I Found A Treasure Trove on the Pacific
Ocean
Resort Goers Have Been Relishing It Since the 20's
Four Seasons Resort - The Biltmore
Story by Susan Lane Leonard
Experience the American Rivera’s premier resort on the Pacific Ocean, the Four Seasons Resort, The Biltmore, in Santa Barbara, meticulously restored to its original 1920s grandeur. Bring your sweetheart, your mother, your children and your camera—I did. It is a true jewel located on the Pacific Ocean in prestigious Montecito, California.
Envision this: A spa treatment calls you up the rose garden path, serenaded by the sea and graced with natural herb and flowering fragrance, the glow of gas lighting show hand-painted ceramic fountain tiles reminiscent of the romantic revival period of the 1920s.You slip into your robe and ascend a pretty stairway by limestone wall treatments and intricate ironwork to a corridor of Moroccan lanterns. Your private spa suite overlooking the sunset on the Channel Islands awaits you. Ocean view suites offer twin massage tables, a whirlpool tub for two built with Chromo therapy lighting, large leather chairs in front of the flickering fireplace, exquisite silk window treatments framing the secluded terrace where champagne is chilled and a three-course spa dinner is set. The majestic private bath and shower are truly a masterpiece of brass gadgetry.
My mother was so intent on taking in our surroundings that it was hard to get her to sit down. The 22-acre grounds of rare botanical plants, flowers, ferns, water gardens and exceptional trees were a sight to behold. Also worthy of exploration were the water features, art, exquisite furnishings, hand-laid floors and lovely stores in the architecturally delightful resort. After a walk on the beach, eucalyptus sauna and rainfall shower, she was lured into the luscious feather topped bed by delicious Belgium chocolates and Scandinavian water that is presented nightly at turn down.
I know that this luxury seems only fit for Rock Hudson who once married his publicist’s assistant here in one of the cottages, but I am going back for more.
The children’s experience resulted in pure joy. They uncovered one treasure after the next, having found the sink was decorated in their names. They stepped further into the room and found a sand pail each filed with goodies to span the stay, including Beanie Babies each. Then mini robes and slippers, past the high definition plasma televisions with virtual surround sound, they were given a darling indoor / outdoor play tent to use on the sprawling grass or across the street at the ocean edge. Further towards the French doors, adjacent to our private courtyard, one may not notice that the hand-laid Spanish tile floors always feel the perfect temperature on the toes, for they are radiant floor heated to assure each guest feels coddled into the lap of luxury or just swept away to a bit of heaven here and now.
Overflowing with Bliss
My dear friend, Lorraine, described the pool
as the most wonderful swimming experience of her life—that
is a lot said from a San Diego native, mother of three
and resort enthusiast. I agreed it to be sumptuous swimming
in the serene pool that has a state of the art underwater
sound system that inspired the mermaid in me. The pool
Tyle is magnificent, like mother of pearl exclusively
created and patented by the resort’s owner, Beanie
Babies founder and generous philanthropist Ty Warner.
The ambiance of the resort pool was reminiscent of the
golden era of Hollywood with smartly dressed staff in
black suits attending from across the way, overgrown palms
and the grandeur of the impeccable outdoor service as
we lounged. Lorraine also told of how her husband and
she delighted in the service, dining, award-winning French
gardens, the huge Morton Bay Fig tree, and the way they
were received into what seemed like California royalty
at the curb and reception. It was divine having full privileges
to the private beach club ”Coral Casino” with
large seaside pool, dining and state of the art oceanview
fitness center.
Plenty for Children
So much is given complimentary—the kid’s
club full-day program is for the taking. The kids were
escorted throughout the resort and within the game room.
There are various crafts, sports and small adventures
to include lunch and swimming at the Coral Casino. Also
the spa gave us beach cruisers, helmets, bike locks
and a trail map of a spectacular bike path along the
ocean and through a bird sanctuary on the way to the
Stearns Warf. The concierge offered DVDs, music, and
a smattering of papers and magazines. Grandma took the
kids to play croquet and then golf on the putting green
onsite. We tried our best to experience everything but
there was too much offered without having to pack a
thing for our entertainment.
As effortlessly as the waves roll in and out of the Biltmore’s Butterfly Beach, guests can arrive on the regal oceanfront steps of this 1927 resort via convenient airports, coast route highway, sea or the Pacific Surf liner train. It’s only a 15-minute drive from Santa Barbara airport. For a rare treat, let the romance begin—you will be back.
The Four Seasons Resort, The Biltmore, in Santa Barbara
is on 1260 Channel Drive. Call 805-565-8241 for more
info or check out www.fourseasons.com.
www.fourseasons.com