A Bed of Roses: Rosewood Miramar Beach Hotel

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The Rosewood Miramar Beach in Montecito takes the charm of its predecessor and, with the vision of developer Rick Caruso, transforms it from a funky but charming beachside motel into a restorative and glamorous retreat.

The only five star hotel located directly on the beach, it offers 161 ultra-luxurious guest rooms and suites, including multi-bedroom bungalows and 26 beachfront accommodations set directly over the sand; 7 dining options, including the Italian-influenced Caruso’s and the all-day Malibu Farm and Miramar; two stores: Goop’s Sundries Shop, James Perse’s Sense, a spa, a fitness studio, pools and bespoke beach service, the Rosewood Miramar Beach is an oceanfront oasis that embodies why this part of California has often been called “The American Riviera.” It intertwines European glamor, American amenities and California cool.

Caruso envisioned a sprawling Montecito estate that grew over time in tandem with the growth of a family, a nod to the genesis of the young couple who originally purchased the property in 1876, building cottages to accommodate visiting friends and family. At the heart of the property is the Manor House. A dramatic stone-paved driveway leads up to a striking single-entry, solid-wood front door that opens into a grand foyer dominated by a luxuriantly-curved staircase, a tribute to an original design by architect-to-the-stars Paul Williams. Three opulent signature suites, designed by Diane Johnson, are housed within. 

Complementing the grandeur of the Manor House and spread over 16 acres of lush landscaping, are light-filled Bungalows and Lanai House guest rooms, each with its own private patio or balcony, roomy dressing area, and lavish bathroom with marble finishes, freestanding soaking tubs and separate his-and-her vanities. 

Those who remember the old motel have fond memories of the train that ran through it. No worries, it’s still there. “The original hotel sat low and the train loomed above it,” Caruso shares, “By raising the grade, we’ve taken what could have been a challenge and turned it into a wonderful amenity and something that is a lot of fun, especially for kids.”  For adults, among the hotel’s other benefits, there’s an eclectic fleet of automobiles that ferry guests around the property and through the community. “I can’t wait for everyone to experience the magic,” says Caruso, “It’s one of the most beautiful regions in the world.”

Rosewood Miramar Beach, 1759 S Jameson Ln, Montecito, CA 93108, (805) 900-8388