San Ysidro Ranch in Santa Barbara, CA

1. Rooms & Suites at San Ysidro Ranch

There are several luxurious options (video) available at San Ysidro Ranch for couples. The six Romantic, Four Garden-side, and two Ocean View rooms average between 475 and 575 square feet. Each room boasts a private entrance and tasteful decor including four poster beds, Persian rugs, oak floors, and select antique furniture. Most rooms include a cozy fireplace, and one features a whimsical pot-bellied stove.

The Suites range between 900 and 1900 square feet. These include all of the above furnishings as well as private patios for added relaxation. Guests can choose between either the Romantic Garden Suite or the Creekside one-bedroom suite, which includes a candle-lit hot tub and heated tile floors.

In addition, there are forty-one private two-bedroom cottages dotted along the tree-lined paths and creeks. They are on average about 2,150 square feet. Each of these overlooks the property with a picturesque view of the surrounding vineyards or the dazzling Pacific Ocean.

Amenities for all options include free parking, newspaper delivery, an in-room single serve coffee maker, hair dryer, ironing board and iron, an in-room safe, high-speed Internet access, gourmet snacks, and evening turn down service. For those traveling with animals, pets are allowed in the cottages with a $100 cleaning deposit per pet.

2. San Ysidro Ranch Dining

The in-house dining options include Room Service with a delectable selection, available from 7 am to 10 pm daily. The menu offers a wide selection of Americana cuisine, including gluten free and organic options for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. Those wishing to step out and enjoy the area a bit more can check out the Stone House, an on-location fine dining restaurant serving lunch, dinner, and a champagne brunch on Sunday. The décor is high-end rustic with an unrivaled regional menu. Diners have the choice of sitting by the authentic wood-burning fireplace or enjoy the view out on the full-service patio.

For the night owl seeking a cozy bar-like atmosphere, the Plow & Angel offers a select dessert and dinner menu within charming stone walls punctuated by stained glass windows. There is something for every palate available at these award-winning eateries.

If you like sweet eats, check out Red Velvet Pancakes in Santa Barbara.

3. Spa Services

To enjoy an added personal touch, guests can take advantage of the in-room spa services, and a variety of relaxation treatments offered in the privacy of one's room or cottage. This service offers several options, from the relaxing Eternal Youth Facial to a more therapeutic mat exercise, up to and including shiatsu, deep tissue massage, and prenatal massage, just to name a few. Any herbs and flowers used with these services come from the local garden, adding to the magical experience of these pampering treatments. Appointments are available from 8 am to 9 pm, with a three-hour prior cancelation policy.

In addition, there is an on-site fitness center with yoga instructors and a heated year-round swimming pool. The surrounding countryside offers a number of options for the active traveler. Guests can enjoy guided and individual hikes along the seventeen miles of hiking trails or take a ride along the picturesque bike paths that wind through the stunning Santa Ynez Mountains.

4. Family Services & Kids Club

Travelers of all ages are welcome at the San Ysidro Ranch. Upon request, the resort provides certain amenities so families with little ones can relax and enjoy their stay. Travelers with babes-in-arms can rest easy after receiving the in room baby-proofing service.

Cribs and linens are available along with wireless baby monitors, changing tables, a diaper pail, bathtubs or non-slip mats, and bottle warmers.

Children can also delight in finding a complementary Beanie Babies toy on their pillow with turn down service. Velour child-sized robes and slippers are also available upon request.

The Concierge is happy to connect guests with professional babysitting services so parents can enjoy a night out, and the in-house restaurants offer a number of options on the kid's menus.

5. Weddings

The location features a variety of venues that can meet any level of expectation, whether guests want a destination wedding or an intimate affair. With room to accommodate up to 200 guests, the Upper Estate Lawn provides a 10,000-foot space framed by sycamore trees and lemon groves. A poetic view of the Pacific Ocean provides a stunning backdrop to weddings held here. The fragrant Lower Gardens allow guests to walk in the steps of Hollywood royalty as this is where the wedding of Vivian Leigh and Sir Lawrence Olivier took place. For an intimate atmosphere, the Wine Cellar features rustic charm, a glass doorway, and a private patio, along with a wood-burning fireplace. The Old Hydrangea Cottage is also available for private events, as is the Stonehouse, which can accommodate up to 100 guests, and the Plow and Angel for up to 50 guests. Reserved packages can also include spa services for the guests, wedding party, or couple.

6. Reunions & Conference Facilities

For high school or college reunions, corporate meetings, or a plan to just get the old gang back together, San Ysidro Ranch offers a nice selection of venues. Depending on the space, there is accommodation for 10 to 60 guests. Catering and special coordination for events is available upon request whether the event includes dinner parties, executive retreats, or anniversary reunions. The Hydrangea Cottage includes wireless Internet access, an overhead projector, and screen and audio function, making it ideal for corporate functions. It can accommodate up to 60 guests with an interior of 750 square feet and a patio square footage of 1050.

Additionally, the Wine Cellar is available as a private meeting room for up to 30 guests with an interior of 420 square feet. It includes a private patio and a wood-burning fireplace. The Old Adobe, with 210 square feet, is perfect for smaller meetings and dining experiences, allowing for between 8 and 10 guests. This location is the oldest structure on the property, making it something of a historic landmark.

Considered one of the country's hot spots for avid golfers, the nearby fairways are a splendid escape for a day of relaxation. Guests can take advantage of the Coastal Golf Package or contact the on-site concierge to schedule an outing. The beach-side Sandpiper Golf Club, the upscale Montecito Country Club, and the award-winning Rancho San Marcos Golf Course are an easy jaunt from the hotel.

7. Plan this Vacation

Special packages are available, including seasonal offers, midweek specials, and romantic bundles, tempting any traveler to pay a visit to the 500 acres of coastal vistas.This is a perfect getaway to cleanse the senses, drinking in the magical views and scents of the gardens. Guests can get active by taking advantage of the mountain hiking and bicycle trails, ending the day with a restorative in-room spa treatment. Restaurants make use of the on-site gardens for herbs and vegetables, using fresh and regional ingredients in their preparations. Nightly rates start at $785.

900 San Ysidro Ln, Santa Barbara, Phone: 805-565-1700, Map