California road trip for milestone birthday
#1
Community Director Emerita
Original Poster
Join Date: Oct 2000
Location: Anywhere warm
Posts: 33,745
California road trip for milestone birthday
I have now canceled every booking for every trip this year. The last to go was our booking in British Colombia at Khutzymateen Grizzly Bear Lodge. It's unclear when the US Canada border will open and it's unlikely it will do so by July when we were going. Further, I'm not comfortable getting on an airplane or wearing a face mask for 10 hours or so of travel.
I have a milestone birthday in late July. I had varied celebratory plans, none of which can be executed. We're fortunate to live in a beautiful area with amazing restaurant take out options but I wanted something more. Last night, I threw together the following trip:
I have a milestone birthday in late July. I had varied celebratory plans, none of which can be executed. We're fortunate to live in a beautiful area with amazing restaurant take out options but I wanted something more. Last night, I threw together the following trip:
- Drive to the Monterey area
- One night, Carmel Valley Ranch, Vineyard Oak Studio
- Two nights, Ventana Big Sur an Alila Resort, Vista Hot Tub Suite
- One night, Ritz-Carlton Bacara, Santa Barbara
- Home
#2
Join Date: Feb 2004
Location: Atlanta and the Big Island, Hawaii
Programs: DL Diamond, SPG Gold. I share these affiliations so that you can ask me questions about the programs
Posts: 812
Ritz Carlton Half Moon Bay
I have now canceled every booking for every trip this year. The last to go was our booking in British Colombia at Khutzymateen Grizzly Bear Lodge. It's unclear when the US Canada border will open and it's unlikely it will do so by July when we were going. Further, I'm not comfortable getting on an airplane or wearing a face mask for 10 hours or so of travel.
I have a milestone birthday in late July. I had varied celebratory plans, none of which can be executed. We're fortunate to live in a beautiful area with amazing restaurant take out options but I wanted something more. Last night, I threw together the following trip:
I have a milestone birthday in late July. I had varied celebratory plans, none of which can be executed. We're fortunate to live in a beautiful area with amazing restaurant take out options but I wanted something more. Last night, I threw together the following trip:
- Drive to the Monterey area
- One night, Carmel Valley Ranch, Vineyard Oak Studio
- Two nights, Ventana Big Sur an Alila Resort, Vista Hot Tub Suite
- One night, Ritz-Carlton Bacara, Santa Barbara
- Home
#3
Join Date: May 2005
Location: Los Angeles
Programs: UA 1K, AA Plat Pro, Marriott Plat, Hilton Diamond
Posts: 1,048
I would pick somewhere else in Santa Barbara.
We were at Bacara a few weeks ago. If the pool is closed, the beach there is not nice. Also, there are only two walking paths, so anytime you do leave the room you will be surrounded by a decent amount of people.
Finally, given the proximity to LA, this is used as a getaway place so there were tons of dogs and kids. You may like being around both, but something to consider.
We have a reservation at the Rosewood for July 4th weekend. Originally we were at the FS, but the Rosewood has a better cancellation policy which is what I need.
We were at Bacara a few weeks ago. If the pool is closed, the beach there is not nice. Also, there are only two walking paths, so anytime you do leave the room you will be surrounded by a decent amount of people.
Finally, given the proximity to LA, this is used as a getaway place so there were tons of dogs and kids. You may like being around both, but something to consider.
We have a reservation at the Rosewood for July 4th weekend. Originally we were at the FS, but the Rosewood has a better cancellation policy which is what I need.
#5
Community Director Emerita
Original Poster
Join Date: Oct 2000
Location: Anywhere warm
Posts: 33,745
I would pick somewhere else in Santa Barbara.
We were at Bacara a few weeks ago. If the pool is closed, the beach there is not nice. Also, there are only two walking paths, so anytime you do leave the room you will be surrounded by a decent amount of people.
Finally, given the proximity to LA, this is used as a getaway place so there were tons of dogs and kids. You may like being around both, but something to consider.
We have a reservation at the Rosewood for July 4th weekend. Originally we were at the FS, but the Rosewood has a better cancellation policy which is what I need.
We were at Bacara a few weeks ago. If the pool is closed, the beach there is not nice. Also, there are only two walking paths, so anytime you do leave the room you will be surrounded by a decent amount of people.
Finally, given the proximity to LA, this is used as a getaway place so there were tons of dogs and kids. You may like being around both, but something to consider.
We have a reservation at the Rosewood for July 4th weekend. Originally we were at the FS, but the Rosewood has a better cancellation policy which is what I need.
#6
Community Director Emerita
Original Poster
Join Date: Oct 2000
Location: Anywhere warm
Posts: 33,745
Do you think restaurants will have reopened in Napa? I thought about it, whether for this or a different trip, but eating is my joy when I go to that area. I'm not sure what accommodation the intimate restaurants of Napa can make to give a sense of security.
#7
Join Date: Jan 2013
Location: BOS
Programs: AA EXP, DL PM, Hyatt Diamond
Posts: 2,028
See link here - a little dated from last week but still holds true: https://sf.eater.com/2020/5/15/21259...le-foods-pliny
#8
Original Member
Join Date: May 1998
Location: Palo Alto, CA, USA
Posts: 3,222
SanDiego1K, in Santa Barbara area my #1 choice would be San Ysidro Ranch.
https://www.sanysidroranch.com
Ventana’s setting is exceptional. Clientele skews very young. Perfect venue for the hot tub. Do check out the Japanese baths. Room service is poor but the restaurant is quite good especially if staying only a few nights.
Sorry to learn of your cancellations, that’s tough. Glad you are making other plans.
https://www.sanysidroranch.com
Ventana’s setting is exceptional. Clientele skews very young. Perfect venue for the hot tub. Do check out the Japanese baths. Room service is poor but the restaurant is quite good especially if staying only a few nights.
Sorry to learn of your cancellations, that’s tough. Glad you are making other plans.
#9
Join Date: May 2005
Location: Los Angeles
Programs: UA 1K, AA Plat Pro, Marriott Plat, Hilton Diamond
Posts: 1,048
In SB, it seems to be Rosewood vs. FS if you want to be on the beach and Belmond vs San Ysidro Ranch if you do not want to be on the beach.
The Rosewood only opened last year so I have not had a chance to stay there previously, but figured it was worth checking out.
The Rosewood only opened last year so I have not had a chance to stay there previously, but figured it was worth checking out.
#10
Join Date: Jan 2010
Location: SFO
Posts: 1,754
Alternative options, Ritz Carlton Marana, Az.
The hiking trails are amazing and can be enjoyed at night, or in the morning depending on your preference. The spa and pools are great, the rooms are comfortable.
6 hour drive from San Diego, and take a scenic route home, stop in Phoenix or Palm Springs, or both.
The hiking trails are amazing and can be enjoyed at night, or in the morning depending on your preference. The spa and pools are great, the rooms are comfortable.
6 hour drive from San Diego, and take a scenic route home, stop in Phoenix or Palm Springs, or both.
#11
Community Director Emerita
Original Poster
Join Date: Oct 2000
Location: Anywhere warm
Posts: 33,745
#12
Join Date: Jan 2013
Location: UK
Posts: 1,644
Well, look on the bright side, you live in the best country in the world for road trips. I've done three in the South-West, one in the Deep South, one along the West Coast, but easily the best one was a huge loop up from Denver thru Nebraska, the Dakotas, Montana and Wyoming, ending up at Amangani after a variety of B&Bs, motels and National Park Lodges. I always planned to drive across the mid-west - Missouri, Kansas, Oklahoma - but never quite got it together. The real challenge is finding something to eat in these remote areas.
#13
Original Member
Join Date: May 1998
Location: Palo Alto, CA, USA
Posts: 3,222
Honestly, in my view, the beach in Santa Barbara is no great shakes but it’s OK for walking.
#14
A FlyerTalk Posting Legend
Join Date: Jun 2005
Posts: 57,581
SanDiego1K, in Santa Barbara area my #1 choice would be San Ysidro Ranch.
https://www.sanysidroranch.com
Ventana’s setting is exceptional. Clientele skews very young. Perfect venue for the hot tub. Do check out the Japanese baths. Room service is poor but the restaurant is quite good especially if staying only a few nights.
Sorry to learn of your cancellations, that’s tough. Glad you are making other plans.
https://www.sanysidroranch.com
Ventana’s setting is exceptional. Clientele skews very young. Perfect venue for the hot tub. Do check out the Japanese baths. Room service is poor but the restaurant is quite good especially if staying only a few nights.
Sorry to learn of your cancellations, that’s tough. Glad you are making other plans.
As much as I like Monterey, I'd bypass it and head for Mendocino. Agate Cove Inn is our favorite, followed by Alegria Oceanfront Inn.
#15
Community Director Emerita
Original Poster
Join Date: Oct 2000
Location: Anywhere warm
Posts: 33,745
SanDiego1K, in Santa Barbara area my #1 choice would be San Ysidro Ranch.
https://www.sanysidroranch.com
https://www.sanysidroranch.com