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Relaxing at the Hyatt on the American Riviera
Arcadia Weekly May 20, 2013
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Santa Barbara is often called the American Riviera. With its wonderful beaches, perfect weather and iconic mission-styled architecture, it is easy to see why. And with resorts like the historic Hyatt Santa Barbara encapsulating this distinctive Californian charm, it is also easy to see why a friend and I had such a great time on a recent visit.
Our getaway began when we checked into the 171-room Hyatt, which was originally built in 1931 and recently underwent a multi-million renovation. We then took an elevator to our comfortable 2nd-floor suite overlooking the Pacific Ocean. Boasting two queen beds and a 37” flat screen TV, the spacious 300-sq-ft room also came with a refrigerator, a shower-tub combo with Portico spa amenities, and was replete with bright decor and original artwork to enhance the Santa Barbara mood.
The room was also highlighted by a step-out balcony, overlooking the pool and the beach directly across the street. From this perch, we relaxed on deck chairs, sipped Bloody Mary’s, and watched boats bob in the sunset.
When not on the balcony, we lounged by the pool and soaked in the Jacuzzi, or walked across the street to the beach. In fact, during our February visit, the weather was so nice that we actually jumped in the ocean and body surfed. After the swim w walked back to the Hyatt and sat by the big outdoor fireplace next to the pool. While warming-up, we admired the rocky outline of Anacapa Island, clearly visible a few miles offshore.
For dinner, we discovered the Hyatt’s signature restaurant, Bistro Eleven Eleven, located on the first floor, facing the beach. The restaurant’s décor mixes mission-styled arches, low-hanging beams and intricate chandeliers with herringbone vaulted ceilings, hardwood floors and bamboo chairs, to create an inviting and interesting atmosphere.
The bistro serves contemporary American cuisine with California flair. “Modern and comfortable, our restaurant blends the relaxation of California cuisine with an ocean view,” says the hotel.
Our meal began with Pacific crab cakes with avocado relish, plantain chips and microgreens; chicken tortilla soup with avocado and pico de gallo; and a crispy Caesar salad with anchovies and parmesan cheese. For the main course I had an incredible plate of grilled day boat scallops, with sautéed spinach; and my friend enjoyed filet mignon with shallot, asparagus, tomato and truffle onions. While eating, we drank fine merlot and met Chef Martin Alcala, who explained to us his eclectic Californian menu, which he harvests from a local bounty of fresh vegetables, fruits and meats.
After dinner we walked to the Santa Barbara Pier, which was alive with people and festivities.
The Hyatt also boasts a full-service spa, a state-of-the-art fitness center, a 24-hour business center, and 10,000 sq-ft of meeting / event space with sweeping views of the Pacific Ocean or Santa Ynez Mountains. The property is a walking distance to State St (the city’s Downtown area), a few minutes’ drive from Santa Barbara airport, and 40 minutes from Santa Ynez Wine Country
Hyatt Santa Barbara is located at 1111 East Cabrillo Blvd, Santa Barbara, 93103. For more information and reservations, call (805) 882-1234 or visit: www.santabarbara.hyatt.com.
-Courtesy Photo
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