San Ysidro Ranch
Hotel Name: San Ysidro Ranch
Number Rooms: 41
Location: In a tony residential neighborhood in the San Ynez foothills, a mile from downtown Montecito and a 15-minute drive to Santa Barbara.
Set against the Santa Ynez Mountains, on a 19th century lavender estate, you’ll find 41 pristine bungalows studded across this picturesque 500-acre ranch. A relaxed California farmhouse aesthetic pervades the property, with each bungalow sporting custom linens and antique furnishings. The serene estate is perfectly suited for couples -- with romantic stucco fireplaces, secluded private dining venues, and dreamy sunset vistas. On the American Riviera, it doesn't get much better than this!
What We Loved: The olive trees and lavender dotted around the property means it smells just like Provence, but the craftsman-style cottages (many with private hot tubs) offer all the dreamiest comforts of home.
What We Didn’t Love: In a perfect world, we’d scooch the whole thing closer to the beach so we could pack all that’s special about Southern California into one spot, though it’s the protected location that allows the property’s incredible gardens to thrive.
Right For: Romance! Vivien Leigh and Laurence Olivier married here in 1940; JFK and Jackie O. stopped by on their honeymoon in 1953. Even better if you and your main squeeze are into outdoor pursuits, as the hotel sits on 500 acres and you can head out hiking from the grounds.
Wrong For: While kids are welcome, families may be better suited to one of the bigger resorts down by the beach.
Best Time to Visit: April-December
TLF Tip: Originally part of a land grant in 1769 by the Charles III of Spain, in the late 18th century, the ranch served as a sanctuary for Franciscan friars. Over the ensuing century, it developed into a farm, eventually producing so many oranges and lemons that a large sandstone packing house was built in 1889 to process the citrus; this same building now houses the Stonehouse restaurant (which serves a mean steak!)