It's a premiere destination resort spa. A place so unique, I wanted to keep it a secret, until I talked with Elaine Campbell from Bacara, who explained that the secret was out.
celebs love it
Who knew that Tyra Banks held a fundraiser for the United Boys and Girls Club of America? Or that Will and Grace 's Debra Messing took a blind leap of faith that the resort would be open for her wedding and reception, a date she chose around the same time of Bacara's opening? And what about Jenny Garth from 90210 , who also had her wedding and reception there?Of course, several other celebrities make Bacara a weekend hideaway, considering it's only an hour and a half drive north from Los Angeles. It's a place where staying in your room the entire time can still qualify as a great time had! Follow me down for more info...
a little background
Just a baby in the resort world, Bacara opened its doors in September 2000. The Resort and Spa sits on 78 beach front acres, and boasts 311 luxurious guest rooms and 49 specialty suites, one of which I was fortunate enough to experience.
The team of management and experts who keep the Bacara in top shape, hail from all over the world. Resort manager, Jacques Villeneuve, was brought to the Bacara from The Westin Century Plaza in Beverly Hills and an equally impressive background with management for both the Four Seasons Ottawa, Canada and Houston.
He is a 1973 Grad of L'Institute d'Hotellerie du Quebec. Jennifer Lyn oversees Spa Bacara. Previous management includes Las Vegas' Mirage and Treasure Island Resorts. Architect Michael L. Clere placed the finishing touches to the Spanish-Colonial design, such as wood-burning fireplaces located throughout the resort, which help lend to romantic evenings for two.
the bacara experience
If you're a golf lover, then take notice! Bacara's 18-hole ocean-edge Sanpiper golf course offers breathtaking views of the Pacific Ocean and Santa Ynez Mountains. There is also a nearby Glen Annie golf course that offers advanced special guest reservations.If you're a tennis buff, Bacara also has four seaside courts offering Hard-Tru surfaces, a pro instruction and pro-shop. Check out the gym, it has everything. As well, they offer mountain bike excursions, Sea kayaking adventures, horseback riding, and mountain hikes with a guide can all be scheduled at the front desk or with the concierge.
There is another unique aspect to Bacara, besides the fact that you'd never feel the need to leave the premises. The Ranch Bacara is a 1,076-acre ranch with 415 acres of avocados. Approximately 100 acres have been replaced with lemon trees recently, with additional acreage developing for fruit and vegetable production.
Pertinent information? Yes! The 3 wonderful restaurants -- the Bistro, Miro and Spa Cafe -- all use these organic ingredients for their specialized dishes that guests visiting Bacara are privy to.
dinner & drinks
The Bistro is a wonderful indoor-outdoor restaurant set in the middle of the property. Casual in atmosphere, yet elegant in its dish preparation, I have to say, it was so good that I ate there twice during my stay. Try the avocado and tomato sandwich (you know where the ingredients are from), the pear and walnut salad, and the roasted eggplant and wild mushroom soup, which is to die for.
Miro is up near the main entrance. Jacket and tie are required and you absolutely must spend an evening there. Chef Remi Lauvand creates the most mouthwatering dishes. Reading off the menu, I found it difficult to order only one thing. For starters, try the lobster bisque with spot prawns, or the stuffed tomato with pear tomatoes, basil, homemade ricotta, and truffle dressing. For the main course, try the oak fire roasted chicken with fingerlings and wild mushrooms, or the roasted Maine lobster.
For dessert, enjoy a special treat of marinated strawberries with Persian mint, aged balsamic vinegar and "Crottin de Chavignol." You will keep tasting it on your lips for days!
The Bacara also boasts an impressive wine list and offers its guests more than 5,000 bottles of wine from all over the world, with more than 250 California wines on the menu and growing.
the spa bacara
The Spa Bacara has spared no expense or attention to detail. Its state-of-the-art spa has more than 42,000 square feet of pure heaven. From treatments such as the citrus-avocado body scrub, to the oatmeal-sage body polish, your every wish is their command. From the second you enter the spa, a sense of calm will come over you. The smell of eucalyptus and lavender greets you as you begin your Bacara Spa experience. You guessed it; the ingredients used in some of these treatments come from Ranch Bacara.
I have to say, I was blown away by its size and grandeur. There are whirlpools, saunas, relaxation libraries, outdoor massage terraces, and a wonderful Spa Shop that offers up some of my favorite products such as Kiehl's and Tara products. A must-do upon your visit. March right up to the concierge or call ahead to the spa for an appointment.
come in, come in
The rooms are simply amazing. They offer high-speed Internet access (DSL) if you must check your pesky e-mail, an in-room fax machine and personal computer will await you if requested, and there's 24-hour in-room dining, my favorite!As well, there's room service and state-of-the-art video entertainment systems -- complete with big screens and featuring DVD players. You also get access to their extensive library of films... and yes, they have recent releases.
I was able to experience one of their 2-bedroom suites -- truly amazing. A bathtub cleverly designed to offer unobstructed views of the ocean, yet lends itself to the utmost in privacy. Just remember, this is a first-class resort, and rooms can begin anywhere from junior suites starting around $950, to the presidential suite at $5,000. I stayed in the signature suite, ranging from $1250 to $1800. Spoiled beyond belief, I know.
Well, my new favorite secret is out. But, do me a favor -- shush, don't tell anyone.
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