Tucked away in the heart of Santa Barbara wine country is Alisal Ranch, such a beautiful, overnight sensation, that it’s hard to believe the property is mere miles from Southern California city life.While Santa Barbara isn’t up the street for a lot of Southland residents, the scenic drive up the coastal roads will whisk away second thoughts travelers may have about the distance.
Opened in July of 1946 as a guest ranch, Alisal has ties to cattle raising and farming that date back to the mid-1800²s. The property is home to a variety of over-sized guest rooms, numerous recreational activities, and two restaurants curated by the renowned Chef Pascal Gode.
The guest rooms at Alisal Ranch may remind you of a studio apartment in the middle of Yosemite due to their rustic, western styled theme and generous layout. The hues, construction, and decoration are taken from a simpler time. The rooms sport no televisions, telephones or over the top pizzazz. The two main options the studio room and deluxe studio feature fire places with complimentary firewood and an outside patio (deluxe studio.) The one-bedroom suite, a middle option, is set apart by its high-beamed ceilings and a cozy sitting room. The creme de la creme of the rooms at Alisal Ranch is the deluxe suite, which boasts an extra large bedroom, even bigger sitting room than the one-bedroom suite, an extra bath, and a wet bar. With the wide array of options and affordable packages, remember full breakfast and dinner is included with a two-night minimum stay, there really isn’t a way that a visitor at Alisal Ranch can go wrong.
After a traveler is done admiring and basking in the spectacle that are the guest rooms at Alisal Ranch, they can use some of the great amenities and recreational activities the property has to offer. The fitness center and spa present some of the most state-of-the-art equipment and luxury packages.
Free weights and a circuit machine complement the rows of cardio equipment to give the Alisal Ranch guest the total workout package. If you need extra motivation to get that workout in before or after enjoying the beautiful surroundings of the property, Alisal Ranch has fitness classes that are offered in private or group format. The spa is highlighted by a plethora of packages, from Swedish to couples massages. After a hard day of recreation, guests may chose packages such as the Happy Hour or Sun Downer, that aim to relax the body and help it recover. Alisal Ranch tenders one of the more obscure, popular and effective spa methods the Nojoqui Mud Wrap and Sage Bliss Massage. They combine to engulf the body in amedley of algae, Dead Sea mud, and Spanish sage to rejuvenate muscles down to the core.
Outside of the fitness center and spa, the property has recreational activities that guarantee no dull moments. For the laid back sportsman (or sportswoman), Alisal has two immaculate, championship level golf courses that offer breathtaking views of the Santa Ynez River and Mountains, six hard courts for casual or competitive tennis, and catch-and-release fishing on its very own lake that is fully stocked with bass, trout, and bluegill. For the outdoor adventurer, horseback riding through more than 50 miles of trail through rolling hills and even more scenic, natural sights may be the desired option. Among the other activities at Alisal Ranch are an interactive barn yard, heated pool and spa, and summer offerings like bike riding, hiking, and volleyball.
With a full slate of activities and amenities, a guest will surely have worked up an appetite. Luckily, Alisal Ranch has some of the most delectable and bountiful edible options you’ll find at any hotel or resort. Inclusive dining takes place at the Ranch Room, which is popular for its endless breakfast buffet that will satisfy that morning sweet tooth with a homemade cinnamon roll and waffles, or savory entrees such as made-to-order omelets.Chef Pascal Gode is famous for his western spin on traditional and California cuisine classics.
At Ranch Room dinners, Gode fires up favorites like juicy steaks and tender ribs over Alisal oak that gives the meat its unmistakable flavor. Gode also conjures up authentic sauces, freshly prepared side dishes and locally picked vegetables that act as the obligatory icing on the cake to the courses. Plus, Gode whips up vegetarian dishes that are not short on taste or creativity.
The main culinary attraction at the Alisal Ranch is the newly reopened River Grill. Gode once again oversees the kitchen masterpieces. While still keeping the western/ranch theme in mind, Gode prepares food from a new enhanced menu that goes perfectly with the facility’s intimate and cozy demeanor. River Grill boasts a robust dinner menu, spearheaded by the intriguing bacon-wrapped Filet Mignon. Other enhanced entrees are a Boursin cheese and roasted bell pepper stuffed chicken breast and slow-braised lamb shank. Dining guests can also choose from such curiously delicious appetizers like the Dungeness crab quesadilla and portobello mushroom ravioli.Dinner selections are modestly priced between $12-25.
To put a cap on the evening and go out in style, guests can explore the Oak Room, which has nightlife for the dancing enthusiast or a cocktail for the more kick back individual.
1054 Alisal Road
Solvang, CA 93463
805.688.6411
