Bacara Resort Offers A Romantic Retreat Just Outside LA

Located in between the Pacific Ocean and the Santa Ynez Mountains, just a short 90-minute coastal drive north of Los Angeles, is the perfect romantic getaway at Bacara Resort & Spa.

Reminiscent of a Mediterranean village, the 78-acre resort houses 360 suites and guest rooms in a number of Spanish Colonial villas. Bacara lies atop several bluffs offering majestic panoramic views of the ocean and Channel Islands. Most rooms have private patios or balconies, and some include bathtubs with ocean views, fireplaces, luxurious beds with Frette linens, flat-screen televisions, and complimentary wine.

Guests can enjoy one of three pools on the property, two which overlook the ocean, surrounded by private cabanas and huge swaying palm trees. A short walk leads to a peaceful two-mile stretch of white sandy beach and rocks. The resort also offers tennis on four clay courts, hiking, and mountain biking. Bacara's spa is one of the largest on the West Coast, and includes a large fitness center with free pilates and spin classes for guests, indoor-outdoor massage areas, saunas, steam rooms, a beauty salon, and Jacuzzis.

The resort has a few dining options; The Bistro is a casual restaurant with vistas of the beach and is open for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. Outside, guests can enjoy views of the Pacific Ocean and mountains. Inside, the interior resembles an Italian bistro with upholstered panels, Moorish archways, and chiseled ironwork. The menu offers a wide range of Italian inspired dishes including marinated burrata, grilled octopus, a variety of brick oven fired pizzas, mussels, pappardelle with a veal, pork, beef Bolognese, Pacific cioppino, and grilled beef tenderloin.

The Spa Café also offers al fresco and indoor seating. Dishes focus on low-fat, fresh, and healthy cuisine. Serving breakfast and lunch, menu highlights include Ahi tuna tartare, baby Tuscan kale salad, chilled Thai watermelon soup, local farmer's market vegetable stir fry, grilled Pacific salmon, vegan chocolate cake, and a variety of fruit sorbets.

From April 16 to 19, Bacara Resort & Spa will host its Second Annual Santa Barbara Food & Wine weekend with local food excursions, special dinners, and tours of farms and wineries. Visit their website for more information.