A Romantic California Hotel Wrapped In Rose Gardens, Private Cottages, And Old Hollywood Glamour

If you're planning a romantic trip to California, chances are you've imagined winding coastal drives, golden beaches, and luxurious stays. Maybe you've dreamed of walking a coastal trail in Santa Barbara with sweeping island views, soaking in the salty breeze and watching the waves crash below. Now imagine ending the day at one of California's most enchanting hotels, where romance is woven into a rose-filled landscape. In Montecito, one of California's most underrated beach towns, you'll find San Ysidro Ranch, a five-star retreat designed for lovers and luxury.

This award-winning resort, named America's most romantic hotel retreat hotel in 2024 by Boutique Hotel Club, is lush and glamorous, overlooking the Channel Islands and surrounded by well-manicured gardens. Guests can sip bespoke cocktails at a candlelit speakeasy or dine on a veranda warmed by a private fire pit. Every inch of the property feels special, and it's no surprise that John and Jackie Kennedy chose it as their honeymoon hideaway (just one of many celebrity couples who've stayed here). With 38 cottages enveloped in fragrant gardens, San Ysidro Ranch is where time slows down and romance lingers in the fragrant air.

Originally established as a citrus ranch, San Ysidro Ranch opened to visitors in 1893, and has transformed into a cottage-filled retreat while still honoring its roots. The property's signature restaurant, The Stonehouse, was once a citrus-packing house, and today, it serves a menu infused with locally grown citrus flavors and is one of many Michelin-recognized restaurants in the luxe city of Montecito. Over the years, the ranch has welcomed Hollywood royalty and world leaders alike. Audrey Hepburn, Winston Churchill, and Gwyneth Paltrow have all found solace in its bungalows. Some of its most famous guests even have cottages named in their honor. The Churchill Cottage, once used as the statesman's writing retreat, features a private English rose garden, while the Kennedy Cottage is forever linked to the young couple's honeymoon.

At the bungalows themselves, guests are greeted by their own private entrance and a personal parking space (with an electric vehicle charger). Inside, details matter — Persian rugs, ceramic pig figurines (chosen as symbols of prosperity), and canopy beds create an atmosphere of cozy elegance. Some cottages also include private pools, and all have jacuzzis and outdoor showers. With the Pacific Ocean stretching out in one direction and the Santa Ynez Mountains rising in the other, the landscape is breathtaking. The greenery has been praised by guests, with one TripAdvisor reviewer saying that "the landscape gives rise to gardens and lush lawns tempting you to lose your shoes and romp in naked feet."

Luxury here extends beyond the cottages. The ranch's salon and spa offers aromatic massages infused with herbs grown in its gardens, as well as facials and hair treatments. Yoga sessions are held on the hillside amid the lemon grove, with sweeping views to accompany your stretches. There's also a mini golf course, a bocce ball court, and a heated pool lined with lounge chairs.

When it comes to dining, The Stonehouse restaurant, with its wood-burning fireplace and terrace overlooking the ocean, is a favorite among visitors, holding a strong 4.5-star rating on TripAdvisor. Its New American menu ranges from Angus burgers to miso-glazed cod, with every dish garnished by herbs and vegetables harvested right on the property. Wine lovers will also appreciate the ranch's extensive cellar, which houses more than 15,000 bottles. In 2024, the resort introduced a new speakeasy-style bar, a sultry space with Art Deco decor and intimate seating.

The San Ysidro Ranch is easily accessible from Santa Barbara Airport (SBA), just a 20-minute drive away. For those flying into Los Angeles International Airport (LAX), the ranch is about a 90-minute drive along the Pacific coast. Guests have the option of complimentary valet parking or parking right outside their cottage. A stay at this romantic retreat comes with a high price tag — cottages start at around $2,500 per night. But for those looking for a luxury experience filled with history and beauty, it's worth the splurge.