Nestled in Santa Barbara’s picturesque Montecito community on one of the most pristine beaches in Southern California, Rosewood Miramar Beach is located just 80 miles north of Los Angeles just down the hill from Oprah!
The idyllic resort creates a luxurious, intimate atmosphere that invites guests to feel as though they’ve arrived at their own private beachfront getaway. The property was designed as a private residence and represents owner Rick J. Caruso’s vision of a sprawling Montecito estate that grew over time, in tandem with the growth of a family. To bring this vision to the future, Caruso looked to Montecito’s storied past, and to renowned architect Paul Williams; the late, highly-prolific designer from Southern California remembered by many as the ‘architect to the stars.’
Stroll along stone paths throughout the verdant landscape which boasts an assortment of palms, magnolia trees, lemon citrus trees, olive trees and yellow roses interlaced with flowering plants like poppies, gardenias and seasonal flowers.
Offering 161 ultra-luxury guestrooms and suites, including beachfront accommodations, a collection of signature suites and multi-bedroom bungalows, the resort has been designed with style, grace and glamour and perfectly balances the residential and the refined. Amenities include Sense, A Rosewood Spa, a state-of-the-art fitness studio, two cabana-lined pools and bespoke beach service on the sandy shores of Miramar Beach.
Live Large
The resort concept at Miramar is a homage to the genesis of the original property. The interior design of the property’s 26 oceanfront Beach House suites, studios, and guestrooms, which are a collaboration between two internationally-renowned designers Diane Johnson and Nancy Corzine, feature direct access onto the sand and enjoy several indulgent services including a complimentary evening cocktail trolley, monogrammed pillowcases and robes along with personalized amenities from arrival to departure. Tributes to architect Paul Williams abound, such as the Manor House’s luxuriantly-curved staircase and the Cabana Pool’s distinctive serpentine-edge design. Guest room and suite amenities include a custom ‘Marine Fresh’ amenity line, exclusive bed linens from Rivolta Carmignani, Caruso-blend signature coffees and Mariage Frères tea.
Live Even Larger?
At the heart of the property is the magnificent Manor House, where a dramatic stone-paved driveway leads up to a striking single-entry, solid-wood front door that opens into the home’s grand foyer. There are three individually-designed signature suites within the Manor House including The Founder’s Residence, The Miramar Suite and The Ambassador Suite. Each provide the utmost in luxury, space and style, infusing distinctly residential design details throughout the resort – the product of collaboration with Rick Caruso’s personal interior designer, Diane Johnson.
The Founder’s Residence offers two expansive bedrooms, ensuite baths, walk-in his-and-her closets, multiple fireplaces, a living room, study, dining room, and custom kitchen for chef to prepare your meals. Boasting spectacular views and 3900 square feet of distinct décor and design, the signature suites can be combined with king-sized guestrooms to form an entirely private, seven-bedroom retreat within the Manor House.
Complementing the grandeur of the Manor House, are the Bungalows and Lanai House guestrooms with views of the ocean, mountainside or gardens. Each guest room accommodation is light-filled and spacious and offers a furnished balcony or patio, a roomy dressing area, and lavish bathrooms which provide every indulgence with elegant marble finishes, freestanding soaking tubs and separate his-and-her vanities.
Sense Spa
Sense, a Rosewood spa, welcomes guests into a serene and relaxed reception space, decorated in coral and pale blue tones, with light wood furniture and marble tabletops dotted with lush, local greenery.
Star-Studded Shop
Gwyneth Paltrow groupies are flocking to her first-of-its-kind goop Sundries Shop on site. Combining goop-approved favorites in clean beauty, wellness, athleisure and resort fashion, goop Sundries offers the best in elevated beach essentials for locals and travelers alike.
Home to seven distinct dining venues including Caruso’s, the signature oceanfront restaurant, and Malibu Farm at Miramar, an all-day eatery, Rosewood Miramar Beach is a culinary destination in its own right for local foodies and hotel guests featuring a culinary program characterized by sustainable resources that highlight the best of the region’s rich gastronomy.
The most buzzed about restaurant is Malibu Farm at Miramar, the first California resort outpost of the beloved farm-to-table concept by Helene Henderson. In keeping with Malibu Farm’s philosophy, the restaurant serves simply prepared plates crafted from fresh and locally-sourced ingredients from growers and food purveyors in Ventura and Santa Barbara Counties.
Standout dishes include Swedish Mini Crepe-Style Pancakes for breakfast; Coconut and Avocado Ceviche for lunch; Crispy Baked Whole Fish Tacos for dinner; as well as a range of delicious beverages from “Health Shots” and cocktails. During dinner service, guests can choose to bring the littles and dine family-style with shared plates.
After dinner head over to the The Scoop Shop, for a sweet treat which features strawberry ice cream pink walls, colorful cushioned outdoor banquette seating and festoon lighting make it the perfect spot to watch the sun set on the waves.
Adding to the charm at the Miramar, is an active train track which runs right through the resort. What might have been seen as a deal breaker for some developers, Caruso decided to bill the train as part of the property’s charm by adding an outdoor bar next to the tracks overlooking the ocean. Guests raise a glass as the bartender rings a bell when each train passes.
Shh! There’s also a private club at Miramar. Launching with about 200 members, it’s “invitation-only and targeted at locals and second-home owners in the area who aren’t snooty and are fun to hang out with.”
Club members get access to the gym and beach, as well as a private bar and restaurant.