Spa Profile: Salon and Spa at San Ysidro Ranch in Montecito, California

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 historic property 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.

Read more: The Best Santa Barbara Spas

Kennedy bedroom — he 2,000 square foot hand-carved stone Kennedy Cottage features two-bedrooms and a gated entrance that opens onto a large, beautifully landscaped courtyard with whimsical sculptures. The living room has elegant furnishings, specially selected antiques with classic French doors that open onto the Ranch's largest private deck overlooking the Pacific Ocean and Channel Islands.

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.

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.

We interviewed Tim McGlone, San Ysidro Ranch Salon & Spa Director, to get insider spa tips, top treatment recommendations, and more.

Why You’ll Love It: The Salon & Spa at San Ysidro Ranch is the epitome of relaxation. Set within a storybook-style cottage, the peaceful atmosphere and five-star service leaves every guest feeling refreshed.

Key Features: The San Ysidro Ranch Salon & Spa is housed in a picturesque cottage. Patrons can wait in a lounge area next to a stone fireplace. There is a spa patio complete with vine-covered pergolas and lounge chairs by a gently cascading waterfall. In addition, the spa has a steam shower and Chroma therapy soaking tub.

Bonus: We offer complimentary lunch with every salon visit that can be enjoyed at the award-winning Stonehouse restaurant or on the private spa patio. San Ysidro Ranch is the only Forbes five-star resort with Michelin featured dining to be honored with Wine Spectator’s Grand Award since 2014.

Aerial swimming pool and putting course view

Insider’s Tip: Be sure to ask for Tim and Jo, who are longtime wellness and beauty care experts in the Santa Barbara region.

Spa Snacks: There is a full spa menu with delicious bites and beverages from Executive Chef Matthew Johnson. Standout menu highlights include Summer Tuscan Melon and Heirloom Tomato Gazpacho, Miso Marinated Grilled Tofu Bowl, Dungeness Crab Cake, and Farmer’s Market Salad. Beverage options include cold-pressed juices and smoothies, wines by the glass and half bottle, and garden-inspired cocktails.

Signature Treatments: The Day of Rejuvenation is a favorite for many of our patrons, offering a little bit of everything at The Salon & Spa. The treatment includes a 60-minute Swedish massage, a 60-minute Yon-Ka Grande Classique Facial, a Nature’s Touch manicure and pedicure and a wash and style at The Salon.

Insider’s Favorite: Our favorite treatments are the massages that feature signature oils infused with lavender, rosemary and lemons directly from the San Ysidro Ranch gardens. This allows guests to feel fully immersed in the scents that define the ranch.

The "Churchill Cottage" at San Ysidro Ranch is a 1,450 square foot cottage that has been outfitted with many unique heirlooms, from the antique 1900 Western Electric oak cabinet wall phone, to the original framed Life Magazine cover that featured Winston Churchill himself.

Wellness Offerings: The resort offers private yoga and sound meditation sessions and direct access to 17 miles of hiking trails featuring hot springs and cascading waterfalls.

Featured Products: The Salon & Spa at San Ysidro Ranch features Yon-Ka Paris skincare and Intraceuticals oxygen therapy and Deborah Lipmann, Shellac and Dazzle Dry nail care lines. We are the only salon in the region to offer world-renowned Shu Uemura haircare products.

For more information, visit sanysidroranch.com and follow @sanysidroranch on Instagram.

San Ysidro Ranch
805.565.1730
900 San Ysidro Lane
Santa Barbara, CA 93108

[Images courtesy of San Ysidro Ranch/Ivana Milenkovic]