California Dreaming: Enjoy Santa Barbara Like A Hollywood A-Lister

Tucked between the Santa Ynez Mountains and the Pacific Ocean, Santa Barbara is just a 90-minute drive north of Los Angeles in California but feels like a world away from the bustle. It has long been a sought-after getaway for celebrities, dating back to the Golden Age of Hollywood (and even earlier). Away from LA’s paparazzi culture, celebrities find a sense of normalcy and the opportunity to live peacefully in Santa Barbara.

The exclusive Montecito neighbourhood is home to the likes of Oprah Winfrey, Ellen DeGeneres, Gwyneth Paltrow, Tom Cruise, Katy Perry, Jennifer Lopez, and even Prince Harry and Meghan Markle. Of course, the city’s dreamy coastal landscape, mountains, Mediterranean-style climate and year-round sunshine are a bonus. So, if you’re dreaming of a California vacation, dive into the laid-back charms of Santa Barbara – just like your favourite celeb.

Haute Suites

Check-in at El Encanto, A Belmond Hotel that’s perched on a high vantage point in the Santa Barbara hills with sweeping views of the Riviera and the Pacific. Dating to the 1920s, the hotel sports a mix of Spanish Colonial Revival and California Craftsman architecture. It features 92 luxuriously appointed bungalows and suites spread across seven acres of historic gardens, a zero-edge saline pool, and a sublime spa. El Encanto was the original Hollywood getaway, with Clark Gable, Hedy Lamarr, Carole Lombard, and others staying here; it’s also the preferred stay option for many celebrities during the annual Santa Barbara International Film Festival (the 40th edition will be held February 4-15, 2025).

Another favourite with the jet-set is the ultra-luxe San Ysidro Ranch in Montecito. Winston Churchill stayed here, John F Kennedy and Jackie Kennedy honeymooned in utmost privacy, and Gwyneth Paltrow married Chris Martin on the property; you can even stay in the Churchill or Kennedy suites. Dine at The Stonehouse, a romantic restaurant set inside a 19th-century citrus packing house, then nurse a drink at The Speakeasy, a newly opened Prohibition-era-style cocktail bar with a seductive atmosphere.

Wine And Dine

Santa Barbara’s eclectic dining scene includes 15 Michelin-recommended restaurants of which the one-star Caruso’s at Rosewood Miramar Beach hotel offers a seafood-forward and Italian-leaning degustation menu. The Lark in the Funk Zone (former fish market turned contemporary cultural district) is a celeb favourite; Meghan Markle has been spotted here. Expect edgy décor, vintage lighting, and Californian cuisine in large, family-style portions. The Bib Gourmand tapas bar Loquita, located just blocks from the beach, is another place to spot celebs (like Natalie Portman and Jason Segel).

If you’re hankering after a taste of home, head to Bibi Ji, which recently relocated to the newly formed ARTS District. Here, amidst pink-hued interiors, relish quintessential Indian fare (think papri chaat, murgh tikka, saag paneer, and butter chicken) paired with natural wines.

Speaking of wines, Santa Barbara’s proximity to the Santa Ynez and Santa Maria wine-growing regions means there are plenty of excellent wines to try. The buzzing urban wine trail has over 20 tasting rooms located within a couple of blocks from each other in the downtown area. Begin with a chardonnay or pinot noir at Whitcraft, a working winery in the Funk Zone followed by a glass of grenache blanc at Deep Sea Wines on Stearns Wharf. Finally, head to Carr Winery for live music and a glass of sangiovese before calling it a night.

If you’d rather go straight to the source, drive up to Folded Hills Winery in Gaviota (about 40 minutes from the city). This sprawling ranch farmstead run by husband-wife duo Kim and Andrew Busch has 15 acres of biodynamic vineyards and produces some fabulous wines – don’t miss their Lilly Rosé or the ‘21’ Grenache. Apart from rolling vineyards, the picturesque ranch (where Sandra Bullock was married) also has a polo ground where Prince Harry has played matches.

Scenic Views

Santa Barbara’s charms are not limited to land. Enjoy a bird’s-eye view of the American Riviera’s vast coastline and the Santa Ynez Mountains onboard the newly launched Sky High Helicopters, which offers day and night scenic flights. Gliding across the shimmering waters of the Pacific Ocean on a sunset cruise is another must-do experience.

Hop on a yacht or a catamaran at the Santa Barbara Harbour – you may just spot Katy Perry take her stylish yacht out for a spin! As you sail the azure waters, keep an eye out for dolphins, seals, and sea lions, even an occasional whale. While many companies offer sunset cruises, book one through Sandala Experiences, a concierge booking platform that curates private offerings in partnership with local captains, artisans, and artists.

As the sun slowly sinks below the horizon, Santa Barbara’s coastline transforms into a silhouette of palms and rugged cliffs – could life get any better?

The Hot List

• Indulge in the Botanica Afternoon Tea experience at El Encanto, which features teas formulated around astrological signs, along with pastries and finger sandwiches.

• Try an exceptional Japanese degustation menu, with a focus on nigiri sushi, at the Michelin Guide recommended Silvers Omakase.

• Get a taste of gluten-free fine dining at the dinner-only Lilac Montecito, which features contemporary Californian and European cuisine, and decadent layer cakes.

• At The Manor Bar (Rosewood Miramar Beach), sip on complex and layered cocktails inspired by some of literature’s most terrifying villains, like the fiery Shere Khan with ginger and curry notes, and the icy and elegant White Witch made with ingredients such as honeydew and Lillet Blanc.

• Celeb-favourite Four Seasons Resort The Biltmore Santa Barbara will reopen in 2025 after an extensive renovation. The historic Spanish Colonial Revival-style property will also feature a new Nobu restaurant.

• Iconic chef Thomas Keller will reopen the renovated beachfront restaurant Tydes at the Coral Casino Beach & Cabana Club in 2025.