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California Coast Adventure: Santa Barbara

California Coast Adventure: Santa Barbara October 30, 2013Travel0 Comments

A long drive called for a luxurious stay at a beachside resort and lucky for us Four Seasons Resort The Biltmore was up next. Rumoured to be the inspiration behind the hotel scene from the movie It’s Complicated (when John Krasinki spots Alec Baldwin and Meryl Streep checking in for a spontaneous lunch time tryst), the wooden check-in desk and terra cotta accents instantly remind me of the film. Upon check-in, much like our visit to Carmel, I immediately regret only booking one night/day in Santa Barbara.

A few minute walk away from the main building rested our adorable suite adorned with Mexican touches, which I had expected based on some reading I’d done about the city. The bathroom tile was colourful and vibrant and when my husband spotted the rain head in the shower he was ready to move in permanently. Having recently renovated our main bathroom at home, which now has this shower accessory, you truly don’t know what you’ve got ‘til it’s gone!

After a quick refresh in the room we headed to dinner at the hotel restaurant Bella Vista where there was only one thing to do after a long day of driving—carbo-load! We enjoyed delicious pasta dinners followed by ice-cream sundae desserts complete with personal sized chocolate and caramel sauces and a tray of to die for toppings. Did I mention this all took place on the stunning outdoor patio bathed only in lantern light and filled with sounds from the ocean. A beyond delicious and relaxing experience. In other words exactly what we needed.

An amazing nights sleep and a hot shower started the next day on the right foot and I couldn’t wait to check out what Santa Barbara had to offer, unfortunately knowing I had only a few hours to do so. With Starbucks in hand we ventured to State Street for a quick shopping jaunt followed by a walk along Stearns Wharf where I hand-picked the biggest bag of saltwater taffy (drool!) all while taking in impressive Santa Barbara ocean views.

If I were ever to live in California I could easily take up residence in Santa Barbara and I can’t wait to return someday. Our love affair was short but alas, it was time to travel inland to Ojai, a small town that packs a punch.

Stay tuned!

For more photos see the slideshow below

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