In the beginning of December, I headed to Santa Barbara for a weekend getaway at Brisas Del Mar. I really had no idea what to expect going into it and my oh my, was it a treat.
A Weekend in Santa Barbara at Brisas Del Mar
Brisas Del Mar in Santa Barbara, Ca, January 16th, 2018
Upon arrival, there was a wine and cheese happy hour…hello, amazing? I was so excited after the car ride to have a little snack before dinner. After talking to the delightful desk staff for a while about the area, I headed up to my room and soaked up the mountain + ocean view from my patio balcony. It was honestly breathtaking. It was already quite dark when I arrived so the excitement level to wake up and see the view in the morning was very high. I ventured out into the city for a dinner by the beach and enjoyed the long (but totally doable) walks around the area, soaking up the quiet city. There is something about beach towns in the winter that make me so incredibly happy. They tend to have a lot less tourists and a lot more locals and I love the mood that creates.
When I woke up Saturday, I wandered downstairs to a huge complimentary breakfast selection, put it on a tray and enjoyed it outside on my patio amidst the chirping birds, sunshine, mountain views and sea breeze. I am dreaming of it right now just thinking about it. I am already so, so excited to return. The breakfast was absolutely delightful and filled me up! After that, I got ready to workout and went on a run to the beach where I worked out, then ran back. If there is one thing I love the most about living by the beach, it is the beach views I can have while working out. They are truly unbeatable. By then I was pretty worn out, showered, and enjoyed a little pre-lunch complimentary champagne on the porch because, well, why not?
I rented one of the complimentary cruisers from Brisas Del Mar and ventured out for lunch. After not having a car here (only a bike) in Santa Monica, I really love when I go somewhere and they have bikes. It makes me feel at home and just happy, honestly.
The stairs at the hotel had the most beautiful designs on each step. People probably thought I was so silly, but I always stopped and looked at the colors and motifs. I love details like that in a hotel so much.
I indulged and thoroughly enjoyed lunch at Lucky Penny. Can we just take a moment to talk about how delicious this food looks (and tastes)? This Italian loving girl was in heaven. Plus, this caprese was to die for.
After that, I biked to the Maritime Museum in order to catch the best view in town. Boy were the right! Is this incredible or what? This town is easily sneaking up to one of my favorite places and I know I still have so much to see!
After listening to the Santa Barbara Ukulele Group for far too long outside the museum, I strolled back to the hotel to freshen up for dinner. The hotel has board games you can borrow in the lobby and it made me way too happy. I was like a 5 year old again when I saw Battleship. They were the perfect way to pass time and have fun.
The hotel room had a little reading nook nestled right into our window and I loved soaking up the early morning sun with a book, just having a little slow time. They also had this darling little patio, along with another patio out in the grassy area. The weather was beautiful in Santa Barbara, so it was the perfect place to just hang out.
The floral details, plus the white, green and pink touches of Brisas Del Mar have my heart. I can’t wait to return to the property and soak up more time here. There was something about this place that slowed down time and I could not have loved it more. Everyone I saw was happy and smiling as they wandered the hotel property and the streets of Santa Barbara. These days, that’s something I want to really soak up.
I am already anticipating my return to Santa Barbara! I hope it includes some more time at the lovely Brisas Del Mar. The staff is more helpful than I could ever explain and the property is incredibly peaceful. It was the perfect beach stay. Santa Barbara is a place I had always wanted to go and it was the perfect first trip.
