LOCALSCAPES 06.24

San Ysidro Ranch

Montecito, CA

San Ysidro Ranch, one of the world’s most iconic boutique hotels located in Montecito, California, has stood as a beacon of excellence for over 130 years. Nestled thoughtfully within 550 acres of meticulously landscaped grounds lie 38 intimate cottages, a storybook Salon & Spa, sprawling rose gardens, a pool and putting course surrounded by lush hillside reminiscent of Provence, and award-winning dining outlets.

Following the Ranch’s history as a working citrus ranch, the property has welcomed countless guests since it first opened in 1893, including John and Jackie Kennedy, Winston Churchill, Audrey Hepburn, and Lucille Ball, slowly building its legacy into the California icon that it is today. As the longest-standing luxury resort in the community, the Ranch has served as an icon of the region for over a century and prides itself on five-star service, ultimate privacy, and A-list discretion. Award-winning restaurants, including the Stonehouse (housed in the original 1889 citrus packing house), offer exceptional service, mouthwatering cuisine, and a rustic romantic setting. San Ysidro Ranch is welcoming the warm months ahead with a new prix-fixe lunch, hosted at the charming and intimate Veranda. With the subtle fragrance of fresh lavender, rose, and citrus in the air and sweeping views of the Pacific Ocean and Channel Islands, the three-course lunch is available Monday – Thursday and includes house-made delicacies like Blackened Ora King Salmon Salad, Tuscan Melon & Yellow Tomato Gazpacho, and the iconic San Ysidro Ranch Meyer Lemon Tart. The new experience is a great weekday lunch option for locals (don’t forget to book an appointment at the Salon & Spa for a full day of pampering). Each of the 38-intimate bungalow-style cottages feature individually decorated interiors, cozy fireplaces, and private backyard gardens with outdoor rain showers and sunken spas.

The new Speakeasy at Plow & Angel evokes a feeling of Prohibition-Era hidden indulgence. The speakeasy is the latest in a series of several enhancements to the Ranch’s culinary program, including the Secret Cellar epicurean experience—where guests can enjoy a no-holds-bar exploration of the world’s finest wines—and the procurement of ultra-exclusive wines and spirits from across the globe.

Tip For an unforgettable show, the interactive absinthe service includes a ceremonious component with a traditional tableside fountain or try rare flights including a bourbon tasting with Old Rip Van Winkle 10 Year, Van Winkle Special Reserve 12 Year, and Colonel E.H. Taylor.

The resort’s all-inclusive dining model invites guests to relax and enjoy with fewer decisions and one bill at check-out. This isn’t your typical all-inclusive dining experience – guests can indulge in caviar, lobster, wagyu, and more, all included in the nightly cost.

The Speakeasy at Plow & Angel

Step through a discreet entrance to discover an inviting and seductive ambiance filled with notes of live jazz music. The alluring space is adorned with sumptuous red banquettes, exotic tiger-striped chairs, and vintage furniture. 1920s-inspired uniforms add to the transportive atmosphere. Home to an expansive drink menu ranging from original cocktails, classic combinations, and libations named after famous speakeasies of the past, the new space is a continuation of the Ranch’s renowned standard of excellence. Open daily from 5:00 PM onward to guests and the public.

The Stonehouse

Set inside a 19th-century citrus packing house on the grounds of the storied San Ysidro Ranch, the Stonehouse Restaurant, recently named the #1 Restaurant in Santa Barbara by OpenTable, exudes the rustic romance of its historic setting. Here, Executive Chef Matthew Johnson artfully prepares contemporary cuisine using fresh, local ingredients that highlight the seasonal bounty of Santa Barbara and California’s Central Coast, with dishes accented by fresh-picked herbs and produce from the chef’s organic garden.

World’s Rarest Wines

The ranch recently procured one of the most sought-after allocations of Château d’Yquem, inclusive of 138 vintages spanning from 1811 – 2008. Hailed as the pinnacle of sweet wine, the collection features some of the greatest vintages ever created in its almost 700-year history, including the 1811 from the famed “asteroid” vintage – the most expensive white wine ever sold. Displayed within the ranch’s 14,000-bottle wine cellar is a 70-vintage vertical collection of Chateau Petrus, the most extensive restaurant offering of Petrus in the US. The Stonehouse has received Wine Spectator’s prestigious Grand Award every year since 2014.
Contact: (800) 368 – 6788, guestservices@sanysidroranch.com