California Spa Guide: The Best Spas in Santa Barbara
Aerial View of Santa Barbara, courtesy of Hilton Santa Barbara Beachfront Resort
Santa Barbara is a popular Southern California vacation destination perfect for a peaceful beachside retreat. This beautiful locale is a favorite place to visit among artists, celebrities, and those looking for a weekend escape from Los Angeles. It’s easy to see why: The scenic coastal location offers ideal weather year-round with lush natural surroundings set against the backdrop of the Santa Ynez mountains.
Santa Barbara is known for luxurious relaxation offerings, so in our California spa guide we’ve rounded up the best spas in Santa Barbara for the ultimate pampering experience.
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The Best Spas in Santa Barbara
Santa Barbara Spa Resorts
Hotel Californian
Located just a few steps from the beautiful beach in Santa Barbara, Hotel Californian is a stunning property with rooms and architectural design that combine classic Spanish Colonial Revival architecture with Moroccan influences. The hotel features over a million tiles in its decor, many of which have been hand painted and flattened in Morocco.
Majorelle at Hotel Californian
The hotel’s luxury spa Majorelle is named after and inspired by a distinct Moroccan blue shade known as Majorelle that is featured in the traditional tiles, windows and doorways of Marrakesh. While the spa’s design evokes a sense of tranquility and inspires revitalization, the treatment menu offers unique services that are customized according to individual needs and preferences.
This intimate spa features four treatment rooms, men’s and women’s eucalyptus steam rooms, showers with signature Neroli shower amenities, and a beautiful relaxation lounge. There’s also a single chair hair and nail salon with a view of our Court of Fatima courtyard. Majorelle is a space meant for a personalized, private spa experience that is enjoyed by hotel guests and high-profile guests who are looking for a retreat.
Read more in our profile on Majorelle at Hotel Californian.
Address: 35 State St, Santa Barbara, CA 93101
Phone: 805.882.0103
Kennedy Bedroom at San Ysidro Ranch
San Ysidro Ranch is an iconic luxury destination, tucked away in the lush foothills of Montecito, surrounded by mature oak, eucalyptus, lemon, and jacaranda trees. The Forbes five-star resort is a much-loved getaway destination for A-listers looking for an exclusive, private retreat where they can relax in a beautiful and tranquil setting.
Famous fans of San Ysidro Ranch include John Huston, Audrey Hepburn, Lucille Ball, Bing Crosby, Groucho Marx, W. Somerset Maugham, Sinclair Lewis, and Winston Churchill. Vivien Leigh and Laurence Olivier were married at the Ranch and John and Jackie Kennedy stayed there during their honeymoon in 1953.
The 550-acre property overlooks the Pacific Ocean and Channel Islands. Guests enter through a winding drive lined with 400-year old olive trees and surrounded by fragrant French lavender and check in at the Bougainvillea-covered Hacienda, a rustic retreat at the heart of the property.
This historic property was completely renovated in 2019 and restored with new furniture and décor. Guest accommodations include 38 vine-covered, individually decorated cottages, built in classic bungalow style, with gated entries, enclosed gardens and adjacent private cottage side parking.
Salon and Spa at San Ysidro Ranch
The magical Salon & Spa at San Ysidro Ranch is a dreamy sanctuary of relaxation. Walls are covered in exquisite hand-painted songbirds and softly lit fireplaces create an environment of total tranquility.
The San Ysidro Ranch Salon & Spa is housed in a picturesque cottage. Patrons can wait in a lounge area next to a stone fireplace and enjoy snacks on the spa patio by a gently cascading waterfall.
Spa amenities include a steam shower and Chroma therapy soaking tub. Signature treatments at San Ysidro Ranch feature Swiss skincare line Valmont.
Guests can also unwind at San Ysidro Ranch’s secluded hilltop, heated pool with beautiful ocean views. An indoor and an outdoor fitness center provide the opportunity to workout with state-of-the art equipment.
Read more in our spa profile on Salon and Spa at San Ysidro Ranch.
Address: 900 San Ysidro Ln, Montecito, CA 93108
Phone: 805.565.1700
Situated on the stunning oceanfront in Montecito, California, Rosewood Miramar Beach is an idyllic coastal retreat designed with style, grace, and glamour. Miramar means “to behold the sea” and takes its name from its remarkable location on one of California’s most pristine beaches. Rosewood Miramar Beach has repeatedly been recognized as one of the top places to stay and treats guests to a personalized approach to service.
From luxurious rooms overlooking the ocean and lush landscaping to sprawling lawns and an assortment of activities and amenities, Rosewood Miramar is the epitome of modern beach living and hospitality. The resort is also home to multiple swimming pools, a fitness studio, and Sense Spa—a relaxing retreat designed for renewal and rejuvenation.
Sense Spa at Rosewood Miramar Beach
This Rosewood spa features unique treatments inspired by local surroundings and native traditions, and offers guests the ultimate in personalized attention. Spa amenities include a sauna, ice fountain, rain showers, co-ed and private relaxation lounges, and a eucalyptus steam room with luxurious mosaic tiles. Each guest is provided with plush robes to wear for the duration of their experience.
Spa treatments range from seasonal offerings such as Alpine Peppermint Foot Massage to lost remedies such as the Montecito Sage Purification. In addition to luxury treatments, the property offers a rotation of classes ranging from mat pilates to bodyweight strength training, or opt for a private experience like stand up paddle boarding yoga or martial arts. In true California fashion, the property also offers surf lessons with a local instructor for those who prefer to enjoy wellness in the fresh air.
Address: 1759 S Jameson Ln, Montecito, CA 93108
Phone: (805) 900-8388
Hilton Santa Barbara
At Hilton Santa Barbara Beachfront Resort, guests enjoy stunning beach views, peaceful ocean breezes, and locally-sourced California cuisine. The resort features 360 guest rooms with private balconies, stylishly decorated with beach-inspired colors.
Spa del Mar at Hilton Santa Barbara
Spa del Mar offers a serene retreat where guests can relax with massages, facial treatments, and salon services. The destination’s heated outdoor pool and whirlpool are open year-round along with a 24-hour fitness center with ocean views.
The pet-friendly resort also offers wellness experiences and activities including bicycle rentals, horseback riding tours, wine tasting, golf, tennis, and yoga classes through Santa Barbara Beach Yoga. Complimentary resort games include ping pong and croquet.
Address: 633 E Cabrillo Blvd, Santa Barbara, CA 93103
Phone: 805.564.4333
The Ritz-Carlton Spa at The Ritz-Carlton Bacara, Santa Barbara
The Ritz-Carlton Bacara, Santa Barbara
Nestled between the Pacific Ocean and the Santa Ynez Mountains, The Ritz-Carlton Bacara, Santa Barbara embodies the charm, beauty, and energy of the Mediterranean in the heart of Santa Barbara. The 78-acre resort offers stunning views of the ocean and guests can escape to the tranquility of two beaches, three-infinity pools, and spacious suites.
The Ritz-Carlton Spa Bacara, Santa Barbara is a stunning 42,000-square-foot sanctuary (and the largest out of all the Ritz-Carlton properties in the country). It includes plenty of indoor and outdoor space for relaxation from fireside lounges and a rooftop terrace to a swimming pool and more. The spa menu features locally inspired spa treatment options and luxury spa rituals that pay tribute to the scenic California landscape.
Guests experience a full selection of amenities including a swimming pool, hot tub, redwood sauna, and eucalyptus steam room. Fireside lounges and a rooftop terrace for open-air treatments provide the ultimate relaxation setting while enjoying the resort’s iconic Santa Barbara views.
Ritz Carlton Bacara Address: 8301 Hollister Ave, Santa Barbara, CA 93117
Phone: 805.968.0100
El Encanto, A Belmond Hotel
El Encanto, A Belmond Hotel is a luxurious 5-star resort in the hills of Santa Barbara. Since the 1920s, El Encanto has been a favorite destination for artists, celebrities, and business leaders looking for a tranquil retreat.
The luxurious resort features 92 bungalows and suites located across seven lush garden acres. The resort is known for its California craftsman and Spanish colonial revival architecture and is decorated with carefully curated art. Guests can enjoy elegant dining at The Dining Room & Terrace and participate in a range of activities and classes.
Swimming Pool at El Encanto, A Belmond Hotel
Drawing inspiration from the coast, The Spa at El Encanto offers expert treatments, luxurious skincare products, and unbeatable ocean views. One of the spa’s signature body treatment options is the “Body Regeneration Treatment,” uniquely crafted by top Beverly Hills facialist Linda Ross, exclusive to the spa at El Encanto. The treatment starts with dry brushing, followed by a skin elixir mask wrapped in a warm cocoon around the body, concluding with a 50-minute body massage using an epidermal growth factor body cream. Outside of the spa, guests can embark in fitness classes, sound baths and even life coaching sessions. Guests can book a private or virtual Mandala session with Renate Hume for a unique opportunity for guided reflection and self-discovery.
Address: 800 Alvarado Pl, Santa Barbara, CA 93103
Phone: (805) 845-5800
Spa at Four Seasons Santa Barbara (Temporarily Closed)
A stunning getaway set amidst 22-acres of tranquil gardens and a lush jungle, Four Seasons Resort The Biltmore Santa Barbara is just a few steps from one of Southern California’s most beautiful beaches. The luxury property has private bungalows and terraces that offer beautiful views of the Pacific Ocean and Channel Islands, and it is also home to a world-class Spa designed by renowned architect Peter Marino.
The Spa at Four Seasons Resort The Biltmore Santa Barbara offers a range spa service options including signature facial and body treatments in a peaceful setting with pristine ocean views. The hotel also has a full-service beauty and nail salon.
At 12,000 square-feet, the spacious Spa features an upper level relaxation space, expansive locker rooms with sauna and steam room, and 11 lavish treatment rooms.
Address: 1260 Channel Dr, Santa Barbara, CA 93108
Phone: 805.969.2261
Santa Barbara Day Spas and Wellness Studios
Float Luxury Spa
Whether you’re in the mood for a relaxing day or planning a bridal party spa weekend, Float Luxury Spa is the perfect place to go when you need to destress and find balance. Located in the heart of downtown Santa Barbara, the high-end luxury spa is the ultimate Southern California coastal oasis, featuring a beautiful design and relaxing outdoor pool.
Float offers a wide variety of massages, facials, and innovative treatments, in addition to luxurious spa packages. It can also be reserved for private parties and events such as baby showers, corporate retreats, girls getaways, and more. When six or more ladies book 50-minute treatments during a bridal party weekend, the bride receives a free 50-minute treatment of her choice.
Read more in our spa profile on Float Luxury Spa.
Address: 18 E Canon Perdido St, Santa Barbara, CA 93101
Phone: (805) 845-7777
Experience the healing powers of halotherapy with a Himalayan salt cave session at Salt Santa Barbara, which utilizes practices that are believed to be an effective way to improve respiratory health since the 12th century. The Salt Santa Barbara cave walls and ceiling are made of 45 tons of Jurassic-age salt blocks and crystals, complete with a crushed salt floor. Participants can relax and breathe in the healing properties with a 45-minute session while laying on a mat or sitting in a zero-gravity recliner.
Address: 740 State St, Santa Barbara, CA 93101
Phone: (805) 963-7258
[Images courtesy of the respective spas and resorts]
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A University of Michigan graduate, Lizzy Sherman is an award-winning digital content writer/editor. Her work has appeared in publications including Beauty Launchpad, Nailpro, DAYSPA, CNET, Entertainment Tonight, and more. She has been a featured guest speaker at Cal State University Northridge, Digital LA, and The National Association of Audience Marketing Professionals. When she's not writing, Lizzy enjoys yoga and playing guitar. Follow her on Instagram and Twitter: @zillizy, @zillizy16