Santa Barbara/Ojai?
Aug 31st, 2015, 03:20 AM
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Santa Barbara/Ojai?
As some of you may know from reading my posts, I have a great trip planned for October to Spain and Lisbon. Unfortunately, medical issues have intervened and my partner is wavering on traveling outside the US, in case "anything goes wrong." Will not detail here but it has been a pretty bad summer for both of us.
SO: In case partner nixes the Spain trip, which seems likely at this point, I am looking for alternative plan for an October vacation of about two weeks inside the US. Thinking about California; second idea is New Orleans and surroundings, but focusing more on California.
I've been to Spain many times but know next to nothing about California. This would be a splurge vacation to celebrate not only coming through bad health issues but also birthday of partner.
I've always heard about Ojai (I know my friend Stu Towers lives there now..hi, Stu!!) Would it make sense to combine a few days at Ojai Spa with a week in Santa Barbara? We could fly into LAX and drive in rental car from there.....
Santa Barbara: Which is best hotel that has pool suitable for serious swimming..meaning rectangular pool of some length, heated and not filled with children....
Are there interesting restaurants in Santa Barbara, as we would not want to eat at a hotel.
This is splurge vacation so looking for the nicest hotel with the best pool.....
Or am I looking in the wrong area of California......is there another area I should focus on (not wine areas, not SF, just looking to recuperate, swim, and eat interesting food....)
A million thanks to everyone who has been so helpful here...I've had a rough time lately but hopeing things will get better!!!!!!
SO: In case partner nixes the Spain trip, which seems likely at this point, I am looking for alternative plan for an October vacation of about two weeks inside the US. Thinking about California; second idea is New Orleans and surroundings, but focusing more on California.
I've been to Spain many times but know next to nothing about California. This would be a splurge vacation to celebrate not only coming through bad health issues but also birthday of partner.
I've always heard about Ojai (I know my friend Stu Towers lives there now..hi, Stu!!) Would it make sense to combine a few days at Ojai Spa with a week in Santa Barbara? We could fly into LAX and drive in rental car from there.....
Santa Barbara: Which is best hotel that has pool suitable for serious swimming..meaning rectangular pool of some length, heated and not filled with children....
Are there interesting restaurants in Santa Barbara, as we would not want to eat at a hotel.
This is splurge vacation so looking for the nicest hotel with the best pool.....
Or am I looking in the wrong area of California......is there another area I should focus on (not wine areas, not SF, just looking to recuperate, swim, and eat interesting food....)
A million thanks to everyone who has been so helpful here...I've had a rough time lately but hopeing things will get better!!!!!!
Aug 31st, 2015, 08:43 AM
#2
I think it's a perfect time of year to visit there, and you also have the Santa Ynez wine region nearby for nice day drive, or up the Foxen Canyon Wine Trail. We are always amazed when driving up to Avila Beach in October, how few cars there are on the 101 freeway heading north out of Santa Barbara (after 10am anyway).
SantaBarbara.com has a great restaurant section and as you'll see, dining options will not be a problem.
Since you have two weeks, you might also want to include Shell Beach or Cambria for 2-3 nights. Or head back down to Los Angeles and spend 3-4 nights in Manhattan Beach which is very walkable and has many dining choices. Beach condo /beach house rentals are still legal there until the end of this year.
I don't know that there are any hotels in Santa Barbara with great pools that are also walking distance to downtown dining. The Canary has a rooftop pool but it's small.
The Four Seasons Biltmore has a huge pool but is located in Montecito Village a couple of miles south of Santa Barbara. It would be perfect for you if you don't mind having just a handful of dining options within walking distance and driving into Santa Barbara the rest of the time.
SantaBarbara.com has a great restaurant section and as you'll see, dining options will not be a problem.
Since you have two weeks, you might also want to include Shell Beach or Cambria for 2-3 nights. Or head back down to Los Angeles and spend 3-4 nights in Manhattan Beach which is very walkable and has many dining choices. Beach condo /beach house rentals are still legal there until the end of this year.
I don't know that there are any hotels in Santa Barbara with great pools that are also walking distance to downtown dining. The Canary has a rooftop pool but it's small.
The Four Seasons Biltmore has a huge pool but is located in Montecito Village a couple of miles south of Santa Barbara. It would be perfect for you if you don't mind having just a handful of dining options within walking distance and driving into Santa Barbara the rest of the time.
Aug 31st, 2015, 09:12 AM
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I think a week at a spa and a week in Santa Barbara is a great combo, especially if you partner needs to relax and take it slow.
I agree with clark that Santa Barbara has several nice restaurants. It's kind of a foodie mecca. A few which focus on local wines. All price ranges, so you should be well-fed for a week there.
If you can splurge, the Four Seasons Biltmore looks very nice. We stayed at the Fess Parker Doubletree, which we liked a lot, but there could be kids there. The pool is pretty, but I don't know if you could easily swim laps in it.
Can you fly to Santa Barbara from where you are? I took United Express there and back.
I agree with clark that Santa Barbara has several nice restaurants. It's kind of a foodie mecca. A few which focus on local wines. All price ranges, so you should be well-fed for a week there.
If you can splurge, the Four Seasons Biltmore looks very nice. We stayed at the Fess Parker Doubletree, which we liked a lot, but there could be kids there. The pool is pretty, but I don't know if you could easily swim laps in it.
Can you fly to Santa Barbara from where you are? I took United Express there and back.
Aug 31st, 2015, 09:47 AM
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My husband and I have been to Yountville twice staying at Bardessono which we have found to be a great, relaxing place. The hotel is quiet, haven't ever seen children, the rooms are so comfortable with an outdoor area, the body work there is incredibly healing and you can walk to the best restaurants and bakeries.
Aug 31st, 2015, 10:35 AM
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I think the dining scene in Santa Barbara has gotten much better in recent years. Check chowhound for more current recs but we've enjoyed our meals at Scarlett Begonia and Renaud's for breakfast/pastry.
For a splurge, possibly look into Belmond El Encanto but you'll also need to drive from here.
For a splurge, possibly look into Belmond El Encanto but you'll also need to drive from here.
Aug 31st, 2015, 11:48 AM
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The Four Seasons in Santa Barbara/Montecito area has a Beach and Cabana club located across the street from the hotel. For a daily fee, you can have access and it has an Olympic style pool for lap swimming. Fee is quite high unless you are in one of the suites.
Aug 31st, 2015, 12:47 PM
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Although we have lived in California for many years, we are in the northern part of the state and never visited Santa Barbara until last November. We loved it! We stayed at a hotel without a pool but with a casita; so we had our own little house. The hotel, The Eagle Inn, also has regular rooms, and breakfast (including one hot dish) comes with the room. The hotel was just 2 blocks from the beach.
We enjoyed walking up and down State Street, with all kinds of interesting shops and two good ice-creameries.
Our favorite dinners were (1) a little Mexican cantina with great tacos, just a few blocks on foot from our hotel and (2)Stella Mare, a French country-style restaurant out by the bird refuge.
For sightseeing, don't miss the Santa Barbara courthouse, designed in the Moorish style and really beautiful, and the mission. A half-day trip to Solvang is worth the trip.
We enjoyed walking up and down State Street, with all kinds of interesting shops and two good ice-creameries.
Our favorite dinners were (1) a little Mexican cantina with great tacos, just a few blocks on foot from our hotel and (2)Stella Mare, a French country-style restaurant out by the bird refuge.
For sightseeing, don't miss the Santa Barbara courthouse, designed in the Moorish style and really beautiful, and the mission. A half-day trip to Solvang is worth the trip.
Aug 31st, 2015, 12:58 PM
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EK...I'm going right out to buy a long red carpet.
Sorry about your med probs. May recovery be swift!
This town is full of spas, from the ultra-posh Ojai Valley Inn to smaller spas throughout the region. I have a nice pool in my condo complex but nowhere near a lap pool.
October is one of the best months of the year here in Ojai. My family bands will have at least one or two gigs here or in nearby Ventura or SB...one near Lake Cachuma we call "Woodstock West" .....Cold Spring tavern former stage- coach post...Sunday afternoon "thrash" concerts in the woods. A great mix of bikers and Mercedes...all music lovers.
Syd (grandson, known by Iris, cigalechanta, KJA, ImDoneHere,bookchick, all of whom have attended his concerts in the east and midwest)... and Shane (oldest grandson) will be off on another European tour in October...but the others will be playing locally (son, daughter-in-law, soninlaw).
SB is my favorite city in America, though as a one-year resident of artsy-fartsy. will-o-the-wisp, don't panic- it's organic, spiritualist, small-town Ojai (pop. 8,000), I'm leaning this way. I may have some speaking engagements around the tri-counties which I'm firming up for October.
Guys, it will be my pleasure to see y'all here in little Ojai. Damn...wish Roz could have lived to see this "happening"!
Keep me informed via email or phone which I'll include in email.
Fondly,
Stu
Sorry about your med probs. May recovery be swift!
This town is full of spas, from the ultra-posh Ojai Valley Inn to smaller spas throughout the region. I have a nice pool in my condo complex but nowhere near a lap pool.
October is one of the best months of the year here in Ojai. My family bands will have at least one or two gigs here or in nearby Ventura or SB...one near Lake Cachuma we call "Woodstock West" .....Cold Spring tavern former stage- coach post...Sunday afternoon "thrash" concerts in the woods. A great mix of bikers and Mercedes...all music lovers.
Syd (grandson, known by Iris, cigalechanta, KJA, ImDoneHere,bookchick, all of whom have attended his concerts in the east and midwest)... and Shane (oldest grandson) will be off on another European tour in October...but the others will be playing locally (son, daughter-in-law, soninlaw).
SB is my favorite city in America, though as a one-year resident of artsy-fartsy. will-o-the-wisp, don't panic- it's organic, spiritualist, small-town Ojai (pop. 8,000), I'm leaning this way. I may have some speaking engagements around the tri-counties which I'm firming up for October.
Guys, it will be my pleasure to see y'all here in little Ojai. Damn...wish Roz could have lived to see this "happening"!
Keep me informed via email or phone which I'll include in email.
Fondly,
Stu
Aug 31st, 2015, 01:46 PM
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ekscrunchy - I'm sorry to hear that the situation has been difficult for both you and your partner and that you may not longer be heading to Lisbon and Spain. But I'm glad to hear there's a plan B in the form of a US vacation .
Rather like Underhill I've lived in Northern California for decades and only visited the Santa Barbara last year. Though I went to The Ojai Inn and Spa years ago -for a weekend with some girlfriends before my wedding. It was wonderfully relaxing place and I very much liked the fact that they have a separate adults only spa pool as we were there in the summer when it attracts a to of families. It's ages since I was there but I think you would find it recuperative. Another up market option would be the San Ysidro Ranch.
Last year my aunt was visiting from Dublin and we had to drop her in Ojai for a wedding. We dropped her off and headed to the coast for three days at Bacara, a friend booked us in on her corporate rate. It's a little bit country clubby for me but the rooms are large, the spa pool was very nice and the situation on the coast is incredible. I'd recommend places like this mid-week only as it's just too close to LA. It's outside of Santa Barbara on the coast so it may not be in the running, but I thought it might be worth mentioning.
The drive may be too much but there are few places in California as restorative as Post Ranch Inn or Ventana.
http://www.bacararesort.com
Once you rule out the wine country (Napa/Sonoma) I can't think of much that would work in California, I wouldn't rave about Palm Springs. New Orleans is indeed a good US option, the only other place that immediately comes to mind is Santa Fe, where you have some quite good museums as well as great food. The Four Seasons has taken over Encantado which could be a relaxing option outside town.
It always worth repeating ( in case anyone doesn't know) but always book high end properties through a Virtuoso travel agent for lots of free extras (breakfast, upgrades etc) I can recommend someone like David Ourisman http://www.ourismantravel.com or you can use whatahotel.com.
Rather like Underhill I've lived in Northern California for decades and only visited the Santa Barbara last year. Though I went to The Ojai Inn and Spa years ago -for a weekend with some girlfriends before my wedding. It was wonderfully relaxing place and I very much liked the fact that they have a separate adults only spa pool as we were there in the summer when it attracts a to of families. It's ages since I was there but I think you would find it recuperative. Another up market option would be the San Ysidro Ranch.
Last year my aunt was visiting from Dublin and we had to drop her in Ojai for a wedding. We dropped her off and headed to the coast for three days at Bacara, a friend booked us in on her corporate rate. It's a little bit country clubby for me but the rooms are large, the spa pool was very nice and the situation on the coast is incredible. I'd recommend places like this mid-week only as it's just too close to LA. It's outside of Santa Barbara on the coast so it may not be in the running, but I thought it might be worth mentioning.
The drive may be too much but there are few places in California as restorative as Post Ranch Inn or Ventana.
http://www.bacararesort.com
Once you rule out the wine country (Napa/Sonoma) I can't think of much that would work in California, I wouldn't rave about Palm Springs. New Orleans is indeed a good US option, the only other place that immediately comes to mind is Santa Fe, where you have some quite good museums as well as great food. The Four Seasons has taken over Encantado which could be a relaxing option outside town.
It always worth repeating ( in case anyone doesn't know) but always book high end properties through a Virtuoso travel agent for lots of free extras (breakfast, upgrades etc) I can recommend someone like David Ourisman http://www.ourismantravel.com or you can use whatahotel.com.
Aug 31st, 2015, 02:06 PM
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Even Boca Raton newspaper touts Ojai as the place to visit:
http://www.bocaratontribune.com/boca...-to-the-earth/
http://www.bocaratontribune.com/boca...-to-the-earth/
Aug 31st, 2015, 04:40 PM
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Clark...you may or not be familiar with Ojai "green" ordnances. City fathers are very strict about who can or cannot open up shops, boutiues, restaurants, etc. Chains are a no-no...only out in the outskirts where I live the Founding Father's (Franklin, Jefferson, Adams, Washington and Co.)opened up a narrow window and now there is a MacDoanld's, Wendy's and Taco Bell, Subway. There are several unique and excellent restaurants in Ojai all accepted by the boys in the white wigs and buckled shoes.
Ojai is home to the Internationally known "Ranch House"...indeed, superb menu, intriguing location and jungle-like landscaping. My granddaughter lives on the next street, and my son lives two blocks away. On special family occasions, it is the dining of choice. Close behind is "Suzanne's" for a classic dining experience...and a little less formal "Emporium" and "Billie Lou's"...Somehow "Jersey Mike's" burrowed into town in the wee hours of the morning, before anyone had heard of them as a chain. Damn good subs, though. Do I feel guilty chowing one down? Nah!
I agree, no world class ice cream "parlor" as we used to call them...just a real good shop within Ojai's famous Spanish Arcade landmark, that passed muster several years back...Excellent sushi bars, the best of which is across the #33 highway where I live..."Ojai O's"...a few very good Mexican cantinas complete the picture aside from two Thai's and two Asian fusion. Even a classy European "deli"...the usual throng of Italian and French bistros adorn the town.
Will you "bump" into any of the Hollywwod crowd? Good chance, many of whom live on Avocado spreads and horse ranches. There are numerous artists, sculptors, writers, poets, etc. I spoke to the writer's conference a few months ago...and at the local library after that.
Clark, do you live in Ojai or have you had problems making the grade? Need someone to vouch for you, just ask. Paltry fee!
Ojai is home to the Internationally known "Ranch House"...indeed, superb menu, intriguing location and jungle-like landscaping. My granddaughter lives on the next street, and my son lives two blocks away. On special family occasions, it is the dining of choice. Close behind is "Suzanne's" for a classic dining experience...and a little less formal "Emporium" and "Billie Lou's"...Somehow "Jersey Mike's" burrowed into town in the wee hours of the morning, before anyone had heard of them as a chain. Damn good subs, though. Do I feel guilty chowing one down? Nah!
I agree, no world class ice cream "parlor" as we used to call them...just a real good shop within Ojai's famous Spanish Arcade landmark, that passed muster several years back...Excellent sushi bars, the best of which is across the #33 highway where I live..."Ojai O's"...a few very good Mexican cantinas complete the picture aside from two Thai's and two Asian fusion. Even a classy European "deli"...the usual throng of Italian and French bistros adorn the town.
Will you "bump" into any of the Hollywwod crowd? Good chance, many of whom live on Avocado spreads and horse ranches. There are numerous artists, sculptors, writers, poets, etc. I spoke to the writer's conference a few months ago...and at the local library after that.
Clark, do you live in Ojai or have you had problems making the grade? Need someone to vouch for you, just ask. Paltry fee!
Sep 22nd, 2015, 09:28 AM
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Santa Barbara has quite a few excellent restaurants, more than I can list here. Our favorite was Stella Mare, out near the bird sanctuary. It's French country décor and food, and we loved both. Just check the SB restaurants site for other options: lots of good seafood and Mexican places.
Sep 26th, 2015, 03:34 AM
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Thanks to all..just broke my shoulder so trips for now are on hold....between the two of us we have two arms that work...have to get another mri at HSS in a few weeks and then an decide what to do..right now can barely type let alone carry tote bag...friends have ben so kind to us and am so grateful for that...at lest the LYme test came out negative!!!!! So no more of that Doxycycline antibiotic which made me sick........cannot complain as there are other with so many more severe ailments!!! Again for the ninth time sorry for all typos....and thanks all who supported me through all this and other times before. wish you all well.was very moved by PopeFrancis' visit to NYC
Also recommend new cookbook by Marco Canora: (I know I tend to go off on tangents but it is good:
http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/a-go...=9780385344913
Also one of favorite recipes of the year;friend made it last night and we've had it many times...do try..easier than it looks:
http://cooking.nytimes.com/recipes/1...lower-al-forno
Also recommend new cookbook by Marco Canora: (I know I tend to go off on tangents but it is good:
http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/a-go...=9780385344913
Also one of favorite recipes of the year;friend made it last night and we've had it many times...do try..easier than it looks:
http://cooking.nytimes.com/recipes/1...lower-al-forno
Sep 28th, 2015, 07:46 AM
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Dam!! so sorry EK,,,speedy recovery!!
Lynni, not a big pizza fan...but most of my family swear by Ojai Pizza. For Italian, Boccali's is tops (2 locations, I like the "country" place east of town on 150.
Lynni, not a big pizza fan...but most of my family swear by Ojai Pizza. For Italian, Boccali's is tops (2 locations, I like the "country" place east of town on 150.
