WINE
Grape escape Hotel Ynez charms with its laid-back wine country vibe By Hana-Lee Sedgwick
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ituated on two acres between Santa Ynez and Solvang, Hotel Ynez is a new boutique hotel in Santa Barbara Wine Country, where an open-air setting and easygoing vibe make it easy to embrace a slower pace. Reimagined by the Nomada Hotel Group (the same team behind nearby Skyview Los Alamos), this relaxed roadside retreat features 22 guest rooms, each stylishly designed to reflect the western heritage of the region, as well as a large communal garden area ideal for leisurely afternoons in wine country. Occupying the space that was once the Meadowlark Inn, the hotel’s renovated guest rooms are bright and inviting, complete with high ceilings, luxury Italian bedding, local art and hand-painted tiles, and thoughtfully curated mini bars highlighting local and artisanal offerings. Outside, semi-private
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FOOD + HOME
stone-encased front patios feature individually crafted hammocks, made by women in the Bolivian Amazon, and a set of chairs looking out onto the serene communal outdoor space. With a setting reminiscent of the French countryside, the spacious grounds and communal areas are a focal point of a stay here, where one can spend the day relaxing with a book under the shade of an oak tree, playing bocce while sipping on local wine, or sharing stories around the fire pit as the sun goes down. Further adding to the relaxed ambiance is the on-site pool, a perfect spot for taking in the California sunshine post-wine tasting. And soon the hotel will be debuting a spa yurt for massages and e-bikes for guests to use during a stay, with plans for pop-up food offerings and yoga classes in the works. Though there isn’t a restaurant on the
property, Hotel Ynez offers complimentary breakfast boxes each morning, and there’s also a small mercantile featuring snacks and drinks available for purchase (along with vacation essentials like hats, beach bags, and other artisan-made products). For guests looking to stay on-site for dinner, the hotel offers pre-made Santa Maria-style BBQ kits, with individual Weber grills available for reheating at one’s leisure. Whether looking for a quiet respite from urban life or simply seeking a charming home base close to the Santa Ynez Valley’s many wineries and restaurants, Hotel Ynez’s low-key atmosphere and unhurried vibe will certainly have one feeling at ease, from check-in to check-out. Rooms start at $209/night. hotelynez.com W W W. F O O D – H O M E . C O M