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T he legendary Four Seasons Resort, The Biltmore Santa Barbara, encom- passes 22 acres on Channel Drive just across from exquisite Butterfly Beach, and exemplifies the best of the area known as the "American Riviera." "Our property is so iconic," says Director of Public Relations Emilie Plouchart. "It has stood the test of time." Built in 1894 as the Santa Barbara Country Club, with California's second golf course (now located at the Montecito Country Club), the hotel was opened by the Bowman Biltmore Corporation in 1927. It has since passed through many owners, including current owner Ty Warner of Beanie Babies fame, and multiple renovations, but has stayed true to its elegant Spanish design and playful yet luxurious spirit. Tennis, pickleball, croquet, a putting green and an on-site pool which plays underwater music are just some of the lovely discoveries found nestled amongst 75 types of palm trees, courtyards, fountains, winding pathways and a Moreton Bay fig tree from the 1800s. Room types include 167 guest rooms, 40 suites and bungalows, and the latest offering, the Ty Warner Villa. "It was originally a suite," Plouchart explains. After a $2.5 million remodel, the home features 180-degree views of Butterfly Beach, outdoor terraces, a plunge pool, outdoor rain shower, couple's shower and a bathtub created from a single piece of French limestone. A butler is assigned to the guests dur- ing their stay, along with dedicated pedicab transportation, car wash service and tee times at the Montecito Club's new Jack Nicklaus Golf Course. "It has been a total hit," Plouchart says. "It's Spanish Colonial meets mod- ern-day Biltmore and is most representative of how we are looking to elevate the bar moving forward." FOUR SEASONS RESORT, THE BILTMORE S a n t a B a r b a r a B Y S A B R I N A S P E I D E L D E S T I N A T I O N S C A R M E L M A G A Z I N E • H O L I D A Y 2 0 1 9 185 Photos: Courtesy of Four Seasons Resort