Looking for a place to escape the snow and cold without sacrificing the holiday’s celebration? Welcome to San Ysidro Ranch in the ever-sunny Santa Barbara, California. Montecito happens to be one of my most beloved cities in the world, it is the quintessential sunny beachside town and also transports me into one of my favorite movies, It’s Complicated. Nestled in the foothills of Montecito, this has been a long-time weekend getaway spot for some of L.A.’s hottest stars. If you’re looking for natural beauty, Southern California charm, and a low-key ambiance, this is the ranch for you.

There are 41 individually decorated private cottages and suites that are lined along the ranch’s tree and creek-lined paths. Designed after the classic bungalow style, all cottages and suites offer king-size beds with soft linens, fireplaces, and patios. The suites and cottages also feature hot tubs on private outdoor patios with outdoor rain showers, hand-cut stone or Old World masonry fireplaces, radiant-heated bathroom floors, flat-screen TVs and hand-selected antique furnishings. And for those of you who are dog lovers, they even have some dog-friendly cottages if you want to bring your puppy along on your romantic getaway. However, my two of my favorite cottages are the Hummingbird Cottages. Ask for the Tangerine or Citrus cottage, on mist free mornings you’ll have a spectacular view of the ocean. However, if you’re willing to spend the big bucks, stay in the Warner Cottage, a 2,500 ft² italian villa. 

The Stonehouse is San Ysidro Ranch’s fine-dining restaurant, located in 19th-century citrus packing house. On warm nights, you can dine under the uninterrupted starry night sky or in the winter by their crackling fire. They also have a very special Christmas Dinner planned that includes Sake Glazed Alaskan King Crab, Maple Leaf Duck Breast, and Valrhona Araguani Flourless Chocolate Cake, so count me in! If you’re looking for something casual, head to Plow & Angel, make sure to order the mac-n-cheese or the ribs.

I have also heard about a number of famous weddings here, it is one of the premier California wedding destinations and its easy to se why. There are 17 miles of hiking trails in Montecito, my favorite being Seven Sisters because it has an amazing waterfall at the end in the winter. This is definitely the place to bring that special someone for a weekend filled with love and relaxation.

Photographs courtesy of the property.