Santa Barbara, USA
The 500-acre San Ysidro Ranch, just south of Santa Barbara has a hundred years of history. With individual luxury cottages, a swimming pool, gym and hiking trails through the extensive landscaped grounds, this is also a family friendly resort
Our review
The 500-acre Ysidro Ranch has a long history. The land, originally belonging to Franciscan monks, became a citrus farm before it was converted into a luxury resort around 100 years ago.
38 private cottages are found in the extensive grounds of this exclusive holiday retreat. All the cottages have outdoor areas and are extremely private, fully screened from prying eyes. The décor could be said to be traditional, but with homely touches, probably the most attractive I’ve seen this year; in other words exactly to my taste. Just like a home from home, the dark wooden floors had scatter rugs, antique furniture was mixed in with modern; there were interesting ornaments and a few books and plenty of scatter cushions in the window seats and little alcoves; bowls of fresh fruit and open fireplaces. The bathrooms were old-fashioned with twin chunky sinks, roll top claw foot iron bath, a tasteful Persian rug placed on the tiles and little extras like a wreath made from seashells as well as Bvlgari toiletries. The rooms all have a private parking area, Nespresso machines and a plasma TV.
Outside, the grounds are blessed with bright green lawns, neat stone pathways and a rush of colour from the flowers: tumbling red bougainvillea from the slate roofs, lavender in the flower borders; giant tubs of white daisies and hanging baskets of pink geraniums.
The two restaurants on site – Stonehouse, named after the former citrus store and the Speakeasy – the former relating to the site’s agricultural roots and the latter, the patron saint of the Franciscan monks are both delightful. The 19th century Stonehouse has natural walls, original wooden beams and exposed rafters together with a centrepiece wood burning fire. In good weather, outside seating with views of the ocean is possible, with another fire and heated floors to keep everyone snug. With crisp white linen cloths and seasonal flowers, it’s a pretty place in which to dine. Vegetables and herbs are supplied by the kitchen garden for most of the year.
Children are very welcome here with all sorts of extras. In particular, a Beanie Baby toy is given to each young visitor. No prizes for guessing who owns this property.
As well as a swimming pool, there is a fitness centre and hiking trails through the extensive grounds.
If privacy is important to you, this resort is hard to beat. With two good restaurants and excellent accommodation, it is also possible to bring the family.
Rooms
San Ysidro Ranch features 38 individually designed cottages and suites set across landscaped grounds. Each accommodation offers gated privacy, private gardens or terraces, stone fireplaces, four-poster beds and oversized sunken hot tubs, with many including indoor and outdoor rainfall showers.
Food and Drink
Dining includes The Stonehouse, a fine dining restaurant housed in a historic citrus packing house with ocean views and an award-winning wine cellar. The Speakeasy offers a 1920s-inspired cocktail experience, while The Veranda, Fireside Room and private dining spaces provide seasonal menus and afternoon tea using ingredients from the on-site chef’s garden.
Wellness
Wellness facilities include a full-service spa and salon offering personalised treatments in a tranquil setting, alongside a fitness area and a heated outdoor swimming pool surrounded by gardens.
Facilities
- Full-service spa and salon
- Outdoor swimming pool
- Fitness facilities
- Multiple restaurants and cocktail bar
- Wine cellar
- Walking and hiking trails
- Private gardens and grounds
- Complimentary on-site parking
Location
Set in the Montecito foothills near Santa Barbara, the ranch is surrounded by lush gardens and mountain scenery, with the Pacific coastline, Lotusland and downtown Santa Barbara only a short drive away.
Getting there
Address: 900 San Ysidro Lane, Santa Barbra, CA 93108 USA
Arriving by air: Santa Barbara Municipal Airport is 15 miles, a 25 minute driveLos Angeles International Airport is 90 miles south, a 1 hour and 50 minute driveSan Francisco Airport is 314 miles north, a 5½ hour drive
More information
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* Note: The hotel review was last updated in early 2026. Please let us know if you spot any factual errors.