San Ysidro Ranch: The Best Resort in California

1. Montecito Overview

At just 9.2 square miles and with fewer than 10,000 residents, Montecito, California, could easily fly under the radar, remaining undetected from the outside world. For the most part, it’s remained a quiet, A-list-filled enclave. Truly, you’d be hard-pressed to find a home here you can score without being a daytime talk show host. However, there is at least one way you can visit — by staying at San Ysidro Ranch, the best resort in California.

2. San Ysidro Ranch Introduction

Located just 90 minutes north of Los Angeles, the Ranch unfolds right from its winding, tree-lined driveway leading you into a peaceful escape. Upon arrival, guests walk up the cobblestoned steps to see the quaint-looking resort for the first time, surrounded by stunning landscaping featuring century-old olive trees, sycamores, and eucalyptus. The property itself is far from small, encompassing some 550 acres of land along the foothills of the Santa Ynez Mountains.

3. Accommodations

Between the foliage sit the Ranch’s 38 intimate bungalow-style cottages, frequented by celebrities like Gwyneth Paltrow and Justin Bieber, as well as American royalty such as John and Jacqueline Kennedy. Inside their cottage doors, guests will find unique décor, including antique items curated throughout the years, while outside, they can enjoy outdoor showers, plunge pools, and fire pits, making it feel like a home away from home.

4. Activities and Amenities

Moreover, guests aren’t required to lift a finger to do anything, including cooking, thanks to the Ranch’s two restaurants: Stonehouse and Plow & Angel. At the same time, there’s always something to sip on here, with Stonehouse’s 12,000-bottle cellar offering sought-after California wines.

There’s plenty to see and do around the Montecito area. However, if guests choose, they can stay on the property, which features a heated swimming pool, a new bar, and the Salon & Spa at San Ysidro Ranch. Additionally, for an extra fee, guests can reserve a golf experience at the exclusive members-only Montecito Club, which boasts a new Jack Nicklaus Signature Course.

5. Exclusive Packages

For those uninterested in planning any part of their trip themselves, the Ranch offers several over-the-top experiential packages, such as the California Wine Country package tailored for wine enthusiasts. This experience, starting at $15,500 for two guests over four nights, includes a one-day bike rental, a gourmet picnic basket for a self-guided tasting room tour, a private cottage wine tasting with sommelier Tristan Pitre, a private wine tasting trip to the Santa Ynez Valley, a four-course dinner at Stonehouse, and a Vinatherapy Wine Wrap at the Salon & Spa.

Additionally, guests can upgrade their stay by reserving either the two-bedroom Kennedy Cottage, where John and Jackie Kennedy honeymooned, or the Ranch’s owner Ty Warner’s 6,000-square-foot signature villa with its own private swimming pool. For a party of two, pricing for three nights starts at $40,000 for the Kennedy Cottage or $50,000 for the Warner Cottage. Both options include all-inclusive dining, an exclusive Balvenie scotch tasting for two, daily activities like sunset sails or private yoga sessions, and rejuvenation at the Salon & Spa.

6. Pricing and Dining

Rates for San Ysidro Ranch begin at $2,495 a night, inclusive of dining and parking with no resort fees. Visit the resort’s website for details.