Bacara Resort in Santa Barbara is our idea of the perfect amount of hedonism coupled with just a dash of healthy options. Granted, we mostly ignored the good-for-you portion in exchange for an extra helping of uninhibited loafing. If you even have an ounce of hedonist in you, Bacara is the place to unabashedly out yourself.

Located on 78 ocean front acres, it’s one of the most romantic spots on the West Coast. About two hours north of Los Angeles (we nicknamed it Hollywood North for the abundance of celebrities, agents and managers we kept running in to), Bacara is its own little kingdom. The only time during our trip we were disappointed was when we ventured outside of the resort. Life just isn’t the same on the outside.

At Bacara, “no” isn’t part of the lexicon. The superb staff make this resort extraordinary. Cheyenne, our superlative bell dude, noticing that we arrived with a crate full of champagne, rushed out and brought back ice; gave us some great restaurant advice; called the concierge to make our arrangements; and probably would have done anything we ask, had we not been rendered speechless by his anticipation of our every whim.

Our ocean view room had a romantic fireplace, candles and a luxurious bed. From our tub for two, we were able to see the Channel Islands visible across the Pacific, and dolphins playing in the water. In ultimate Mi4M style, we settled ourselves each morning on our ocean view terrace with chilled champagne and breakfast.

A short walk from our room, the rimless Bacara Pool is just steps away from the two-mile secluded beach. After lunch and mojitos poolside, we found the energy to take a leisurely stroll on the sand. In addition to the gorgeous pool, there are four clay tennis courts, two accessible golf courses, including Sandpiper, a 42,000-square-foot spa with every legal service you can imagine, a work out room and three restaurants full of award-winning cuisine.

Bacara will arrange ocean kayaking, deep sea fishing, yachting, Scuba diving, snorkeling, sailboarding or a lavish picnic lunch after a guided hike on the 1000-acre Bacara Ranch. If you can think of it, Bacara will arrange it. And even if your brain has dimmed down so much that you can’t quite articulate your desires, the staff can guide your hedonism to new heights. This resort is the ultimate in luxury living, even if it is just for a long weekend.

Long live Bacara!

This post is tagged award-winning restaurants, Bacara Resort, Santa Barbara, Travel, Ultimate in Luxury Travel