Nestled between the Santa Ynez Mountains & the vast Pacific,
Bacara sits directly on a two-mile stretch of natural coastline, and is the
result of one man’s quest to build the perfect resort – I would say he
succeeded.
Cobblestone pathways bend around the resort’s lush landscape
and Italian-style fountains complement Spanish-colonial architecture. Two saline swimming pools surrounded by mile-high
palm trees and plush cabanas are at the center of the resort, whose grounds
emanate nature and calm.
The Spa at Bacara, long regarded as one of the world’s best,
takes the resort’s tranquil vibe a step further. An outdoor adults-only swimming pool, 36
treatment rooms, 4 private suites, an outdoor massage terrace and private rooftop
areas for mud-based treatments, scrubs, and newly introduced European
sunbathing, puts this spa in the company of few others.
One of over 60 treatments on the menu, the Signature
SeaCreation Facial utilizes microorganism extracts from the depths of the sea to
produce impressive anti-aging results, and proceeds benefit the Gaviota Coast Conservancy
to help protect the resort’s beautiful
coastline. Constantly striving to bring meaningful experiences to guests, the resort
also offers outdoor yoga classes atop a nearby bluff and guided nature walks
along coastal trails.
As for stimulating the palate, The Spa Café offers cuisine
designed to detoxify and refresh, like customizable smoothies, savory salads and
small plates with an Asian twist. For a more formal dining experience, Miro,
named after the Spanish artist, boasts New American cuisine in an art-inspired
indoor setting, or outdoors on the oceanfront terrace. Bacara Bar is low-key
with a lounge atmosphere where handcrafted cocktails and small bites are served on the
Ocean Terrace, complete with fire-pits and sweeping views of the resort and the
sea beyond.
The possibilities at Bacara Resort & Spa seem
endless. I could easily spend a week
there and never leave resort grounds, immersing in its calm serenity and gazing
at the horizon.
