What’s to love: The pinnacle of US romantic retreats, this history-steeped, 550-acre hideaway overlooking the scenic coast of Montecito has hosted the who’s who of high society, world politics, and Hollywood over the decades, including honeymooners John and Jacqueline Kennedy in 1953. Today, San Ysidro Ranch stands as a comprehensive study in ultra-luxury—past and present—where cascading gardens, bucolic vine-cloaked cottages, and detail-focused staff set the stage for timeless love stories. Each of the 38 accommodations is individually decorated, featuring hand-selected antique furnishings, original artwork, handmade four-poster canopy beds, and sublime soaking tubs (Most cottages also flaunt private patios with plunge pools, oversized hammocks, and dining areas.) Manicured grounds are strewn with olive and oak groves, lavender fields, lemon pergolas, and rose gardens, framing pathways that reach coveted creature comforts like a heated hillside pool, a full-service spa, award-winning restaurant, The Stonehouse, and under-the-radar celeb hangout, The Speakeasy at Plow & Angel.
Romance factor: Enjoy a private, candle-lit dinner in the property’s most historic space, a bona fide old adobe cottage dating to 1825, choosing from the same sublime farm-and ocean-to-table menu of The Stonehouse (The Santa Barbara diver-caught sea urchin, pan-seared Santa Barbara abalone with housemade squid ink capellini, and line-caught English Channel Dover sole are three must-tries.) Organize a tasting in the Secret Cellar, tucked behind the 12,000+ bottles of the Ranch’s principal underground wine cellar, and sip away as a designated sommelier guides you through flights of fine French and local wines. Venture off-property for rewarding hikes and pursuits in Santa Barbara wine country.
Get there: A 90-minute drive from Los Angeles International Airport
