Vacations Blog

From guest blogger Marsha Takeda-Morrison of Sweatpantsmom

My husband and I just celebrated our anniversary last month. Fifteen years ago we said our vows in front of family and friends in Santa Barbara, so you can understand why I consider this city the most romantic of destinations. Sure, I’m partial, but I’m sure if you check out these hotels you’ll agree that Santa Barbara is the ideal destination for a romantic getaway. And if you’re lucky, maybe you’ll be there with the man of your dreams like I was fifteen years ago.

Upham Hotel and Country House – Once again, in the interest of disclosure, I’m partial to this place since it’s where we spent our wedding night and most of my family and friends were staying there, too. Consisting of a small, main hotel and several individual cottages that are surrounded by acres of beautifuly tended gardens, the Upham is still one of our favorite places to stay. Grab a glass of (complimentary) wine from the lobby, sit in front of the fireplace or in one of their garden gazebos and gaze into each other’s eyes. Or sit and contemplate why, fifteen years later, your husband still shoots you a look when you sneak all that free cheese and fruit back to your room.

Biltmore Four Seasons – One of the most well-known hotels in Santa Barbara, the elegant, extravagant Biltmore is an ideal destination for a romantic escape and also convenient if your little getaway goes better than expected – the hotel is also a popular place for weddings. And who wouldn’t want to say “I Do” while looking out over the ocean at sunset? After a romantic evening in one of their deluxe suites, make sure you experience their amazing Sunday brunch so that your morning can be decadent and centered around whipped cream, too.

Circle Bar B Ranch & Stables – You don’t have to know how to rope a calf or milk a cow to stay at this ranch, although they do have horses for rent on the premises. This romantic hideaway tucked into the hills is the perfect place to go to get away from it all. Rooms don’t have TV or telephones and cell phones don’t work in the remote location, so make sure you really like the person you’re ‘escaping’ with. Although if things aren’t going well, head on over to their beautiful bar to forget your troubles (and his name) – they have one of the best Lemon Drop Martinis I’ve ever had.

Photo: UphamHotel.com