Inside The Ritz-Carlton Bacara's Stunning Coastal Transformation

September of last year marked the 25th anniversary of The Ritz-Carlton Bacara, Santa Barbara, and the seaside resort celebrated in signature luxury style with a sweeping multi-million-dollar renovation spanning the lobby, guest rooms, restaurants, pool experience, and public spaces.

Meyer Davis led the design vision for the transformation, bringing the signature sophistication the acclaimed architecture and interior design firm is known for through collaborations with luxury hospitality brands including Four Seasons Hotels and Resorts, Auberge Resorts Collection, Rosewood Hotels & Resorts, and The Ritz-Carlton. From the dramatic lobby to the chic poolside cabanas and reimagined bars and restaurants, the refreshed interiors envelop guests in a layered mix of custom textiles, furnishings, and lighting, all rendered in a calming palette inspired by fiery coastal sunsets, traditional Spanish tiles, and the resort’s lush natural surroundings. The result is a serene yet sophisticated coastal retreat, where bespoke leather accents and handcrafted hacienda-style tiles evoke a strong sense of place, while thoughtfully curated textiles and artwork honor the region’s Mission heritage and the enduring culture of the native Chumash communities.

“As we celebrate 25 years of creating memorable moments for our guests and local community alike, the renovation represents a blend of tradition and transformation at our beloved resort,” said Bradley Cance, General Manager of The Ritz-Carlton Bacara, Santa Barbara. “Whether visiting for a coastal getaway, enjoying a restorative spa day or dining at our restaurants that showcase the best of the region, we invite both new and familiar guests to indulge in the natural beauty, warm hospitality and relaxed elegance that define Bacara.”

One of the most exciting and highly anticipated aspects of Bacara’s property enhancement project is the transformation of the destination’s restaurants and bars. Already notable for their epic ocean views, each venue has been carefully redesigned to elevate the guest’s cocktail and dining experiences even further.

Lulio, the newest culinary destination at The Ritz-Carlton Bacara, offers a fresh take on Mediterranean-inspired cuisine, highlighting local produce and sustainable seafood. Named after the Latin and Greek words for “July,” Lulio captures the warmth and radiance of Santa Barbara’s endless summer. Guests can enjoy vibrant coastal flavors, refreshing cocktails, and panoramic ocean views in a beautifully designed indoor-outdoor setting.

‘O’ Bar & Terrace offers a casually elegant dining experience inspired by the flavors of coastal California. With a striking circular bar, ocean-view loggia, and seasonal menus that highlight local produce and premium agave spirits, the restaurant is a favorite for both hotel guests and locals.

Each of the resort’s 358 guest rooms and suites has been thoughtfully reimagined as a warm, tranquil retreat infused with effortless coastal elegance. Rich, premium materials envelop the interiors, where soothing tones of terra cotta, lush green, sand, and stone echo the natural beauty of the surrounding landscape. Plush beds dressed in luxurious linens are paired with impeccably tailored textiles and refined seating, while locally inspired artwork lends a distinct sense of place. Private outdoor spaces, furnished with custom settees and inviting lounge seating, further blur the line between indoors and out. Relaxed yet undeniably sophisticated, the redesigned accommodations embody the understated luxury and breezy allure of coastal California living.

For nearly five years, The Ritz-Carlton Bacara, Santa Barbara has remained a cornerstone of the Cliff Drysdale Tennis portfolio, pairing world-class tennis with the effortless elegance of a coastal California escape. As the celebrated host of our signature Tennis & Wine Weekends, the resort has long delivered an exceptional guest experience — and now, following its sweeping property-wide transformation, it offers even more for Experience Travel guests to enjoy. Thoughtful enhancements, elevated amenities, and refined design details throughout the resort bring fresh meaning to relaxed California luxury.