.COM.
Don’t miss the Santa Barbara Maritime Museum’s summer exhibit of surfboards, paintings, and historic photos. 113 Harbor Way, Ste. 190, Santa Barbara, 805-962-8404, SBMM.ORG.
Lil’ Toot provides narrated boat rides between the S.B. Harbor and Stearns Wharf, as well as private birthday parties. 237 Stearns Wharf, Santa Barbara, 805-465-6676, CELEBRATIONSANTABARBARA.COM.
Hit up the Santa Barbara Museum of Natural History and its Sea Center for a close-up look at the wonders of the ocean. 2559 Puesta del Sol, Santa Barbara, 805-682-4711; 211 Stearns Wharf, Santa Barbara, 805-962-2526, SBNATURE.ORG.
Endless interactive exploration awaits at the MOXI science museum. 125 State St., Santa Barbara, 805-770-5000, MOXI.ORG.
When hunger strikes, hit up the Scoop Shop at Rosewood Miramar Beach for burgers and gelato. 1759 S. Jameson Ln., Montecito, 805-900-8388, ROSEWOODHOTELS.COM.
God’s Country Provisions’ donuts and small-batch lemonade from their Los Olivos Lemons stand always hit the spot. 252 E. Highway 246, Ste. C Buellton, 805-691-9222; 2902 San Marcos Ave. D, 805-691-9222, Los Olivos, GODSCOUNTRYPROVISIONS.COM.
And be sure to stop by the new Coco-Belle Cabana at the Fess Parker Wine Country Inn to shop stylish summertime ensembles for the kids. 2860 Grand Ave., Los Olivos, 805-688-7788, @COCOBELLELOSOLIVOS.
Written by Anush J. Benliyan
Photographs by OstrichLand, Elephant Project, Folded Hills, and Moke cars, Sara Prince. SB Zoo, Sheri Horiszny. SB Party Ponies, Los Olivos Lemons, Lighthouse, and Coco-Belle, Sara Prince.
Full Plate
Ones to watch in Santa Ynez Valley’s booming dining scene
A fresh seafood spread at Bar Le Côte.
Ones to watch in Santa Ynez Valley’s booming dining scene
Food & Wine’s “Best New Chef” Daisy Ryan pairs with culinary partner chef Brad Mathews, at Bar Le Côte, the newest venture from the much-lauded Companion Hospitality restaurant group. Opening early summer in Los Olivos, the stylish seafood tavern founded by the award-winning team behind Bell’s in Los Alamos serves up dishes reminiscent of Europe’s coastal cuisine. 2375 Alamo Pintado Ave., Los Olivos, BARLECOTE.COM.
Bone-in tomahawks and lobster-whipped potatoes shine at Solvang’s Sear Steakhouse, where the restaurant’s proprietary farm-sourced ingredients include components for Alberto Battaglini’s delicious cocktails. 478 4th Place, Solvang, 805-245-9564, SEARSTEAKHOUSE.COM.
On weekends the one-year-old peasants FEAST has been featuring limited-edition cake creations from the Central Coast’s Golden Opal Baking: stunning, multilayered confections crafted with local produce, often adorned with locally sourced, edible flowers. 487 Atterdag Rd., Solvang, 805-686-4555, PEASANTSFEAST.COM.
Alessio Carnevale—of S.Y. Kitchen and Nella Kitchen & Bar front-of-house fame—opens his first brick-and-mortar Italian gelato shop, Via Gelateria, in Solvang this summer. @VALLEYCRAFTGELATO.
Celebrated chefs Anthony Carron, Lincoln Carson, and Steven Fretz partnered with Hillary Calhoun and wine-world rock star Rajat Parr on Solvang’s Coast Range & Vaquero Bar, now offering elevated all-day dining and bar menus, sophisticated evening steakhouse fare, and classic drinks from general manager and mixologist Joseph Sabato. 1635 Mission Dr., Solvang, 805-691-9134, COASTRANGE.RESTAURANT.
Refresh with summery sips at Solvang’s V Lounge, which overlooks the Vinland Hotel’s outdoor pool. The bar’s seasonally appropriate craft cocktails include the likes of a “Sunshine Valley,” “Lemonade Stand,” and “Blackberry Smash.” 1455 Mission Dr., Solvang, 805-688-2018, VINLANDHOTELANDLOUNGE.COM.
In Santa Ynez the S.Y. Kitchen has been enhanced for the season with an outdoor courtyard, while its Los Olivos sibling, Nella Kitchen & Bar shakes things up with famed Los Angeles barman—and now resident—Chris Hewes. 1110 Faraday St., Santa Ynez, 805-691-9794, SYKITCHEN.COM; 2860 Grand Ave., Los Olivos, 805-686-1359, NELLAKITCHEN.COM.
New Buellton brasserie The Tavern at Zaca Creek welcomes James Beard House alum chef Cullen Campbell; his decadent dinner and brunch menus include crudo and caviar, buttered rock crab, Wagyu burgers, and grilled bone marrow, as well as house-made Wagyu pastrami. 1297 Jonata Park Rd., Buellton, 805-688-2412, ZACA-CREEK.COM.
The Santa Ynez Sausage Company at Buellton’s Sideways Inn offers alfresco dining on house-made sausage sandwiches such as “The Dogfather” (sweet Italian pork sausage) or the mushroom-and-lentil “Southwestern Veggie.” Sides include homemade pickles, plus hand-cut Belgian fries with dipping-sauce options like truffle parmesan aioli or scallion pesto. 114 E. Highway 246, Buellton, 805.688.8448, HIGHWAYWESTVACATIONS.COM.
Written by Anna Ferguson-Sparks
Photographs by Nella, Sara Prince; Coast Range/Vaquero Bar, Jeremy Ball, Bottle Branding; Bar le Côte, Sara Prince; Zaca Creek, Michelle Ramirez Photography.
On Staycation
Spectacular hotels near home waiting to welcome you
The courtyard at Palihouse Santa Barbara.
Spectacular hotels near home waiting to welcome you
It’s been a while since most of us have been traveling. If you’re eager to get away, but still wary about venturing too far, there are spectacular hotels here waiting to welcome you.
A seafood barbecue at The Alisal.
Santa Barbara County’s ranching traditions live on at The Alisal, where along with the trail rides, there’s golf, hiking, tennis, and spa visits. A summer highlight is the California Ranch Cookouts series—one-night barbecue dinners hosted by celebrity chefs. 1054 Alisal Rd., Solvang, 800-425-4725, ALISAL.COM.
Part of the Shelter Social Club portfolio, the Capri Hotel was renovated in 2020 with streamlined midcentury modern style. The pool area, lawn, and firepit offer a tranquil gathering spot close to downtown Ojai. 1180 E. Ojai Ave., Ojai, 805-646-4305, CAPRIHOTELOJAI.COM.
Chef Bruno Lopez has taken over the dining room at El Encanto, A Belmond Hotel, Santa Barbara, the Riviera classic with unparalleled downtown views. He’s serving up new menu offerings, Taste of El Encanto dinners, and other culinary experiences. 800 Alvarado Pl., Santa Barbara, 805-845-5800, BELMOND.COM.
A gracious retreat in the Santa Ynez Valley, Fess Parker Wine Country Inn recently renovated their guestrooms. Also new is the Italian cuisine at Nella Kitchen & Bar, including cocktails and Roman-inspired pizza. 2860 Grand Ave., Los Olivos, 800-446-2455, FESSPARKERINN.COM.
Going retro at the Skyview Los Alamos.
Opened in March 2021, the boutique Hotel Ynez, on two acres, comprises 22 cute guest rooms with private stone patios, perfect for grilling specialty Santa Maria-style BBQ kits. Complimentary bicycles are available for exploring Solvang and Santa Ynez. 2644 Mission Dr., Solvang, 805-697-5444, HOTELYNEZ.COM.
A rooftop pool with a Santa Barbara panorama is just one of the charms of the downtown Spanish-style, pet-friendly Kimpton Canary Hotel. Farm-to-fork dining is a highlight at Finch & Fork, along with a daily wine hour. 31 W. Carrillo, Santa Barbara, 805-884-0300, CANARYSANTABARBARA.COM.
A locals’ gathering place, The Landsby is a boutique hotel whose sophisticated Scandinavian style is a contemporary take on Solvang’s traditional Danish look, while the signature menu at Mad & Vin reflects the influence of wine country. 1576 Mission Dr., Solvang, 805-688-3121, THELANDSBY.COM.
Oceanfront Mar Monte Hotel celebrated its top-to-bottom renovation with a grand reopening in May. Terra-cotta, tile, and an earth-toned palette infuse Spanish style into the décor, while the menu at costa Kitchen and Bar blends California and Italian flavors. 11 East Cabrillo Blvd., Santa Barbara, 805-882-1234, HYATT.COM.
Ojai’s Capri Hotel.
Charlie Chaplin reportedly built the Montecito Inn as a getaway from Hollywood. It’s still a casually upscale spot close to beaches and boutiques. The hotel’s own Coast & Olive serves up California dishes with French Riviera flair. 1295 Coast Village Rd., Santa Barbara, 805-969, 7854, MONTECITOINN.COM.
Golf and spa treatments have been perennial attractions at the luxe Ojai Valley Inn, which opened its doors nearly a century ago. Now its Farmhouse complex is making headlines with its star-studded epicurean events, including this summer’s guest chef dinners. 905 Country Club Rd., Ojai, 855-697-8780, OJAIVALLEYINN.COM.
The quaint, dog-friendly new Palihouse Santa Barbara downtown features 24 smartly appointed, vintage-inspired accommodations (equipped with Smeg refrigerators), plus a charming Mediterranean-style courtyard, garden café, cocktail bar, and pool. 915 Garden St., Santa Barbara, 805-564-4700, PALISOCIETY.COM.
Dining in colorful comfort at the Mar Monte Hotel.
With an ocean-bluff location, The Ritz-Carlton Bacara, Santa Barbara offers special summer dining offerings with stunning panoramas—including a new Latin menu at The O Bar, a pop-up sushi restaurant on the terrace, a champagne bar, and vintners’ dinners. 8301 Hollister Ave., 805-968-0100, RITZCARLTON.COM.
It’s 5-star luxury at the 160-room Rosewood Miramar Beach, which is hosting the first U.S. Dioriviera boutique this summer. Also new is The Revere Room, an elegantly inviting eatery that complements the fine dining at oceanfront Caruso’s. 1759 South Jameson La., Montecito, 805-900-8388, ROSEWOODMIRAMARBEACH.COM.
Tucked into the Montecito foothills, the 550-acre San Ysidro Ranch has been a celebrity getaway for a century. Lush gardens surround the 41 secluded cottages, while the romantic Stonehouse and atmospheric Plow & Angel feature farm-to-table cuisine. 900 San Ysidro La., Montecito, 800-368-6788, SANYSIDRORANCH.COM.
Midcentury modern style meets rustic chic at the boutique Skyview Los Alamos, on a hilltop overlooking the foodies’ favorite Western-style town. There’s a pool, small spa, vineyard, and gardens; for onsite dining, the Norman serves fresh, seasonal cuisine. 9150 US-101, 805-344-0104, SKYVIEWLOSALAMOS.COM.
photographs: Capri Hotel, Yoshihiro Makino. The Landsby, Sara Prince; alisal, Sara Range; Hotel Ynez, Karyn Millet; Kimpton Canary, John Ellis, Palihouse Santa Barbara, Sara Prince