In partnership with our friends in Lincoln
Montecito is as Californian as California. Scenic and laid-back, this tiny town on 101 is an obvious and easy getaway from both Los Angeles and San Francisco. What could a wellness-oriented but not entirely crunchy weekend in this modern Eden look like? Well, you could: Curl up in a plush suite on Rosewood Miramar Beach. Ride one of the hotel’s Lincoln SUVs along the pristine coastline (the intuitive design makes driving so reflexive that even a quick turn feels rejuvenating). Hike the hills. Tuck into the freshest field-to-fork food. Montecito is pure magic, whether you do all or any of the above, with the epic pristine beauty of the state as a backdrop.
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Rosewood Miramar Beach
We’ve made fun of Rosewood Miramar Beach before, and this dreamy place on the Pacific side deserves every word. First the setting. It just can’t be beat. Expect expansive balconies. a casual, elegant ambience; and phenomenal amenities. Spending a weekend at the spa (we’re fans of the Lincoln Rejuvenation Package), elegant brunches at Caruso’s, spinning courtesy of Lincoln to nearby attractions, or just kicking back by the pool with the latest Goop Book Club title is balm for the soul.
BUSINESS
goop little things
Ideally, a weekend getaway is a study in balance: relaxation and activity, celery juice and champagne, sunshine and shopping. For all the little things that didn’t make it into the trunk, goop Diverses fills the gaps. Roll into the lobby, discover the dazzling cocktail bar and find out you’ve forgotten a dress? Covered. Are you only unpacking your skincare to find that the bamboo toothbrush and cocofloss are missing? Do not worry. Fancy a new swimsuit and decadent Foundrae necklace by the pool? Stop by to stock up.
Angel
Spending a weekend in a new city – strolling up and down unfamiliar streets, going to the boutiques, galleries, and bakeries that look the most attractive – is a pure, fleeting pleasure. Wendy Foster owns a few stores in this wooded area, but Angel is our contact. Perhaps it’s the smart collection of everyday items and cute, whimsical clothes for beach barbecues that first attracted us. But it’s the affordable – and not-so affordable – jewels, quirky stationery, and soft tracksuits from The Great that keep us coming back time and time again. Whatever the secret sauce to Foster’s fashion flair, it’s nearly impossible to leave Angel empty-handed.
EAT
Juice Ranch
Start the weekend with a smoothie from the Juice Ranch. We are part of the breakfast club, a tangy mix of berries, spinach, bee pollen, almond butter and homemade almond milk. Like many local businesses, Juice Ranch spins over time and contactless pickup is recommended. If you’re planning a morning exploring the back streets and shady alleys of Montecito, be sure to stop by an extra juice or two for the ride.
Jeannines
The topography of Montecito is wild, almost magically beautiful. Spend as much time in nature as possible and swap lunch for a picnic. Jeannine’s on Coast Village Road has picnic supplies. Smoked salmon on bagels with cream cheese, kale and avocado salad or crispy chopped cobb (or both!) And just sweet enough lemonade, everyone travels well. If you’re really having fun, mini champagne bottles are perfect.
Oliver’s
Oliver’s has the nicest dinner in town. Even when you are sitting inside, you feel like you are outside thanks to floor-to-ceiling sliding doors. The subdued, low-key decor speaks for simple vegetarian cuisine from field to fork, and the kombucha mocktails make tea totaling easier. The menu changes regularly, but regardless of your order, it’s the inventive sauces and crispy, roasted nuts and seeds that make every vegetable sing. Sit down, enjoy the view and order everything – it’s all so good.
SEE
Butterfly beach
Butterfly Beach is just as dreamy as it sounds. And yes, depending on the time of year, there may be a kaleidoscope of flapping wings on this sandy stretch. Load up the trunk with picnic supplies and go early to grab a parking spot. Or stop by later in the afternoon to catch the streaky pink sunset. If you’ve got kids in tow, don’t forget your binoculars: this pristine beach is famous for dolphin and even whale watching (though like the butterflies this is seasonal).
Lotus land
Lotusland feels like it belongs in another galaxy. 37 hectares of fantastic plants (curated by the former owner, opera singer Ganna Walska, who bought the place in 1941) are divided into themed gardens. There is nothing like strolling from one garden to another and immersing yourself in the drama and wonder of so many rare plants in one place. The tropical garden (frost is rare in Montecito, so the heat-loving plants thrive) and the well-tended Japanese garden, which was designed by Frank Fuji, should be emphasized. The insect garden is key to Lotusland’s success: special plants attract pollinators and natural predators to feed on the inevitable pests, so no pesticides are required. The entire philosophy here focuses on sustainable practices – even the compost is made on site from plant waste. Make sure to book in advance and don’t leave a trace.
