Take a deep breath. Exhale. Maybe it’s been a tough week. month. year. If at this moment you could escape the chaos of life, where would you go? Where is the one place that is full of the sites, sounds, textures, fragrances of your dreams? When a masseuse or therapists asks you to close your eyes to go there – Where is your “happy place”?
My “happy place” is a quaint white cottage nestled among rosemary, pink geraniums and pale roses. From my bricked terrace, I see the rising mountains and the vast ocean. A cool breeze carries the calming scent of lavender. I hear the faint crashing of the waves. It feels and looks like a dream – but this is reality – at San Ysidro Ranch.
image courtesy of www.sanysidroranch.com
Two years ago, The Angler and I planned a California get-away. We knew we wanted to spend a few days in Santa Barbara. I credit him for finding this jewel, a stone’s throw from Oprah’s beloved “Promise Land”. Through his online research, he happened upon a rave review by the New York Times and emailed me the link to the article and a link to the ranch which has existed since 1893. Of course, I’m a girly girl – so the word “ranch” immediately threw me off. Then, I saw the pictures of the white cottages. The landscape of roses and Provençal herbs. I read of the newly completed $150 million renovation by owner Ty Warner ( as in Beanie Baby Ty). The site was managed by Rosewood Resorts. ( think Mansion on Turtle Creek) I read the rich history. Vivian Leigh (Scarlett O’Hara) married Sir Laurence Olivier here. Jack and Jackie Kennedy honeymooned here. I was smitten. I immediately called to check availability for our dates of travel. Only one room was available. (Thank you, God!) Well, actually two rooms/ cottages were available. Werner Cottage, the 2200 square foot private residence with decor reminiscent of a european country house and all the amenities of a well appointed life was available for $5000 / night. I booked the ranch room.
The day arrived when we left our mod beachy digs in San Diego to trek to our quaint cottage in Montecito. As we made our way up the winding path to the Hacienda ( the main reception house) and I saw in real life for the first time the beauty of the ranch, I was breathless. We stopped the car to behold the splendor. At once, I called my mom and said, ”I’m in a storybook! This looks like every fairytale!” I hung up with her and we made our way an hour prior to check-in to the hacienda. The staff offered us lemon bars made with lemon juice from their own trees. Divine! Then, because we were early to this destination and had yet to eat lunch, our concierge called a quaint spanish eatery in the heart of Montecito. “Mr & Mrs Mc. are in town from Little Rock. I am sending them your way. Could you please seat them by the fireplace? I know you will take extra special care of them” We arrived and they did take extra special care of us.
The Hacienda
Back at the Ranch, we were lead to our room beyond a teak arbor, up the rosemary, lavender steps. Our bellman gave us the grand tour of the ammenties in our cottage room (including our personalized stationery) and the directions of operation of the fireplace, heated bathroom floors, and the fully stocked refreshment center. California Olives, chips & salsa, pistachios, gourmet toffees, a mini fridge stocked with diet coke. (They knew me well). All the goodies (excluding wine) were compliments of the house and restocked daily – or sooner – given my penchant for diet coke with a squeeze of fresh lime.
Our Ranch Room
I’m nearly embarrassed to admit, The Angler and I became squatters. Once we reached San Ysidro, we did not leave the ranch the entire duration of our stay. We toured the grounds. We took naps. After long, hot, AcquaDi Parma scented baths, we languished in thick terry robes beneath our Barefoot Dreams Blankets. We ordered rosemary lambchops and mixed berry cobbler from the spectacular Stone House Restuarant on site and ate them next to the fireplace in our room. Handmade lavendar truffles with a fragrant herb and rose nosegay graced our pillows at bedtime. We enjoyed our morning omelettes and coffee on our private patio. No places to see or times to get there. The resort was our destination. All in all, the whole experience was a dream. This is my happy place.
I’m not the only one who feels this way. This week Travel + Leisure magazine named San Ysidro Ranch ” The Best Resort in the Continental US and Canada”. It is a well deserved distinction. If you ever have the opportunity to visit, I cannot recommend it enough. Reservations can be secured online through their website www.sanysidroranch.com
From this tale, you may think The Angler and I are extravagant people. In reality, we live a simple little life. Sure, I may splurge on designer shoes every now and again. He may treat himself to another guitar. We, as much as I hate to admit it, are rather frugal. Which is why, we are very thankful for the time we had at San Ysidro and cherish the memories. We both agree San Ysidro Ranch is a luxury well worth every penny. We look forward to returning in a few years. Until then, I see it in my dreams.
May you spend a few moments in your happy place in real life or in thought this weekend and while you do feel free to enjoy my dreamy playlist on the jukebox below.
Happy Weekend, Y’all!
{Dreamy Playlist: Once Upon a Dream by Steve Tyrell; Dream by Michael Buble; Dream a Little Dream by Diana Krall; Dream by Priscilla Ahn; I’ve Got Dreams to Remember by Otis Redding; Dreaming with a Broken Heart by John Mayer; A Kiss to Build a Dream on Steve Tyrell }
by boots
show hide 2 comments
link to this post email a friend