A Renewed Spirit

Author:Lindsey Shook

The Ritz-Carlton Bacara has a new look with the same magical feel

Perched atop 78 acres overlooking the Pacific Ocean, the Ritz-Carlton Bacara, Santa Barbara has been a place for many to embrace California’s natural beauty for over 25 years. Set in the historic Chumash village of Hel’apunitse at the mouth of Tecolote Canyon, the Bacara is one of the state’s most sought-after beach retreats.

In anticipation of the silver jubilee, the hotel owners wanted the guest spaces and grounds to appeal to the next generation of travelers and in 2024 enlisted globally acclaimed design firm Meyer Davis to lead the sizable metamorphosis. The New York-based firm is known for their timeless and refined approach to design, which was what the property called for. “Our goal was to create an experience that felt deeply connected to the land and the culture of California’s Central Coast,” says Will Meyer, cofounder of Meyer Davis. “We were inspired by the layered histories of the region—the people, the architecture and the natural environment that have shaped this stretch of coastline over time. The design became a very immersive narrative, one that honors the spirit of ‘escape’ that defines Santa Barbara.”

From every guest room to the corner of every cabana, no design detail was left unconsidered. The overall color palette and material selections are influenced by the surrounding landscape, bridging the natural and built environments. “The original architecture draws from the early haciendas of the Californios, and we wanted the interiors to feel like a natural extension of that language,” explains Zoe Pinfold, senior associate at Meyer Davis. “The arched openings, sculptural forms and earthy palette reflect the building’s Spanish influences, while the materials build on that foundation to create a dialogue between old and new. We drew inspiration from the early tastemakers who helped shape the region into the American Riviera, infusing the interiors with a relaxed glamour that feels effortless. Within the guest rooms and suites, carved stone, aged leathers and natural woven textures echo the architecture’s craftsmanship, and area rugs inspired by Chumash motifs and head- boards upholstered in custom fabrics by Erica Shamrock—which take cues from Californios horse blankets—introduce a piece of history through pattern and texture.”

Guests are enveloped in the property’s magic when entering the lobby and public areas, which flow seamlessly into open-air courtyards and terraces while grounding their stay with tall planted palms, ambient lighting and warm terracotta tiles. “The most defining aspect of the redesign is the seamless relationship between the interiors and their surroundings—what we think of as a new welcome that’s truly rooted in place,” says Meyer. “From the moment guests arrive, it’s designed to feel less like stepping into a hotel lobby and more like entering an old friend’s casita—warm, open and connected to the landscape.”

The guest rooms feel as if they were carved out of stone yet are softened with natural woven textures and custom textiles by Christopher Farr and Erica Shamrock. The Meyer Davis team partnered with Indiewalls to curate the art program throughout. “At its core, this collection draws inspiration from the rich tapestry of historical influences that have shaped Santa Barbara’s cultural landscape,” says Gibson Banta, senior curator at Indiewalls. “From the indigenous Chumash tribe who revered the land’s natural beauty to the Spanish settlers who brought their bespoke craftsmanship, each piece reflects a reimagined narrative of the past, blending tradition with the laid-back sophistication of coastal living. As you journey through this curated ensemble, you’ll find yourself immersed in a world where every stroke of creativity is a tribute to the boundless wonders of Santa Barbara.”

The remote destination is also highly celebrated for its dynamic food and beverage and luxury spa programs. Guests can enjoy five restaurant venues—Lulio, ‘O’ Bar & Terrace, Marisella, Mission Market, and SunBar—appealing to many appetites. From Mediterranean-inspired coastal cuisine to relaxed poolside dining, each concept has been fine-tuned to express a sense of place through both menu and design, celebrating the connection between the land and sea.

The 42,000-square-foot spa is by far the most relaxing place to escape, offering treatments such as the Cryo-Sculpt Facial and Golden Hour Collagen Massage that are complemented by hydrotherapy amenities, redwood saunas and a heated saline spa pool. The adjacent fitness center offers state-of-the-art training, daily wellness classes and guided nature experiences such as eco-hikes, birding adventures and coastal stargazing.

For Meyer Davis, this project was not just a renewal, but a rebirth. “This redesign marks a new chapter for the hotel while staying true to its legacy,” Pinfold reflects. “It reintroduces the property as a contemporary expression of California coastal style. The spaces are designed to evolve with time, just as the landscape itself does, ensuring that future generations will continue to experience the same sense of escape and connection that has defined this place for decades.” More than a renovation, the Ritz-Carlton Bacara, Santa Barbara’s transformation is a love letter to the land it inhabits and to the community—a story that will unfold for years to come.