Located in Santa Barbara’s celebrity-inhabited enclave of Montecito, Rosewood Miramar Beach is a stunning new build on the grounds of Miramar by the Sea, a historic resort dating back to the late 1800s.
Opened in March 2019 by developer Rick Caruso, the hotel is a standout: it’s the first Southern California property for the Rosewood brand and the region’s only luxury hotel with rooms directly over the sand.
Although the 16-acre property is grand — with an impressive lawn, a spa, two pools, four lounges, three restaurants and 161 guest rooms and suites — it feels more like you’re spending the weekend at a friend’s estate rather than a traditional hotel, thanks to its spacious grounds and private cottages.
There’s much to love about Rosewood Miramar Beach, but we narrowed it down to five things we adore most.
The Grounds
There’s a lot to explore at Rosewood Miramar Beach, so stroll its grounds. The greenery and floral landscaping are stunning with the Great Lawn as the belle-of-the-ball focal point.
Plus, you’ll find all sorts of delightful surprises, such as a giant oak tree adorned with twinkling lanterns, a jovial Buddha statue and a hammock that’s big enough for the whole family.
The Design
Imagined by Caruso’s personal designer, Diane Johnson, the interiors feel like the summer house of a royal who studied California culture. For example, there’s an ornate spiral staircase in the lobby that’s juxtaposed by chairs with bold prints and modern art on the walls.
The rooms reflect this elegance-meets-SoCal-chic amalgamation as well. Luxe touches like silk furnishings and marble bathrooms pair well with casual playful touches such as a long farmhouse table or cocktail art books.
The Breathtaking Beach
The hotel’s oceanfront location — and all the perks that come with it — is simply sublime. There’s an entire waitstaff dedicated to making your time at the beach a breeze, be it with complimentary Evian water, towels, chairs, umbrellas or sand-castle-making toys for little ones.
The more active set can opt for lawn games and kayak and stand-up paddleboard rentals.
To fully appreciate the beachfront splendor, have a sundowner at Miramar Bar and an Italian feast at Caruso’s — both overlook the ocean. And for the ultimate vacation, book one of the 26 Beach House accommodations on the sand.
The Family Friendly Feel
Unlike neighboring Santa Barbara, Montecito isn’t really known as a family friendly destination. But with Rosewood Miramar as part of the landscape, it will be now.
There’s something for every age here. Beyond the incredible beach amenities and family pool, you can strike up a game of shuffleboard with grandpa, enjoy some retail therapy with mom at goop Sundries (a permanent storefront from Gwyneth Paltrow’s wellness brand) or designer James Perse’s curated concept store The Gatehouse, swap stories over whiskey with dad at The Manor Bar or listen to frogs by the fire with your little ones.
The Spa
Typical of Rosewood properties, Sense, A Rosewood Spa at Miramar Beach reflects local healing traditions and native ingredients on its carefully curated Lost Remedies menu.
Unique services at this SoCal spa include the Montecito Sage Purification aromatherapy massage, Chamomile Mineral Wellbeing body treatment and the stress-reducing Calming Wild Ginger Tradition that uses ginger and prickly pear in a scrub and massage that will leave you feeling refreshed.
Tip: Since there are only six treatment rooms, book early if you want a weekend appointment.
