| Bacara Spa at the Bacara Resort and Spa in Santa Barbara, California |
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The surrounding are lush, out of a Hearst Castle brochure. The resort's elegant design features rolling manicured lawns, a lovely bar and a brilliant, airy lobby. The grand, Spanish style resort boasts opulent curving staircases that ascend toward gargantuan suites, then descend to bluer-than-blue pools, and makes you realize that you're not in Kansas anymore. Nearby, the tawny Pacific Ocean beach awaits, only a short waiter's walk away. The people at the resort, both staff and guests, look as if they stepped right out of the movies; yes, the beautiful people do enjoy the pleasures of Bacara.
And the Spa at this resort may be the grandest treat of all. Up to thirty-eight individuals can massaged or afforded other spa treatments at one time. The 42,000 sq. ft. Spa at Bacara provides everything you need to freshen up, calm down or simply melt away. Personal one-on-one individual care is prevalent; the spa-concierge is eagerly attentive and even the locker room attendants make sure you don't miss spa appointments.
The couples massage was what brought us here, and sounded tres-romantique. Bacara offers in-room massage, but I wanted to see the interior of the SPA for myself. After a calming Jacuzzi in the mammoth locker room, I was led to a large treatment room by two friendly therapists. My wife waited inside, properly pampered and ready to relax. Soft music filled the air, the oils were gently applied, and each therapist began her combination Swedish/Deep Tissue. Knowing my wife was a few feet away, and cooing, was curiously gratifying. Yet I couldn't keep an occasional joke from fluttering past my lips, to bring some much needed levity to the regenerative massage experience. The therapists were strong yet fluid, soothing tensions I never knew existed. After the hour was up, we both floated back to the room swaddled in heavy cotton robes, as peaceful and happy as overcooked linguini.
Then, after magnificent room service and wine, our romantic evening revved up. With music playing, we sat on the balcony and watched the auburn sun disappear over the Pacific. Our down-filled-four-poster-bed helped make this night stay magical.
The Salon offers a full compliment of beauty treatments including hair, nail, and waxing. A variety of Mind & Body Wellness classes are available including: Outdoor Tai Chi, Pilates class, Beach side Yoga, and Feldenkrais Awareness Through Movement. "This Spa is really wonderful, I can't wait to come back," said guest Judy Strauss from Los Angeles.
Make no mistake, visiting Bacara is not cheap. Room rates run in the $300-$1000 range, and treatments can be pricey. For instance, At the time of my visit, an 80 minute "Healing stone" massage was $180 and a "PureVital" Facial ran $130. Various room/treatment combination packages are available. Three and four night packages are common. Check for seasonal specials.
Two luxurious golf course are nearby plus the Resort offers on-site bicycle and water sport rentals. Cardio-fitness, a full weight room and other healthy activities await guests. The heated lap pool and outdoor whirlpool areas are stunning to look at, and of course, enjoy. A simple walk around this vast Southern Californian property is a rewarding experience. Be sure to visit Miro, considered one of the top restaurants in California. Bacara is very proud of this restaurant's chic reputation.
Visiting Bacara is like a staying IN a golf course, gone mad. The scenery and rolling grasses, seems like the prettiest golf course you've ever seen, except the greens are patios, and the fairway is filled with tony suites. The magnificent Spa, the ocean breezes, gentle surf and consummate pampering makes Bacara a place you will remember for a long, long time.
Interior Photos courtesy of Bacara Spa. Exterior photos courtesy of Bob Ecker
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