Four Seasons Santa Barbara
Santa Barbara, California
“How often do you find a stunning architectural structure, facing the ocean, with a jaw-dropping 50 meter pool/restaurant club, an intimate spa, pretty tennis courts, good food, top service, 5 min walk to a cute village and biking/boating/vineyards at your doorstep? Tough one! This Santa Barbara institution, located directly in front of a pretty beach cove in Montecito, is one of the best Four Seasons in the US from the grounds (20 acres of established manicured gardens) to the fabulous views and the special Spanish colonial architecture. They really don’t miss a beat — there is something for everyone of all ages and tastes here. Play it quiet or family/friends/kids. I’ll return year after year — one of my worldwide favorite resorts.”
- Suzanne (Date Experienced: February 2011)
Need to Know
Great for
A family vacation, as a couple or solo for local sporty activity and calm. Request a bungalow room if solo or with your doggy; an adjoining bungalow with the kids is also a lovely option — step outside to the garden.
With whom
The kids. The resort is particularly welcoming to families with children as it has a children’s pool, various kid-friendly activities, Kids For All Seasons programmes and babysitting. Make sure to check out the crooked-neck giraffe at the Santa Barbara Zoo. Solo or lover as well: perfectly fabulous options.
Memorable moment
The unbelieveable lap pool on top of the ocean at ‘Tydes’ before a day of local wineries in the nearby SAnta Ynez valley while the kids were entertained & well looked after by the Four Seasons staff.
Best time to go
Gorgeous year round — except June can be gloomy grey here.
Be aware
Sunday brunch is highly popular so reservations are strongly recommended.
Price
From $425
www.fourseasons.com/santabarbara
Montage Deer Valley
Park City, Utah
“This gorgeous family ski resort just opened in December 2010 – not only is it one the top places I’ve ever stayed worldwide, it is in my opinion and that of other guests this Winter, North America’s top ski resort. The vibe, aesthetic, amenities, warm service, activities, setting, fine food, thoughtful generous touches… in the world of hospitality it is the real deal of What’s Worth It!”
- Suzanne (Date Experienced: April 2011)
Need to Know
Great for
Ski enthusiasts — due to its ski-in/ski-out location on the base of six-peak Deer Valley. Plenty to do outside of downhill: access nearby nordic tracks + other winter recreational pursuits including snowshoeing, ice skating or snow mobiling. Everyone enjoys the hotel’s 35,000-square foot spa & massive gym including 25 meter lap pool, bowling alley and cosy/chic dining & bar options. Summer would be stunning here as would early Autumn. Outdoor pool, hiking, mountain biking, long scenic walks, excellent stylish restaurants in the nearby village “Main Street”.
With whom
Wonderful as a whole family (heavy on activities for kids), great with a group of friends or as a romantic ski or summer hiking and cultural festival trip.
Memorable moment
Being greeted by the adorable Monty (Bernese mountain dog) upon arrival, shown up to our handsome slope-side room with fireplace already lit, check-in done fastidiously in-room, and feeling that we were in for a real treat. We definitely were…
Best time to go
While I am partial to the ski season between December and April, I plan to return in Summer to enjoy the warmer pursuits including: hiking, mountain biking, horseback riding, fly-fishing, kayaking and rafting.
Be aware
Deer Valley is one of America’s only all-ski (no snowboarding) resorts. Parents with young children will wish the distance/shuttle to kiddie ski school was shorter — but I’m confident The Montage will come up with a good solution by next season.
Specifics
Room options
With an average size of 600 square feet (up to 1,000 to 3,200 in the massive suites) there’s plenty of space to chill out in the classic/contemporary, super-comfy rooms with fireplace, balcony/patio, marble bathrooms and all tech amenities. The best thing? The incredible views, nothing beats waking up to the sun rising over the mountains.
Service and Vibe
A real family feel, where most everything is thought of before you even need it. Every single member of staff helpful, efficient and polite — can’t do enough for you and feel as if they truly care! Say hi to Monty for me when you go.
Food
Farm-to-table, American grill ethos keeps fine dining restaurant Apex firmly grounded (think seared seabass, marinated venison, Idaho Trout and, of course, fondue) while Daily’s Pub & Rec is perfect for something a bit more casual with classic gastro-pub dishes. The cookery classes at Apex are also worth a peek if you fancy a few hours off from the slopes.
Price per night
From $900 (Winter); $200 (Summer)
Experience It
To Do & See
Essentially this is a place to get out and about and enjoy the scenery safe in the knowledge that there is a roaring fire and wonderful service to retreat to. If you want to inject your trip with a little something extra, Nearby Park City has plenty of cute galleries and a historical museum.
Sport & Activity
Ski in winter, hike, mountain bike, horse ride and kayak in the summer — a very outdoorsey active place, but super chilled out.
Spa & Grooming
The 35,000 square feet Spa Montage Deer Valley is just the thing for after an active day on the slopes (winter or summer!) All sorts of alpine-inspired treatments from anti-ageing to detox. Love the Surrender program — you just sit back and relax, they’ll do the rest, right down to personalizing the spa service.
Local Insights
To Eat
Not that you’ll tire of Montage’s restaurants, but if you want to get out and about try French-Asian fusion at Wahso (577 Main St.; 435-615-0300), get down and rustic at Chimayo (368 Main St.; 435-649-6222) or enjoy the romance at Riverhorse (540 Main St.; 435-649-3536. Robert Redford’s Zoom (660 Main St.; 435-649-9108) is also a good place to linger over lunch and people-watch for an afternoon.
To Buy
Again, Park City is a better bet for non-ski-themed activities than Deer Valley itself. Pick up designer clothes from Chloe Lane (562 Main St.; mychloelane.com) or local art from Terzian Gallery (309 Main St.; terziangalleries.com).
Helpful Source
Regular updates on the snow forecast can be found at OnTheSnow.com
Where
Montage Deer Valley is located in the Empire Canyon area, mid-mountain, near the top of Deer Valley Resort, just 36 miles east of Salt Lake City International Airport and minutes from Old Town Park City.
Driving directions are available on their website.
Telephone: +1 435 604 1300