From Montecito


LUXURY ESCAPES – MY FAVORITE PLACES
Another SFO – SBA one hour flight arrive at the tiny and mostly sunny Santa Barbara airport – and yes, your jet can land here!

The chic village of Montecito is stomping grounds of Oprah and many vv well known celebrities; on a personal note, it was home to several of my high school proms! I make a stop here on every journey to southern California; the original Pierre Lafond and Wendy Foster shops on San Ysidro Road are old haunts of mine. Patio tables and chairs line the small plaza, a delightful stop for breakfast, an afternoon latte or a gourmet snack from the Pierre Lafond deli market. I’ve enjoyed spying on Jonathan Winters in full costume performing his madcap comedy table-side with his pals, a marvelous people watching location and if you must start the day with the SF Chron or NY Times, they can be found here. Upstairs don’t miss the eclectic and luxurious selection of clothing, interesting books, and exotic global accessories at Upstairs Gallery Pierre Lafond, something for everyone.

Montecito is chock a block with luxury shops in its two mile paved palm lined roadway of village purveyors, park your car and walk, the weather is almost always warm, no matter the month. To Sleep- my two favorites are The Four Seasons Biltmore on the beach and San Ysidro Ranch. Two diversely different luxury properties; the Four Seasons is perched across a narrow lane from the ocean, and the Ranch is nestled in the lush Montecito foothills. Both are tranquil retreats offering fine dining and outdoor activities if you need action. My dear friend, Joel Huff, former chef at Silks Mandarin, is resident head chef at the Coral Casino Beach and Cabana Club at The Four Seasons. Another reason to check in, Joel is here! An exclusive landmark perched atop Butterfly Beach, open only to members and hotel guests; an afternoon here feels more like a glamorous club along the French Riviera.

Of course, I have private trainers here, can organize horseback riding on the sandy beach or in the hillsides above Montecito and Santa Barbara, private beach dinners- as always, just make a request.
Linger. Ultimately what matters most is what you do once you reach your destination.