January/February 2025 | Santa Barbara Life & Style Magazine

FRESH START

January/February 2025

New Year. New You. With us!

New memberships.

New weight loss programs.

New functional health & hormone therapy.

Start your new you today. With us!

To learn more scan our App QR Code or call (805) 450-6262.

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SWEET WHEEL FARM FRESH PRODUCE Organic & Pesticide Free 2325 Lillie Avenue Summerland Open Daily 10 - 5 PM sweetwheelfarms.com 805 770 3677

CARROTS • SPAGHETTI SQUASH • BERRIES • HERBS • HEIRLOOMS • CITRUS • CELERY

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• TORTILLAS • HOMEMADE SALSA • TORTILLA CHIPS • TOMATOES •

• LOCAL HONEY • LETTUCE • ARTISINAL BAKED GOODS • PEACHES •

JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2025 O U R M I S S I O N I S T O “HE L P C L I E N T S NAVIGATE CHALLENGES AND GUIDE THEM TOWARDS THE ACHIEVEMENT OF THEIR F I N A N C I A L A N D L I F E G O A L S .”

• Our Approach is Collaborative.

• Our Guidance is Individualized.

• Our Relationships are Lasting.

EDITOR IN CHIEF & PUBLISHER Ottocina Ryan ART DIRECTOR Vide Olsson SOCIAL MEDIA MANAGER Nicole Johnson STAFF PHOTOGRAPHER Silas Fallstich PHOTOGRAPHERS Beth Camp, Ryan Mayo, Jon Premosch WRITERS Bennett DiDonna, Eva Grunburg, Nicole Johnson, Claudia Lapin, Alexandra Lee, Alexandra Sharova, Maddy Sims

ON THIS COVER

PHOTOGRAPHY Jon Premosch STYLIST Hannah Canon MODEL Didi with Two Management HAIR & MAKEUP Crystal Trottier LOCATION La Playa Stadium at SBCC

SAIGE PRIVATE WEALTH MANAGEMENT 21 E. CARRILLO STREET, SUITE 100 SANTA BARBARA, CA 93101 805-456-2400 INFO@SAIGEPWM.COM

*Securities offered through Sanctuary Securities, Inc., Member FINRA, SIPC. Advisory services offered through Sanctuary Advisors,LLC., an SEC Registered Investment Adviser. Saige Private Wealth is a DBA of Sanctuary Securities, Inc. and Sanctuary Advisors, LLC.

Dress SPORTY AND RICH Sunglasses AY STUDIOS Earrings DE LIGUORO Shoes APL

Santa Barbara Life & Style Magazine is published by Santa Barbara Life & Style, Inc. 26 West Mission Street #5, Santa Barbara, CA 93101 For distribution, advertising and other inquiries: info@sblifeandstyle.com santabarbaralifeandstyle.com

Los Arroyos Mexican Restaurant & Take Out SANTA BARBARA | MONTECITO | GOLETA | INDIANA

www.losarroyos.net

CONTENTS JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2025

WELLNESS PSYCHEDELIC THERAPY Don’t trip: this is healing.

IN EVERY ISSUE SBLS SPOTLIGHT Sneak peek: we’re seeing stars.

START WITH S AGE Where femininity finds fortitude.

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REL AX & RECHARGE 50 The spa at Four Seasons Hotel Westlake Village is your one-stop wellness shop.

COVET & CRAVE 16 All the goodies to fuel your fresh start.

THIS SEAS ON 18 The new retail re-affirming Santa Barbara’s spot on the map.

FASHION

4 8 HOURS 98 We’ve got your 2025 starting lineup around town.

PL AY TO WIN Put me in coach.

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POOL GIRL 70 Bundling up in the only way we know how: bikinis, robes, and tulle.

DINING RAISING THE B AR Bar Lou is truly man’s best friend.

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TRAVEL AMANGIRI 76 Elevating to another world at Amangiri.

PROFILES RANDEE 28 Eternity Health Partners’ Randee Haluszka Brookins on finding your inner warrior.

ARRIVEDERCI, ALLORA Laura Dinning says ciao to her iconic Coast Village Road cornerstone.

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STAY IN LOVE 82 Find a forever honeymoon phase at San Ysidro Ranch.

BE WELL 84 Escape to Kalesma and NOŪS, Greek island getaways fit for the gods.

NOTHING AT ALL YOU MUST DO Chasing Vertigo in San Juan Bautista.

REDISCOVERING S ANTA BARBARA Because our backyard tops most travelers’ bucket list.

12 JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2025

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landlorde.com

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805-618-4547

SANTA BARBARA PLATTER

SBLS spotlight

SBLS SPOTLIGHT

BY Alexandra Lee

1. WINE & DINE

Santa Barbara’s beloved The Harbor Restaurant, situated on Stearns Wharf, recently reopened with a dazzling renovation and reimagined international menu at the vision of new owners John and Olesya Thyne.

2. SUN’S OUT

British luxury brand Sunspel’s latest West Coast expansion is now open at Montecito Country Mart. Breeze by to peruse expertly tailored basics, luxe knitwear, and classic outerwear for both men and women.

4. AND THE AWARD GOES TO…

As the official wine sponsor of the Santa Barbara International Film Festival, DAOU Vineyards honored legendary comedian Will Ferrell as the 17th recipient of the prestigious Kirk Douglas Award for Excellence in Film.

3. FOOD FOR THOUGHT

Belmond El Encanto hosted an enchanting culinary presentation highlighting sustainable farming and the regenerative food movement in partnership with Feeding Tomorrow director Oliver English.

PHOTORAPHY REBECCA SAPP/GETTY IMAGES FOR SANTA BARBARA INTERNATIONAL FILM FESTIVAL

Follow @sblifeandstyle for daily behind the scenes content, new restaurants, events, getaways, and more...

@ S B L I F E A N D S T Y L E | 15

SBLS covet & crave

FRESH YEAR, FRESHER YOU RING IN THE NEW YEAR WITH THE PURSUIT OF A BETTER YOU

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Ivy Cove Fountainhead Yoga Bag The bag that’s (almost) as multitasking as you. With a clever exterior panel to keep your yoga mat secure and tons of room for spare clothes, you can venture from yoga to grocery shopping, business meetings, or school drop-off with ultimate ease.

Lemon & Co. Collagen Elixir It’s 2025—we’re all aware that true self care begins from within. We’re sipping our way to better skin with Lemon & Co.’s new Collagen Elixir, an innovative supplement designed to promote longevity that’s as refreshing as a glass of lemonade.

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May Lindstrom The Blue Cocoon The only product you need to step into the new year with a fresh, dewy complexion, The Blue Cocoon’s cult favorite balm-to-oil formula delivers optimal hydration for sensitive skin, available at Dr. Erika Klemperer’s Re Studios.

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Bond Eye Splice Mara One Piece Channel Aussie summer with this ultra-flattering plunge-back swimsuit, ideal for morning laps and cold plunges alike. Swing by Kariella’s new State Street location for your fix of current swimwear from the most covetable brands.

Yuni Chill Fit Cooling Body Gel-Cream Enhance your post-workout recovery game with this cooling gel-cream that visibly tones, tightens, and hydrates the skin with aloe vera, menthol, and caffeine—the perfect tool to help you stick to those New Year’s resolutions.

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BY Alexandra Lee

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Bang & Olufsen Beoplay Eleven Earbuds Meet the earbud of the hour.

Elevate your gym sesh, run, or on-the-go Zoom calls with Bang & Olufsen’s best noise-cancelling technology yet, fusing functionality and performance with unmatched elegance.

NEW LOCATION ON STATE ST.

SBLS this season

SPACES & PLACES

With its host of new businesses, Santa Barbara becomes a haven of wellness, retail and wonder

BY Nicole Johnson

THE WYLD SIDE

THE WYLDER 33

Embracing new intentions for 2025? A bit of liquid confidence might help—and not from the source you’d think. We’ve got our eyes on The Wydler 33 Wellness Atelier, a Montecito apothecary stirring up new-age alchemy: a line of adaptogenic solutions alleviating a host of ailments. The bottled elixirs hold herbal tinctures dropped under the tongue, which quickly absorb to infuse botanical healing. Each of The Wylder’s six formulas address specific concerns: consider the SocialLight for those seeking meaningful connection, the Supra-Calm for those feeling overstimulated, and the Siren-Nymph for those hoping to shake their intimate inhibitions.

Fully earth derived, The Wylder 33 is grounded in the belief that nature alone harnesses healing, stemming from three decades of immersion in spiritual psychology and Himalayan energetic medicine. thewylder33.com

Coast Village Road is somehow a bit more beautiful, courtesy of Re Boutique.

As the retail extension of regenerative dermatology clinic Re Studios, the boutique’s thoughtfully curated products showcase founder Dr. Erika Klemperer’s 20 years of clinical experience, rooted in her vision of “health as beauty, longevity as joy, and skin as the ultimate expression.” Shoppers can browse bio-optimizing devices, topical salves and solutions, and targeted supplements to catalyze cellular renewal for enduring radiance. Clean beauty brands like African Botanics, May Lindstrom, Fortuna Skin, and Monastery are perched on shelves and the space appears as much a skin wellness shop as it is an art gallery, where the elements of science and beauty are one in the same. “Re is not another beauty fad—it’s a way of living,” Dr. Klemperer shares. “The future isn’t about erasing time, it’s about savoring it; with every product and practice tailored to enhance your vitality. We believe in the pleasure of health—not as a chore, but as an experience of restoration and revitalization.” restudios.co

18 JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2025

RE STUDIOS, PHOTO BY BETH CAMP

RE BOUTIQUE

DOCTOR’S ORDERS The truth is in the tissue. Each organ, muscle, bone and other element of our bodies is encompassed by fascia, a web of connective tissue working to structure and separate all that is us. Former professional ballerina Bonnie Crotzer, a native Santa Barbarian turned New Yorker, knows just the movement to nourish these networks: flossing. The Floss, Crotzer’s virtual studio, hosts live and ondemand workshops, private sessions, and challenges that, as she puts it, provide a simultaneous workout and massage. Through acts of “internal exfoliation,” Bonnie’s mindful, lively guidance enlivens fascia’s elasticity, unwinding tension, enhancing lymphatic movement and blood flow, and optimizing mobility. Done frequently, flossing can invigorate the endocrine, digestive, and nervous systems, advance hydration and recovery, and unleash stored emotions. Your dentist’s age-old advice is taking on an entirely new meaning.

MERLETTE AT THE POST

thefloss.com

POST UP

A handful of elusive Instagram posts on @thepostmontecito raised eyebrows throughout November, alluding to “A nice place to be, on a lagoon by the sea: The Post Montecito, at the corner of Las Aves and Cabrillo.” Thankfully, the mystery of The Post is no longer: unveiled in early December, the elevated retail and restaurant haven is abuzz with everyday luxury boutiques (including The Optimist’s much-needed menswear and Teller’s refined women’s lines), marketplace pop-ups (like their first annual Montecito Holiday Fair), and the anticipation of much to come. The Post is the brainchild of Los Angeles developers David Fishbein and Joseph Miller, founders of the “culturally curious” Runyon Group, known for launching Platform, Culver City’s popular independent retail collective, in 2016.

“We’re always all about placement, and creating this amazing dynamic of individual, one-of a-kind tenants that together bring something exciting and compelling,” Fishbein says. The Post’s edit of global and local boutiques interweaves classics like The Great, accessories label Janessa Leoné, Colombian designer Maygel Coronel, home curator Shoppe Amber Interiors, and budding brands like Brooklyn atelier Merlette. Soon enough, visitors will be able to stroll and sip coffee from Little King, or save their appetites for incoming eateries from the chefs behind LA favorites like Ospi and Loreto. With unique spaces opening into 2025, The Post will form an upscale walkable district that is unmistakably Montecito.

THE FLOSS

thepostmontecito.com

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SBLS this season

FERRIS ORTHODONTIC GROUP: REDEFINING SMILES ACROSS GENERATIONS In the heart of Santa Barbara, Ferris Orthodontic Group stands as a beacon of innovation and excellence, providing state-of-the-art orthodontic care for patients as young as 6 and as wise as 90. As the only practice in the area with board-certified orthodontists, Ferris Orthodontic Group combines cutting-edge technology with a commitment to delivering exceptional, individualized care.

Led by a world-renowned expert in orthodontics, Dr. Ferris and his team specialize in Invisalign and braces, offering solutions that go beyond aesthetics. While creating stunning smiles is their hallmark, Ferris Orthodontic Group is equally dedicated to improving oral function and ensuring the long-term health and stability of your teeth. Their holistic approach ensures every treatment plan is tailored to enhance not only confidence but also overall dental well-being.

Whether it's guiding children through early intervention treatments or helping adults rediscover their smiles later in life, the team at Ferris Orthodontic Group is committed to creating life-changing transformations. With a focus on family-friendly care and results that last a lifetime, it’s no wonder they are regarded as the premier orthodontic provider in the community.

Ready to start your smile journey? Visit Ferris Orthodontic Group today in either their Santa Barbara or Goleta location and discover why they’re redefining orthodontic care in Santa Barbara County. ferrisorthogroup.com

PHOTOGRAPHY RILEY REED

LITERARY GODMOTHERS

20 JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2025

It’s not folklore: the wondrous white barn on Summerland’s Lillie Avenue is, indeed, of storybook origin. Godmothers transcends all definitions of a bookstore—it’s a curious community of learners, authors, and, not to mention, the literary haunt of the local A-list (its opening events in September summoned the likes of Oprah, Maria Shriver, and the Duke and Duchess of Sussex). Special guests and everyday customers alike are friends of founders Jennifer Rudolph Walsh, a former literary agent, and Victoria Jackson, a beauty pioneer, author, and philanthropist. The luminaries invite all for inspiration and intimate conversation at their Godmothers Gather events, which include free children’s storytimes every Saturday at 11 a.m., and evolving monthly lineups of speaker engagements, workshops, and game nights. For reads beyond their artfully stocked shelves, Godmothers publishes a newsletter on Substack, featuring interviews with creatives and celebrities ranging from Gloria Steinem to Nicole Richie. For accompanying bites, there’s Godmothers Graze, helmed by chef Miles Robbins and business partner Kamil Jumale (both of Michelin Star restaurant backgrounds), serving fresh breakfast and lunch from a quaint Airstream. However you enjoy it, Godmothers’ connectivity is spellbinding.

godmothers.com

FERRIS ORTHODONTIC GROUP

The practice’s use of the latest advancements in digital technology makes the orthodontic journey seamless and comfortable for every patient. From 3D imaging to precise aligner and braces designs, Ferris Orthodontic Group sets the standard for modern orthodontics in Santa Barbara.

CINEMATIC JOURNEY OVERLOOKING THE SANTA BARBARA COAST

As the golden winter sun illuminates the hills of the American Riviera, we invite you to enjoy a Cinematic Journey overlooking the Santa Barbara Coast.

From fireside cocktails, sumptuous cuisine and live jazz to relaxing afternoon tea and spa retreats, experience winter’s harmony at El Encanto, A Belmond Hotel.

El Encanto is a proud supporter of Santa Barbara International Film Festival, held February 4th through 15th.

Contact our concierge for more information about winter programs and film festival room packages.

800 Alvarado Place, Santa Barbara, CA 93103 | 805 845 5800 @belmondelencanto Belmond.com/ElEncanto @ S B L I F E A N D S T Y L E | 21

SBLS dining

Raising

The Bar

A COZY ESCAPE BOASTING FRENCH-MEDITERRANEAN CUISINE, BAR LOU SETS A HIGH BAR FOR FLAVOR AND FUN

BY Eva Grunburg PHOTOGRAPHY Silas Fallstich

O

ut with the old, in with the Lou—with a FrenchRiviera-inspired menu and candid charm, newcomer Bar Lou has established itself in the Santa Barbara dining scene. Chef Brandon Boudet and co-owner Warren Ebbink bring their coastal Californian restaurateur experience, breathing life into an old space on Coast Village Road.

While only a few steps from the street, Bar Lou feels like another world entirely. A flight of stairs elevates me to a new level–both physically and experientially. I’m enthusiastically greeted by name, which verbalizes the welcoming atmosphere at Bar Lou. I absorb the warmth of the staff and the cozy brick fireplace as we walk to our seats, taking in earth tones and cool fresh air. Sprawling tree branches above a dark wooden pergola provide the picturesque perch for the twinkling lights illuminating the outdoor patio. Even better, I can see the bar of Bar Lou—gleaming bottles and glasses beckon me through window panes, and I get ahead of myself imagining the drinks they’ll craft.

GUILLOTINE

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ROASTED CARROTS, BLACK LENTILS, SMOKY EGGPLANT PUREE & CARROT TOP PISTOU HARISSA SPICED BEEF KOFTA WITH TZATZIKI & FATTOUSH SALAD

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As I deliberate aloud between cocktails or wine to start the evening, my boyfriend aptly points out “Bar” is in the name—cocktails are in order. He opts for the “Guillotine,” but upon arrival, the only blade is a single delicate sage leaf resting atop a coral concoction. Partial to anything with tequila, the “Cote d’Azur” catches my eye, even before it’s brought to the table with a delicate sprig of baby’s breath stemming from the aquamarine. One sip of smoky mezcal confirms I made the right call.

Despite being seated outside, I make my obligatory lap around the restaurant (I tell my boyfriend I’m going to the restroom, but I really just want to investigate the photo ops inside). While the al fresco seating is casually whimsical, inside boasts an eclectic, homey-feel. Elegant white tablecloths and candlelight are balanced by pops of Bar Lou’s playful personality—my favorites being framed photos of canine friends that line the walls. The details bring the space a vintage authenticity, and I wonder how anything could have possibly existed here before a place that fits so perfectly.

After my restaurant rendezvous, Brandon, chef and co-owner, waltzes over to our table. Though I can't put my finger on it, he personifies the calming yet contagiously captivating vibe of Bar Lou, and I suddenly feel like I’m just at my cool neighbor’s home for happy hour.

“We were going back and forth with names,” Brandon explains. “We went through grandmas, kids, and then decided on...” he trails off before flipping his phone towards me, revealing an adorable tawny Boxer with chocolate saucer eyes: his pup, “Lou.” As Brandon beams, I wonder if it’s about the restaurant or her, but I decide both are definitely worth being proud of.

The pride isn’t premature, either. Small share plates arrive, and most are at our server Graham’s recommendation.

Fried zucchini blossoms and roasted carrots with lentils and eggplant puree are the first to grace the table–and our tastebuds—raising the bar from the high standard the cocktails set. Fried, roasted, and smothered in salty sauces, Bar Lou even makes eating your veggies fun!

The last of the sharables is the harissa spiced beef kofta with tzatziki and fattoush salad. At Graham’s suggestion, we included this Mediterranean specialty. Initially skeptical from the salad’s bitter dressing, I start to doubt Graham—until I realize it's just user error. Once I create the perfect bite consisting of crunchy lettuce, smooth tzatziki, and tender beef, my trust is restored.

Bar Lou embodies classic dining, so we had to order an all time favorite: Steak au Poivre and Frites. Another one of Graham’s recommendations, I blame him for forcing my hand in ordering (I was secretly eyeing it on the menu the whole time). The plate arrives with a fry-to-steak ratio that favors the fries, and that’s just how I like it. I switch between savoring the seasoned steak and snacking on salty shoestring fries, and while it’s a classic, Bar Lou has somehow enhanced a longtime favorite once more. We wash down the meal with affogatos. Though the dessert is a sweet conclusion, I can’t help but feel bittersweet as our evening comes to a close.

With a unique fusion of French and Mediterranean flavors and an unbeatable location on Coast Village Road, Bar Lou fits right in while standing out. Named after man’s best friend, the restaurant will surely be a longtime companion for its patrons and has truly raised the bar—though, next time, I hope to meet Lou herself.*

COTE D’AZURE

@ S B L I F E A N D S T Y L E | 27

SBLS profiles

RANDEE ETERNITY HEALTH PARTNERS’ RANDEE HALUSZKA BROOKINS IS A FORCE TO BE RECKONED WITH—AND IMPARTS THE FORMULA TO BECOMING ONE ON HER CLIENTS

BY Nicole Johnson PHOTOGRAPHY Ryan Mayo

28 JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2025

R

andee Haluszka Brookins is the ideal executive—but not the ideal attack target.

In the workplace, she’s business manager of integrative health and wellness hub Eternity Health Partners. On the mat, she’s a third-degree black belt in the Korean martial art of Hapkido, the culmination of 10 years of training. She’s mastered throwdowns, wielded advanced weapons, and, at the end of her three-hour third degree test, fought off five Hapkido fighters at once, cultivating the kind of mind-body synergy most can only aspire to.

For someone who has (yes, willingly) endured such intensity, Randee carries the unlikely air of a yogi—graceful, collected, and grateful. When I meet her at Eternity’s serene hillside office on East Micheltorena, she has no visible scars of a seasoned warrior—rather, she’s a gorgeous blonde with porcelain skin, well-versed (a professional, in fact) in the art of self-care.

As she celebrates her tenth year helming Eternity Health Partners, I sit with Randee to explore the clinic’s preventative medicine approach, her martial arts-powered business philosophy, and her fundamental lesson of nurturing the self to nurture others—not to mention, her constant endeavor to take her own advice.

@ S B L I F E A N D S T Y L E | 29

SBLS

It’s been about five years for Eternity at this stunning location, and a decade since its founding. Can you take me through your initial concept?

Randee Haluszka Brookins

Gosh, where to start? I like to say it's both a blessing and a beast owning your own business and having passion and vision for service in the industry. My partner Mike [Brookins] was originally in nuclear medicine, and then saw people getting thyroid ablations and doing all these alternative things. He thought, ‘Would they have to do all this if they just stuck to preventative care?’ So we got into the functional medicine space—this was about 15 years ago—and we grew up fast.

We moved to Houston and opened up a company there and then sold it. Eventually I said, ‘Can we go back to Santa Barbara

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and simplify and visualize what we want in this space, and how we can make a bigger difference than just hitting the masses?’ So, we decided we would take this to the next level of high-end concierge care: Eternity Health Partners.

SBLS

What a progression! What does your range of services look like today?

RHB

Mike loves the functional medicine side, and I love the business side. But what we've always stayed true to is giving high-quality service on basic things. In this space, there is so much you could do, from aesthetics, to nutrition, to treating athletes only, but we take care of the everyday person who wants to take their health seriously. We stay simple in our modalities, and stick with what we’re good at: hormone therapy, sexual health,

peptide therapy, and gut health. We do diagnostic testing for gut health, parasites, mold, and cancers, and then we do joint regeneration injections, and shots for sexual health.

We’ve also done huge panels of blood work from the beginning. Typically, when you go to your general practitioner, you’re getting maybe four panels pulled, or a CBC, which can be a group of around 12 panels: we pull not only those, but specific ones to find out what your markers are. Because we do such a wide range of selective testing, we get so much data, which we then educate the patient with. They’re like, ‘What do you mean the only thing wrong with me is my vitamin D?’ or simple markers like that.

Often, they think it’s a bigger problem. So we’re giving them the information that their bodies already have inside and educating them where they can find solutions within themselves and through Eternity. It’s so empowering—they’re taking their health back into their own hands.

SBLS

While your patient pool is rather broad, do you have a core age demographic?

RHB

Since we've been in this space for over a decade, we've noticed patterns change in who our clientele is. Typically, it was patients who were forty to fifty years old and up, who would say, ‘I'm a CEO and I’m used to handling my company, but now I feel like crap.’ Now we see more people in their thirties coming to us saying the same thing, having hormone issues much earlier.

Particularly in the mental wellness space: we're seeing younger kids feeling affected by social media, and experiencing digestive health concerns too, all of which has been a new, interesting movement.

That’s not to say conventional medicine doesn’t have a place: when you have an infection or a life-threatening illness, it definitely does. But there’s a lot that can be achieved internally with gut nutrition and basic foundationals like sunlight, movement, nutrition, and sleep. If you’re not figuring out the root cause of health issues from the foundation up, you’re going to keep battling different things all the time.

SBLS

Eternity is uniquely grounded in a preventative approach: why is that so important?

RHB

When people think of health and wellness, they go to a practitioner to get fixed, or they have a symptom that they want answers for.

With our kind of care, it's about knowing that eventually, you're going to have some kind of health concern. So [at Eternity] we’re finding your base, and then optimizing that as you age—a different approach than fixing it when it's broken. It’s about being smarter, rather than working harder on your body: it’s getting clear on your intuition and what your body needs. Then, it’s creating a great partnership with your doctor. I've heard so many times from patients that go to general practitioners saying, ‘They don't have time for me. They don't remember me, unless they took good notes on their last check-up.’

Nobody wants to feel like a number.

SBLS

I love that you emphasize tailoring patient relationships to individual personalities, because being receptive to care is something that seems as crucial as the care itself. When did you tune into integrative medicine and business management in the first place?

RHB

I grew up on a farm in Canada, taking care of farm life and a broken family as the oldest of six children. On top of that, I've had gut issues since I was 16, and I had surgery on my stomach, so I’ve always been concerned about health.

When I moved to Santa Barbara in my twenties, I started training at a martial arts studio, and broke into health and wellness: I got nutrition certified and became a wellness coach. Flash forward to now, I’ve been in this space for 10 years.

Martial arts changed my life because it’s so mental and spiritual, and it requires you to keep your body physically fit. Having a relationship with all three of those things is the ultimate goal: that’s full wellness. So in straddling the business and wellness spaces, I'm always curious about transformation and helping people get a voice in who they are and what they want.

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My martial arts philosophy is to take care of yourself so you can take care of others—in life and in business. And I think cultivating our roots comes in simple acts of self care, which are so important as a woman. Women put themselves off for their kids, for businesses, and then this and then that. If we’re always reacting and solving problems at a fast pace, we’ll never get to the root cause, and we’ll always be chasing something we never get to.

SBLS

Right, and taking your own advice is often easier said than done. How do you go about nourishing your fundamental base?

RHB

My approach has changed a lot: at first, I was grinding working in Eternity, and then was working on the business when I wasn’t on my 8 to 5 in here. But in the last three years, I’ve gotten serious about delegating and getting the support needed to practice what I preach.

Making those decisions to add to the team when it feels scary and saying no when things aren’t in alignment with how I want to live everyday are super important. I’m constantly asking myself, ‘How do you want to show up?’ I’m also taking everything we offer here, like different peptides and supplements.

I always joke that I’m actually 65 years old in the anti-aging space. [Laughs]

SBLS

RHB

Holding wisdom in both the wellness and business spaces is important because you can act as a translator, which is crucial given how oversaturated the market of wellness information is. What do you tell patients encountering wellness misconceptions?

My biggest piece of advice is to stop looking out and to look in. Find out what your body is telling you, because there's so much stuff out there on Instagram, on the internet, and in conversations. So many patients come to Eternity because they’ve gone down the Google rabbit holes, they’ve tried things on their own, they’ve gone to another practitioner, and they’re just confused. Holistic health isn’t a quick fix: it has to be a partnership, a transactional experience, not just a one-off procedure or service.

Both our doctor and concierge team act with accountability for the patient. Our concierge team is so client-service forward:

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for example, we have a note to touch base once in a while with one of our patients who’s been with us forever, and she writes back, ‘Is this my doctor's office?’ I think that’s so cute, because [patients] aren't used to having that kind of relationship with a doctor who cares.

You’ve achieved the ultimate ‘inner nurturing’ through martial arts. How exactly does it feel to get a third-degree black belt in Hapkido, and how do you tap back into that sensation as a manager? At the end of the third degree black belt test, you're literally crying. You're so fatigued, and your mind is playing so many tricks on you, but you have to get through it, and finally you break a board. Then you're just in puddles, thinking ‘I can't do any more’—but you just did.

It’s a commitment, but it has changed my life. You build a relationship with yourself, which comes back to health: empowering yourself and believing that you can do it, and also relying on other sources like collaboration, training, and mentors.

Hapkido is a self-defense-based martial art: rather than striking against power, you're using the energy and power to deflect and defend yourself. In life, if you slow down and find alignment with yourself first, then you can be your own advocate for what's best for you.

SBLS

I can only imagine how rewarding that would feel. How do you empower others with that feeling?

RHB

I've had my hands in different spaces with both martial arts, my health and wellness business, and I've done personal development retreats for women called Women Who Warrior. I'm finding that I want to merge them all, infusing both health and wellness, movement and stillness. On Sunday, March 2nd, I’ll be hosting another women’s wellness event called Eternal You: Health in Your Hands.

In my events, I want to create a unique experience of mind-body alignment for each person. There will be intimate groups where they can pick the information they want to learn, because everyone has different goals.

It’ll be a collaboration of vendors, great speakers and people I trust in my community.

“If you’re not figuring out the root cause of health issues from the foundation up, you’re going to keep battling different things all the time.”

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SBLS

It’s wonderful to hear the light you’re sharing in these retreats and in your daily operations at Eternity. You’re all about finding time to reassess your roots: how exactly do you recommend this to those who are busy working professionals on tight schedules, like yourself?

RHB

People think that you have to add more to put a plan in place for a wellness lifestyle, so that always goes on the back burner.

I say this in my business: you work in your business and then you work on your business. It's the same thing with life and your lifestyle: you do your daily tasks, but then you have to plan outside of that.

What do you want your future to look like?

What are your priorities? Otherwise you're

a human doing, and not a human being.

I love getting into sprints where I'm grinding, but it's not sustainable. It's all about doing a sprint, achieving some goals, and then slowing down, reevaluating, reassessing, and then hitting it again.

So many times in my retreats, I start by asking, ‘What do you want to be said [about you] on your 80th birthday? What do you want to be remembered as?’ That brings out the root of people, instead of turning to, ‘Oh, I’ve got to get the groceries, get the kids, and I have no time for anything.’ I know that's reality, of course, but you must also make a choice. Because time is precious. Health is precious.*

eternityhealthpartners.com | @eternity_health_partners

Are hormones affecting your health?

WE HAVE ANSWERS.

805-608-4582 | 533 E Micheltorena St #203 | EternityHealthPartners.com

@ S B L I FUNITY E A N D S T Y L E | 35 COMMIT TED TO SERVIN G THE SANTA BAR BARA COMM

arrivederci, LAURA DINNING, OWNER OF ALLORA BY LAURA, REFLECTS ON HER TIME ON COAST VILLAGE ROAD AND LOOKS AHEAD TO NASHVILLE

BY Maddy Sims PHOTOGRAPHY Ryan Mayo HAIR & MAKEUP Ja’Nice Ramos

L

aura Dinning is a Taurus. It’s one of the first things she mentions about herself when I meet her. But if she hadn’t, it would’ve been my first guess. Taurus signs are deeply appreciative of the finer things in life. They have a love of luxury and beauty. It only makes sense, then, that she would open Allora by Laura, an iconic clothing boutique that combines fine European clothing with soulful California style on Montecito’s Coast Village Road.

Despite owning a luxury clothing store now, Dinning’s beginnings were much more humble. “I started in fashion when I was five,” she laughs. “I always had this sense about what people were wearing. I noticed their heel height. I noticed if their gloves matched their outfit. I had an aunt who was a nun, and I used to be mesmerized with the robes and how the white bib was placed—where it was and why.”

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allora Growing up, paper dolls were her toy of choice. “I could lay on the floor all day long dressing them,” she says. “There weren’t enough outfits to keep me satisfied.” As a teenager, she sought out a part-time retail job in Los Angeles. She landed a position as the assistant to the window dresser, a woman named Gertrude. “She was trained in Vienna, Austria, and I worked with her for about a year,” she says fondly. “She taught me everything about speaking to an audience from a window and the physical understanding of how to place clothing. I loved it.”

Dinning climbed her way to store manager and never looked back. She connected with a company whose background was in Italian fashion and ran showrooms for them in Los Angeles, New “If you wear it well York, and Milan. She learned the ropes of and you feel confident, wholesale and gained an understanding of European style. “It was like going to that’s what’s in style.” art school—the underlying idea that you could convey creative sense and style to a customer and have that relationship was what I loved,” she says. “So retail is where I ended up.”

You can tell this is exactly what Dinning was meant to do.

Fashion retail requires a delicate balance of listening to your customers and guiding them. It requires trust built up over time. Cultivating relationships with the Coast Village community is at the core of what Dinning does, and it's evident throughout our interview. Before we even sit down, a store regular comes in off the street simply to say hello. In the middle of our talk, she sees another customer outside and gets up to greet them warmly. She embodies yet another trait of Taurus signs: loyalty. You can see how much this community means to her—and how difficult it is for her to say goodbye.

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After all, Dinning has been on Coast Village for quite some time. She worked at a store just down the road from Allora called Antoinette Boutique. They sold a variety of Italian goods, which Dinning says taught her a lot about what she wanted to do. When the boutique owner passed away, she took over for about five years. Finally, she decided she was ready to start her own venture.

She walked past the open space on the corner of Coast Village Road just across from The Honor Bar, and saw it was available for lease. She was in luck—the owner of the space wanted a retail store. They shook hands, and she was in three months later.

I ask Dinning if she was scared. “Oh yes,” she smiles.

“Good scared. I think if you're a little scared of things, that's probably okay.” She was worried, as most creatives are, that people might not understand her and her vision.

But she says she was also excited. “I had the support of people that I'd been selling to in this town for 25 years,” she says. “They trusted me, and I trusted them. That made it fun, and it made it meaningful.”

What was her vision, exactly? “Having that European background, I loved going into European boutiques,” she says. She loved the way they were set up, so that customers could see every item and appreciate the beauty. “I wanted to showcase the collections that I thought were brave and wonderful and fun and wearable,” she says. “I also had a background of what my customer here in Santa Barbara enjoyed wearing. I wanted to marry it all and have it very California but very European.”

Around this time, her daughter, TJ Harlin, was finishing up fashion school in Los Angeles (good style runs in this family). She’d gotten an offer from Topshop to open a store in Los Angeles, but Dinning made her a counter offer: Come work with her instead. “We've been doing it ever since,” she says. “That was a huge part of what made it less scary: having a kid that you know loves what you love. It was the best.” Her face lights up as she speaks about her daughter, and you can see the pride in her eyes.

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The mother-daughter duo got to work, and the store took off. Over time, they built a loyal customer base and became a go-to spot for tourists looking for a unique shopping experience. It wasn’t without hurdles, though.

“There are always challenges with how a community can change,” she says. “The pandemic changed the way people thought about dressing, for example.”

The other challenge, Dinning says, is staying current in the wake of the rapid fashion cycle, driven by social media. “It's constantly changing all the time,” she says. Instead of playing into the fashion frenzy online, Dinning encourages her customers to ignore the noise and focus on what they feel best in instead. She laughs for a moment, and says people ask her all the time what’s in style. “The answer is kind of an eye-roller, but it's what looks good on you,” she says. “If you wear it well and you feel confident, that’s what’s in style.”

It’s this focus on her customers that has created a fiercely loyal community. She says the business could have never survived the pandemic and the mudslide without the support of the Coast Village community. “There was a man who came into the store after the mudslides,” she says. “His wife was so worried that businesses would be wiped out. We were one of her favorite boutiques, so she asked him to come into the store and buy five pieces of clothing. She told him to make sure we knew that she needed us there.”

Despite the soaring success of Allora, Dinning officially announced that it will close its doors in the spring of 2025. “Closing Allora is not about a community or an endeavor that failed—it’s about change,” she says.

“I now live in Nashville, and I underestimated how much my brand required that I be here. I'm sacrificing all of the things that I love in my life: my family, my home, my grandchildren. I can't keep it up.”

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She pauses and looks around her store. “I'm just gonna call it a run,” she says. “An incredible one, right?”

Again, I can see pride brimming in her eyes, but there’s sadness too. It's clear this was not an easy decision.

“It is a bittersweet thing because I love Montecito,” she says. “I've known these people my whole life. We've seen so many businesses come and go, and seen so many iconic fashion decades: the ‘70s, ‘80s, ‘90s. I feel like I'm carving out a piece of my heart and leaving it here.”

And while she’s leaving Montecito, she’s bringing Allora over to the South (though it might look a little different there). “I think it'll be an edited version of this,” she says. “I’ll be locking into what I know I can sell without having it be too much work.”

As for her business partner, Dinning says TJ started a consulting business for fashion brands. “She can do everything—from hiring to wholesale to marketing.”

Dinning notes TJ will focus on this freelance endeavor but says it’s been a gift to work on Allora alongside her daughter. “It’s been the best to watch her grow and watch her become so good at what she does.”

For those fearing this is goodbye, Dinning assures me it’s more of a see you later. “I might come back in town and do pop-ups for some of the bigger labels that I know are important to my customer a few times a year so that they can get those looks shipped to them,” she says.

And while Allora by Laura won’t physically be on Coast Village Road anymore, Dinning says she hopes people will remember it once was. “I hope there's a little piece of legacy left here so that conversations that customers have together after I'm gone sound like some of the ones I've had about my favorite stores that I used to go to,” she says. “I hope they say, ‘Oh, I loved that place.

Do you remember we used to shop here?’”

The relationships, the people, the community on Coast Village Road—that’s what Dinning says makes it all meaningful. “We’ve made so many memories together, and clothes help define those memories. We had some fans that loved our clothes, and I'm so honored that they did.”*

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SBLS wellness

psychedelic

little luxuries therapy LIKE A LUCID DREAM, BUT WITH MORE BENEFITS

42 JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2025

BY Alexandra Sharova

O

ne minute, I’m at Lucid Therapeutics talking to Remi (the founder and CEO) about my intention to overcome any limiting beliefs that may be holding me back from living my purpose, and the next, I’m steering a colossal condor soaring above the Middle East. Here—in the undefine-able and unquantifiable realm I’m visiting and simultaneously co-creating—spacetime is just an idea, not a binding reality. You might be thinking: WHAT? Let me attempt to explain.

Forever fueled by curiosity, and what sometimes seems like an insatiable desire to evolve, transform, and understand the world, I booked a (legal) ketamine therapy session at Santa Barbara’s first clinic of its kind.

Traditionally, ketamine was used as an anesthetic, until the discovery of its impact on the brain led to the formation of a groundbreaking form of therapy. Targeting the amygdala (which processes and regulates emotions including fear and anxiety), the hippocampus (critical for learning, memory processing, and consolidating longterm memories), and the prefrontal cortex (which handles attention, working memory, and decision-making, playing a critical role in social behavior), ketamine brings forth a free flow of the subconscious. This allows us to uncover stored memories, emotions, and most importantly unprocessed traumas to, in a way, re-experience them through a new lens—one that does not cling to expectation or conditioned beliefs—to heal the patterns that keep us stuck. Whether it’s a core familial wound that interjects into present-day relationships, insidiously echoing “you are unlovable” or “people cannot be trusted,” or a suppressed memory that keeps one bound to cycles of PTSD and crippling anxiety, such therapy can expedite the healing process. Think of it like years’ worth of talk-therapy compressed into a handful of sessions.

A moss-wall anchors the contemporary lobby where I await Remi and my therapeutic guide for the session, atop a plush velvet couch. Here, the aim is for clients to “become active participants in their healing.” The intentionally designed process and space make up the “set and setting” factors of this therapy. The concept is widely attributed to controversial Harvard psychologist Timothy Leary—who played a critical role in bringing psychedelics to the masses in the 1960s—and in the case of Lucid Therapeutics, the preparation (the medical assessment and pre-treatment session with a therapist) creates the mindset, which is the “set” component, and the container I’m in, is the setting. Together, these aspects work to cultivate a feeling of safety, so clients can let go and “trust the process,”—a notion that’s critical for a successful psychedelic session.

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Before the session begins, I decompress with a 20-minute light-therapy guided meditation to relax, ground, and slow down my mind and nervous system, priming my being for the journey ahead. Then, my dedicated therapist and I settle in for a check-in and I read some reflections from the prior night from my journal. With my intention set, it’s time to start the treatment. I lay down in my private treatment room that’s styled with plants and serene modern details, slip on my eye mask, and follow Remi’s guidance in a short breathwork exercise. Then, he injects my arm with the medicine, places a pair of noise-canceling headphones over my ears, and, as melodic frequencies begin to whisk me away the remainder of my active consciousness becomes aware that it’s 3 p.m. on a Wednesday and I’m doing psychedelics...for work. I let out a giggle, since any and all expressions are welcome, before jumping from reality to a roller coaster train in the thick of fluffy clouds. And just like that, I’m off...

One thing I’ve learned from previous psychedelic journeys with plant medicines, like psilocybin and ayahuasca, is that kaleidoscopic colors, timeline leaps, and seemingly parallel realities that defy the linear binds of our human reality are hard to grasp and convey post-experience. However, the goal is not to over-analyze the literal translation of melting clocks and what the blueberry-hued aliens staring at you mean, but rather how do you feel? What metaphors could the visions be hiding? I spend my 45-minute session traversing between somewhere (and some-when) in the Middle East, exploring ancient Egypt, another dimension where my partner and I are embodied as not-quite-human beings, within a prism of sacred geometry, and lastly, a lavender bliss of still water and 360 degrees of nature.

Reaching paradise however was not simple, even in my altered state. I found myself standing over a massive waterfall drop knowing I had to jump; I had to let go—an example of how such metaphors reflect something tangible in our normal lives. With a single step I left my fears of the unknown behind, taking a leap of faith. And as I did, angel wings formed carrying me down to what felt like my version of “heaven.”

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During my experience the physical act of swallowing is a grounding reminder that I am in fact, a human being in a body that’s safely resting under the supervision of caring experts. As the ketamine wears off and the alternate world slips away, I return to my present reality as a writer and entrepreneur on the tail end of a session at Lucid Therapeutics. Removing my headphones and mask feels weird, but not as strange as talking after visiting a space where the linearity of language as we know it did not exist. Slowly but surely, I regain normal consciousness.

Post-session, I am guided to the decompression space.

There, among cream pillows and blankets with a Turkish twist I lay down to regain my “footing” back on earth.

The sweet receptionist brings me tea and a coloring book, as I reflect on the last hour, in awe of what I experienced.

Throughout the different scenarios I witnessed and moved through, I kept asking “what am I meant to do in this life?” and a voice replied “be, be, be,” as it faded into the abyss. With that, I surrendered, and flowed on with the journey. The simple revelation echoed my intention (to be more in flow with life, rather than resisting against it), but the delivery wasn’t glaring or forceful, it was subliminal; that simply being in my fullest expression was in fact the purpose—it’s more than enough.

I leave the clinic a few hours later feeling limitless—like the weight of past fears and an incessant need to do and create output lifted, a renewed sense of self-love and self-trust taking its place. The child within, whose once useful protective mechanisms have outgrown the present-day me, feels at ease, trusting that “we” are ready for our latest adventure into the new life that’s unfolding before my eyes. And while one ketamine session will not fix all your problems—and it doesn’t promise to—the introspection, new perspectives, and neuroplasticity that occur during a session and are later explored throughout the integration period, leave a profound impact, paving the way for deeper healing and as a result, lasting transformation.*

@ S B L I F E A N D S T Y L E | 45

start with sage NATASHA CALEEL’S WOMEN’S GYM SAGE SOCIETY IS BREAKING DOWN BARRIERS—ONE BARBELL AT A TIME—WITH A HOLISTIC APPROACH TO FEMALE FITNESS

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T

BY Eva Grunburg PHOTOGRAPHY Ryan Mayo HAIR & MAKEUP Ja’Nice Ramos

hough fitness is a popular New Year’s resolution, it can be challenging to know where to start—especially without a personal goal, like-minded community, or wise guidance. Enter Sage Society, a by-women, for-women fitness studio designed to empower its members on their fitness journeys through personalized care, small group classes, and expert instruction.

A respite from “gymtimidation,” Sage Society and its founder, Natasha Caleel, are creating a much-needed space for women at any stage of their fitness journey.

From CrossFit lovers to ex-athletes to beginners, Sage Society fosters a community of uplifting support that extends beyond the studio.

Entering any gym for the first time can be nerve-racking, yet when I enter Sage Society, I’m greeted by a smiling Natasha—and the striking scent of energizing eucalyptus—and I find myself immediately at ease. I gasp at how incredible the space smells, and Natasha, sensing my shock that a gym could smell this fresh, says that’s exactly what she wanted, “I want women to walk in and be like, ‘This feels good. This feels like somewhere I want to be.’”

She nailed it—Sage Society immediately is somewhere I want to be and somewhere I'd love to stay. I’m stunned by the tranquil and airy space, as Natasha encourages me to snap photos in what has been deemed the “Instagram mirror.” Feminine touches of greenery, luxe mirrors, and a retail boutique in the newly renovated studio create an aesthetic that’s equally comforting and motivating. I take in the sight of shining cardio machines, organized weight stations, and flattering lighting, but what strikes me most is the quiet satisfaction, and even joy, of the small group of women exercising before me.

“Because it’s women only, women can show up as they are. There’s no expectation to wear your fancy yoga pants, have your hair done, or have a full face of makeup,” Natasha explains. The only expectation at Sage Society is that you give your best.

A women’s fitness expert, postpartum corrective exercise specialist, and occupational therapist, Natasha’s extensive knowledge is evident throughout her studio and is embraced by her clients. She absolutely glows from the inside out, even more so when she speaks about Sage Society.

“A Sage is somebody that will empower people with knowledge so that they can help themselves... I’m here to give you the knowledge and support so that you can help yourself,” Natasha says. As the Sage of Sage Society, Natasha provides women the tools to navigate their own fitness journeys with confidence and agency.

Since opening in January 2024, Sage Society has provided a space for women to prioritize themselves in an industry that often leaves them behind. Natasha intentionally designed Sage Society to holistically support women and mothers. Individualized instruction, small group classes, community events, and on-site childcare (a “non-negotiable” for Natasha) are distinctive aspects that eliminate barriers to fitness and make Sage Society a place to focus on you.

“After I had my daughter, I had been looking for somewhere to go, somewhere that I could bring her with me and focus on strengthening my body and get back to a place where I could do all the things that I was doing before,” Natasha recalls. Unable to find a place that fit all her needs as an active mom, Natasha took matters into her own hands, becoming a Sage for women like herself.

Sage Society offers a variety of classes for all fitness levels, taught by an expert team of female instructors.

Though each class has a separate focus, strength training, injury prevention, corrective exercise, and prenatal and postpartum fitness are the core intentions. Natasha has Sage Society down to a science—literally. Even women’s cycles are taken into consideration, as movement alternatives are given to accommodate the phases of the menstrual cycle. “Most fitness programs are created by men, for men, and that’s something I’ve been trying to change," Natasha explains. "We’re doing the things that are going to best benefit a woman’s body."

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Unlike larger classes, where participants battle for trainer attention or can injure themselves without proper instruction, Sage Society’s classes range from one-on-one to 1-4 semi-private to 12-person-max groups, ensuring each woman receives personal attention to guide them to perform their best. By building strength with individualized instruction, Sage Society empowers women from the inside out. “Having a solid foundation of muscle as we go into our late 30s, 40s, and 50s is going to help so much when it comes to not just staying fit and looking good, but also from a functional perspective,” Natasha points out.

Despite its overwhelming benefits, Natasha acknowledges the intimidation that comes with strength training’s masculine connotations. As her Sage duty, Natasha’s mission is to impart that strength training is an essential part of ensuring wellness and preventing injuries in daily life—especially for women. “People all the time will be like, ‘Oh, I don’t want to use more than the five-pound weight because I’m going to get bulky,’" Natasha says.

"I’m like, Okay, how much does your kid weigh? 40 pounds? You pick up your kid all the time, so let’s focus on doing that the right way and building strength, so that when you go to pick your kid up, you’re not going to throw your back out.”

Client stories like these and Natasha’s personal experience as a mom inform much of her practice at Sage Society. The perspective on strength she instills in her clients also extends to her 10-year-old daughter. From going on runs with a stroller in tow to bringing her along to fitness classes, Natasha has always framed exercise in a positive light for her daughter and for the women at Sage Society. “Exercise is something that we get to do, not something that we have to do,” Natasha emphasizes.

I walk into Sage Society, excited to get to do my one-on-one personal training with Natasha. She expertly corrects my form, attentively alters my movements, and firmly encourages me through tougher circuits. Her sparkling conversation and pro tips and tricks make the workout fly by—though, by the end, heavy breathing and heat make me realize that she didn’t go easy on me! Still, I’m proud of what Natasha showed me my body was capable of.

Natasha’s mantra of exercise and female strength breaks the toxicity that can come with female-focused fitness. Stressing the significance of function and overall well-being, Sage Society is leading by example, creating the next generation of strong women who are able to feel at home in the gym. “Everyone starts somewhere," Natasha says. "We end up holding ourselves back because we’re scared to just get started.”

I leave Sage Society sore, smiling, and stronger. This new year, don’t be afraid to just get started—especially if you have a sage (society) to guide you along the way.*

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“Feminine touches of greenery, luxe mirrors, and a retail boutique in the newly renovated studio create an aesthetic that’s equally comforting and motivating.”

@ S B L I F E A N D S T Y L E | 49

relax

& recharge TUCKED BETWEEN MALIBU AND SANTA BARBARA LIES A TRANQUIL, STATE-OF-THE-ART WELLNESS DESTINATION AND THE BIGGEST SPA IN THE FOUR SEASONS COLLECTION

50 JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2025

BY Maddy Sims

J

ust one hour from Santa Barbara lies a hidden oasis: Four Seasons Hotel Westlake Village. Set against the Santa Monica Mountains, the hotel is a tranquil escape with cascading waterfalls, sprawling gardens, and elegant decor. But what truly sets this Four Seasons apart is its focus on wellness. There’s the Center for Health & Wellbeing, which provides guests and non-guests access to new technologies and diagnostics plus an impressive team of accredited experts including registered dietitians, exercise physiologists, licensed therapists, energy healers, mindfulness coaches, and sleep experts. That’s not it, though. Four Seasons Hotel Westlake Village also boasts the biggest spa in the Four Seasons brand—and it certainly proves that bigger is better.

The spa is a destination all its own, with a gym (complete with Peloton bikes and luxe machines), hair and nail salon, bubbling Jacuzzi, sauna, ultra-plush chaises, private plunge pools, and quiet massage rooms—steps from the property’s sparkling pools.

Given the stress of our day-to-day lives, it can feel nearly impossible to truly relax. But step inside the spa at Four Seasons Hotel Westlake Village, and you do—almost immediately. The spa never feels cramped or congested, thanks to its impressive size (40,000 square feet, to be precise). Even on a busy Saturday morning, patrons are evenly dispersed throughout the space. A couple of hours fly by in an instant. I visit the nail salon, the Jacuzzi, the sauna, and then the lounge chairs looking out to the pool.

By the time I sit down, I’m so relaxed I almost fall asleep.

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My massage therapist warmly greets me and leads me to the treatment room. It’s spacious, silent, and absolutely serene. I booked the Advanced Therapeutic, a deep-tissue massage designed to release tension and improve muscle function. It’s one of the 12 (yes, 12) massages currently offered at this property. The spa also offers several Mind & Body treatments such as an Organic Body Polish and a Lavender Milk and Honey Cocoon plus a variety of Facial Treatments (from their Signature to the Biologique Recherche Bespoke).

My 60-minute massage is pure bliss, which is saying something given it’s a deep-tissue massage. The heated table instantly relaxes my muscles, and the soft sheets feel silky-smooth on my skin. My massage therapist expertly works out the tightness in my legs and the knots in my upper back. My favorite part? The scalp massage at the end. It’s optional (since some people might not want their freshly-washed hair to be disturbed), but I highly recommend it. I’d go so far as to say it’s worth redoing your hair afterwards.

Once I bundle back up into my robe, my massage therapist leads me back to the locker room. I spend the rest of the afternoon testing the property’s three pools.

I start at the Serenity Pool, which is for guests 18 and older. It lives up to its name: it’s enclosed by gorgeous landscape, secluded from the larger pool further on. You can order food and drinks here without having to leave, plus there are private cabanas available to book.

A few more steps lead me to The Cove, a huge pool and three hot tubs surrounded by lounge chairs, hammocks, a bocce ball court, and an al fresco restaurant and bar.

I enjoy a crisp glass of wine while taking in panoramic views of the Santa Monica Mountains. I end my tour at the Indoor Pool, next to the gym and accompanying locker rooms. The building is flooded with natural light, thanks to its vaulted skylight and glass doors.

By the time I shower off and change, it's dinner time.

The hotel has several food and drink destinations, from the poolside restaurant to a California brasserie to a speakeasy-inspired cocktail bar. Whether you plan a quick trip or a longer getaway, there are ample ways to refuel after relaxing in the spa. I stop to try the house-made pretzel bread at Coin & Candor (and have to stop myself from ordering seconds) before heading up to my luxurious room for the night.

In a world where it’s exceedingly difficult to unplug and unwind, the spa at Four Seasons Hotel Westlake Village offers a dreamy escape. You can spend the day (or even several days) enjoying the wide variety of amenities and experiences—all set in a sprawling, stunning space.

If you’re searching for your next staycation destination, look no further. The one-hour drive from Santa Barbara is well worth it. I’m already planning a trip back.*

“In a world where it’s exceedingly difficult to unplug and unwind, the spa at Four Seasons Hotel Westlake Village offers a dreamy escape.”

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IMAGES COURTESY OF FOUR SEASONS

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SBLS fashion

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play to win PHOTOGRAPHY Jon Premosch | STYLIST Hannah Canon PROP STYLIST Tracy Raetz | HAIR & MAKEUP Crystal Trottier MODELS Chiara Hovland & Didi with Two Management LOCATION La Playa Stadium at SBCC

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Top ADIDAS Shorts BEACH RIOT Shoes APL

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pool

PHOTOGRAPHY Jon Premosch | STYLIST Hannah Canon MODEL Meagan Lee with L.A. Models HAIR & MAKEUP Crystal Trottier PROPERTY 10812 Portofino Place, Los Angeles, CA 90077 Listed with Larry Young | Berkshire Hathaway Home Services (310) 801-9355 | larryyoungassociates.com

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Top CULT GAIA Swimsuit MONTCE

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Robe ASTA RAZMA

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Swimsuit ISA BOULDER Sunglasses AY STUDIOS Necklace DE LIGUORO Ring CHRISTINE BUKKEHAVE Earrings KYLE CHAN

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Coat CINQ Á SEPT Juniper Corset DIANA COUTURE Bracelet and ring ZOFIA DAY Juniper Ring GEORGINA JEWELRY Earrings VERONICA THARMALINGAM

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Dress CINQ A SEPT Juniper Bodice ASTA RAZMA Leather Jacket NOUR HAMMOUR Juniper Shoes SEYCHELLES Bag A.L.C. Juniper Earrings & Necklaces KYLE CHAN

SBLS travel

AMANGIRI OFFERS THE PERFECT BLEND OF SERENITY AND ADVENTURE

IMAGES COURTESY OF AMAN

ama

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BY Ottocina Ryan

“

The thing about climbing,” my guide J.J. says as we begin our ascent of a towering rock formation, “Is that you’re present. There’s no yesterday, no tomorrow, no taxes.” He’s right. As we scale Amangiri’s Via Ferrata (which means iron path) all I’m focused on is the next iron rung. The world beyond the rock fades away, especially as I cross the two suspension bridges. J.J. calls them edamame (the first balance beam-width one is the appetizer) and sashimi (the longer, wider one is the entree, if you will). If it takes being high in the air on an iron beam to make my to-do list vanish, maybe that’s a bigger issue, but I’m going to chalk it up to Amangiri’s magic being the ultimate cure.

From the top, the view is incredible–Amangiri nearly disappears into the desert landscape, blending seamlessly with its surrounding 920 acres. Three hours after departing, safely back on the ground, we return to the resort. I join my family at the pool—an oasis I’ve ogled on Pinterest for years. Elegant daybeds line the cerulean pool curved around a 165-million-year-old rock escarpment. We stretch out on a daybed, soaking in the surreal view, and order lunch—the wild mushroom pizza and perfected seabass tacos we couldn’t get enough of yesterday. The staff, always one step ahead, ask if we'd like dessert delivered to the room. They somehow anticipate every want you didn’t know you had. Soft peach cookies and scoops of vanilla ice cream await us in the suite, beating us by just a moment.

ngiri

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The room is minimalist and modern, with earth tones that echo the desert. The landscape truly takes center stage—the patinaed concrete structures that house the 34 suites simultaneously meld with and frame the expansive views. The beauty of Amangiri’s isolated location is that when you’re here, you’re here—fully immersed in the tranquility of the property and the company of your companions. Yet, if you’re so inclined to explore, you’re a stone’s throw from Lake Powell and slot canyons, and two hours from Zion, Bryce Canyon and the Grand Canyon. Of course, Amangiri can facilitate seamless visits to any or all of these outdoor Meccas.

As the day winds down, I return to the main pavilion where the scent of juniper wood burning in the fireplaces enhances the cozy ambiance. The atmosphere is casual and most guests are dressed as if they’re heading out to run errands. I join the 4:30 p.m. dreamcatcher workshop.

An activity I wouldn’t typically seek out—but am so glad I did. Pearl, a Navajo Native American, leads me and a few other guests in weaving dreamcatchers. We bond over how tricky it is at first, and once we get the hang of it, it’s meditative, looping the cord around and around, adding stones—I select mostly black ones for more sleep—until it reaches the center. I leave the workshop with a dream catcher, a deeper understanding of Navajo culture and new friends.

Afterwards, we relax on the couches with tea while watching the sunset, then move to a table for dinner.

The dishes are Southwest inspired, each one is simple in presentation and incredible in flavor. We begin with Northern bison spring rolls and Rocky Mountain elk tartare, followed by perfectly cooked steak and salmon.

Layla sits contently in her highchair and Amangiri branded bib, while Andrew and I play backgammon and enjoy a quiet evening.

The next morning we order room service to our patio, gazing out at the vast desert. Surrounded by the still, quiet landscape, it feels as if we were transported to

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another planet and the only ones there. Appropriately, the avocado toast and inch-thick cast iron pancake topped with macerated berries are both otherworldly.

I begin the day with a massage, as the soreness from the Via Ferrata sets in. Even the journey to the spa is a sensory experience; the entrance corridor is pitch black aside from a grouping of flickering candles, coaxing me into the spa. My masseuse leads me outside to the treatment room and, as my dreamcatcher would have it, I drift off almost immediately and awake completely rejuvenated. That relaxed, peaceful feeling remains with me the rest of the stay.

While Andrew enjoys the cold plunge, sauna, and spacious gym, I take Layla to the wildlife presentation in the main pavilion. Amangiri’s daily activities are a true highlight and engaging for guests of any age or background. A local wildlife rehabilitator introduces us to several snakes and scorpions, explaining their behaviors and habitats. She then lets us hold the snakes—even Layla eagerly pets them.

For a (slight) change of scenery, we have dinner at Camp Sarika, Amangiri’s tented retreat (think luxe safari lodge).

The tasting menu is accompanied by live music; guests gather in the lounge to listen to a guitarist playing Johnny Cash and James Taylor covers. When our pistachio olive oil cake plates are sparkling clean we are chauffeured back to Amangiri in a BMW from their fleet, enjoying the brilliant stars the whole five-minute-drive.

Our final morning it’s a toss up between joining the daily yoga class and guided hike to Broken Arrow Cave, or doing nothing at all. We pick the latter, with a side of Marble Canyon French Toast. As we depart, I recall my answer when J.J., the Via Ferrata guide, asked how Amangiri compared to other resorts I’ve stayed at: “Nothing is over the top or trying too hard, yet nothing is missing. It’s luxurious, yet totally comfortable.

Everything is just...perfect.”*

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stay in love

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LOVE IS IN THE AIR, AND THE DETAILS, AT SAN YSIDRO RANCH

A

BY Eva Grunburg

“once upon a time” storybook romance can be your reality at San Ysidro Ranch.

Awarded World’s Best Romantic Hotel, America’s Best Romantic Hotel, and America’s Best Honeymoon Hotel in the 2024 Boutique Hotel Awards, this secluded escape in the hills of Montecito offers the perfect backdrop to your love story. Whether it’s a weekend getaway, anniversary celebration, or honeymoon stay (à la Jackie and John Kennedy), San Ysidro Ranch is the perfect destination for long-time lovers or budding romances.

This longest-standing luxury resort in Santa Barbara offers an experiential cornucopia for lovers, from complimentary dining, to intimate wine tastings, to relaxing treatments at the renowned Salon & Spa. Overlooking the sparkling Pacific, the resort’s dreamy landscape of blossoming florals provides a scene just as inviting for a wedding as a proposal, creating effortlessly memorable moments. When not out and about, alone time isn’t scarce at San Ysidro Ranch—botanically named individual cottages offer an intimate haven for two with charming decor, four-post king-sized beds, outdoor showers, and private gated entryways. San Ysidro Ranch appreciates that romance and room service go hand-in-hand, never overlooking that even a staycation can be an occasion worth celebrating.

These timeless details and more await and ensure a happily ever after—at any stage of your love story.* sanysidroranch.com

“San Ysidro Ranch is the perfect destination for long-time lovers or budding romances.”

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KALESMA PHOTOGRAPHY VAGMA MEDIA DEVELOPMENT

EMBRACE A EUROPEAN DEFINITION OF WELLNESS THROUGH PLUNGE-POOL DIPS AND SELFREFLECTION AT KALESMA AND NOŪS

BY Bennett DiDonna

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aving spent most of my life in Southern California, I grew up convinced that the pillars of wellness were juice cleanses, hot yoga, and beachfront meditation sessions. But after moving to Europe last year, where wellness appears to mean lunchtime pastries rather than alkaline kale smoothies, I’ve realized that I might need to broaden my understanding.

And so, on a recent trip to the Greek islands of Mykonos and Santorini, I took the opportunity to revisit and lean into all that is well.

It’s a warm afternoon in Mykonos as I step off the plane and into the fall sun. After a quick ride to Aleomandra, a peninsula on the southwest of the island, I find myself at the entrance to Kalesma, where I will be spending the next couple of nights. Made up of 27 suites and villas, Kalesma forms a mini mountain-side village of chic bungalows, overlooking the bay of Ornos. While it’s the end of the season, the island is still brimming with life, boho restaurants, and beach clubs, all of which are easily accessible, but quite frankly, make this quiet reprieve all the more desirable.

I have a general rule when I travel that I try to spend at least eight hours of the day outside of my hotel, exploring a city, hiking in the countryside, or visiting a nearby beach. But after opening the door to my cycladic-inspired Rick Owens-furnished suite, I scramble to find the room service menu as I don’t think I’ll be leaving until checkout. As the sun begins to set, I take a dip in my private plunge pool, looking out at the sea as beautiful shades of orange and pink flutter overhead.

Feeling a million miles away from it all, I head to Kalesma’s sleek courtyard restaurant, Pere Ubu. As is the vibe throughout the Studio Bonarchi and Studio-K designed property, Pere Ubu is effortlessly cool, featuring contemporary Greek-focused farm-to-table fare alongside a top notch cocktail and wine program. Before I can even order, I am plied with olives and cheese, followed by a delicious cod dip, and as a main, the octopus, which is finished on the large outdoor grill.

Opting to leave my blinds open, given the total privacy that Kalesma’s layout offers, I wake up to the sunrise, and take the opportunity to have an early morning dip in the pool. Beneath the indoor-outdoor lobby and boutique, I head to the hotel’s gym for a workout. But before I can even get a coffee in, I feel wide awake following a visit to the spa’s sauna and mercilessly frigid cold plunge. While the concierge team can help facilitate rides, tours, and reservations across the island, I opt to catch a short five-minute ride down to Ornos beach in one of Kalesma’s fleet of Land Rovers.

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NOŪS

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PHOTOGRAPHY VAGMA MEDIA DEVELOPMENT

“WITH A FEW beach clubs TO CHOOSE FROM–THE KIND WITH cushy chaise lounges AND umbrellas, NOT DJS AND SHOTS OF 1942—I LAY MY TOWEL DOWN AND IMMEDIATELY HOP IN THE clear blue WATER.”

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With a few beach clubs to choose from—the kind with cushy chaise lounges and umbrellas, not DJs and shots of 1942—I lay my towel down and immediately hop in the clear blue water. After a swim in the bay, I get a ride back up to Kalesma for a rejuvenating afternoon treatment at the hotel’s spa, which boasts a line of products from Dr. Barbara Sturm. Later that evening I make my way back to Pere Ubu for another stunning meal of fresh shrimp and grilled artichokes, and, because why not, a late night swim under the moon.

The next morning, before I catch my ferry, I take a bit of time to reflect on the rhythm of work, workout and relaxation, which has left me well?...well. A feeling I continue to ponder during my scenic three hour island-hopping ferry trip, until arriving at the dramatic volcanic island that is Santorini. I take a short ride to Mesaria, a town near the edge of the Santorini caldera, and make my way to NOŪS, a sleek resort from the YES Hotels group inspired by the island’s landscapes. With 119 rooms and bungalows, NOŪS, is one of the island’s largest hotels, yet still manages to maintain an elegant and calm ambiance.

As I head to my room, I pass by the lake-sized pool at the center of the property as well as a few of the 160 site-specific works from contemporary Greek artists on display. I drop my bags off in my light-filled room and can't resist taking a dip in my private plunge pool (somewhat inconceivably, my second in two days). As the afternoon begins to fade, I take a short journey to Fira, the island’s hillside capital. Overlooking the sea,

I watch a stunning sunset on the horizon, which feels like a collective moment of reprieve and reflection throughout the town.

The following morning I wake up and visit the hotel’s state of the art gym before visiting the NOŪS Spa, which is rooted in the spirit of Ef Zin, or the Greek idea of wellbeing and self-care. The striking architectural complex includes an indoor-outdoor pool, cold dip, sauna, and hamam along with several treatment rooms, where I head for a revitalizing deep tissue massage. After enjoying a bit of time in the verdant oasis-like area of the hotel, I decide to visit Perissa, one of the island’s iconic black sand beaches. The team at NOŪS can help to arrange private transport across the island, but I opt to take the local bus, which is easy to navigate, and dropped me at a breathtaking near empty beach, the warm water I float in for the rest of the afternoon.

That evening back at NOŪS’s flagship restaurant Elio’s, I enjoy a fresh caught branzino from the Italian-leaning menu along with a salad of some of the island’s famously sweet tomatoes. With a crisp glass of white wine from a vineyard down the road in hand, I sit for a moment to reflect on the trip. While I recognize that a daily dip in a private plunge pool may not be a realistic part of my wellness routine, the rhythm of movement and relaxation, eating well, but not being afraid to indulge a bit, embracing the solo, the collective, the simple, feels like a lifestyle. And like travel at its best, it’s a lifestyle that continues to linger with you long after returning home.*

“As the sun begins to set, I take a dip in my private plunge pool, looking out at the sea as beautiful shades of orange and pink flutter overhead.”

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NOŪS KALESMA

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BIG BASIN REDWOODS STATE PARK

NOTHING AT ALL YOU MUST RETRACING THE ICONIC FILM VERTIGO IN UNDERRATED SAN JUAN BAUTISTA

BY Claudia Lapin

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MISSION SAN JUAN BAUTISTA

“

There is something I must do, something I must do,” Madeleine says to Scottie in Hitchcock’s Vertigo. “There is nothing you must do. There is nothing you must do,” Scottie replies.

Pinnacles National Park instead of wondering what’s there every time you pass the exits, east and west. Why two parks in opposite directions? Think of it, finally getting Pinnacles off your list.

Every film nerd has favorite quotes from this masterpiece of intrigue and tension; nobody can get enough of Kim Novak and James Stewart regardless of how many times watched. If you've only caught snatches on late night TV it’s worth making a special TV party for yourself, downloading and watching from beginning to end. San Francisco stars as the most beautiful city in the world, back in the glory days, and the most famous scenes of the movie take place in a sweet, unpretentious California Mission where they still don’t charge entry, San Juan Bautista.

Life in Santa Barbara’s so good, we’re very hardened to trekking anywhere to see anything. But comes a time when a weekend getaway is called for, a moment when you suddenly must pile into your car. This is your Hitchcock homage time. You’re ready for it.

Surprisingly, a cool rural town of iconic film importance just an hour south of San Francisco remains untouristy.

You have a choice of two or three mediocre motels and a handful of tolerable eateries. But you’ll be making a pilgrimage of quintessential California proportions.

You can continue to places you’ve never been, like Watsonville and Big Basin Redwoods State Park (also a Vertigo location) on your coastal journey. You can visit

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When we made the rest stop past SLO it was 105 degrees. A small cluster of men in shorts and women in large sunglasses was intent upon a ranger’s every word, phones out for filming. A huge angry rattlesnake was entertaining the crowd. Folks were told not to approach for the closeup. It was too hot to think of eating lunch at the picnic tables. We drank some water and drove on.

The Pinnacles moment came, a back road that could also deliver us to San Juan Batista. A country road worthy of the name! Oaks dotted the hillsides, cows sought comfort in the shade. Ranches that may or may not have had internet announced their names along with their branding iron symbols. There were few stores or

gas stations, maybe none. We failed to understand the group of campground signs also signaled the turnoff for the ascent to Pinnacles. It was now 112 degrees, my opportunity to get out of hiking in the heat.

Too hot to go back, I whined. We can see it from here! Look! And indeed, we could see the iconic peaks. Next time.

We rolled into San Juan Batista confident in our reservation at the Best Western; no need to curtail activities at the thrift and pawn shop that engaged us immediately.

We could not settle on a purchase but did admire the scope and breadth of the offerings. Music erupted from what was obviously a town carnival complete with closed street, as in, the one main street of downtown, but there was still abundant parking. And so we arrived at the Mission!

Sedately beautiful with its cypress and cacti and blue hills in the distance. The tower scenes, well, those had been done in a studio because there is no tower, but you can explore old-frontier storefronts across the plaza, exactly as they were 150 years ago.

Noisy generators from the one-block street fair hurried us to retreat inside the Mission, a well-loved little gem in use today pretty much as it’s always been since 1797. We resolved to return to the outside gardens later. We joined the crowd and sampled four colors of local honey; I bought a jar of the darkest honey ever seen, the one that looked like molasses but wasn’t. We listened to a not-at-all-bad rock band, looked into the old bakery window and a few bars. We turned ourselves in for an early dinner at the family-owned Japanese restaurant, well regarded on Yelp. (Pleasant but no raves here.)

Strolling around after dinner as fair merchants deflated their bouncy toys, we glimpsed ordinary life in San Juan Bautista.

A wedding party came by. Cheerful Mexican oompah music blared from the high school. A sidewalk seed library had much to offer, including black hollyhock seeds. I left a dollar. The houses were sweet old California bungalows, many with beautiful gardens. Life looked pretty great. We returned to the Mission just as the evening light turned pink and violet, walking the plaza lined with stunning old buildings that commune with each other about the old days. You could feel the vibe.

At the Best Western some partiers had settled by the fountain essentially outside our door. I finally had to say something.

We placed bets about the free breakfast and were both right, dreary but edible, and you think to yourself it’s not Europe, but so it is.

But Europe has no redwoods.

The inspiring giants of Big Basin made breakfast irrelevant. This is grandeur.

Magnificence. You feel in your core the thousands of years they’ve stood there, towering, watching all of us come and go.

Madeleine regrets her mortality here in Vertigo. A group goes by on motorcycles.

You come upon Alice’s Restaurant with more motorcycles and you think, the one Arlo Guthrie sang about, long ago in that brief Woodstock moment? A quick consult of Google, and no. Not that Alice’s. And what now? You mull your life. You think it all over.

You’re so glad you jumped on this road trip.*

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rediscovering

santa barbara

PHOTOGRAPHY JARED FIX

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A GUIDE TO APPRECIATING THAT WE LIVE IN THE ULTIMATE VACATION DESTINATION

BY Ottocina Ryan

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aving a baby last year has encouraged me to see Santa Barbara through fresh eyes. From Butterfly Beach walks to wandering the farmer’s market, it’s made me appreciate the town I know so well all over again. I now take the time to enjoy the Spanish architecture, abundant greenery and proximity to the ocean. With Visit Santa Barbara offering 30% off overnight stays at select hotels to residents (and visiting friends and family) through early 2025, it was the perfect excuse to experience our hometown like a tourist.

Cue staycation.

My partner and I pack the car full of baby Layla’s essentials and drive out to The Ritz-Carlton Bacara, Santa Barbara—just far enough to feel like a vacation and close enough to explore everything else the city offers.

Handing my keys over at valet, I feel almost out of place saying “Checking in” when I live 20 minutes away and am so used to driving into the rotunda and noting I’m here for an event, photoshoot, meeting, dinner, the spa... yet now it’s time to check-in and relax.

Opening the door to our room in Villa 8 we are greeted by ocean views—from both patios and the bathtub. Too impatient to wait for the morning for this vision to play out, I immediately make a cup of coffee and sit outside to watch the sunset. The pink sky melts to orange and we savor the small moments we miss during busy evenings at home, like watching a flock of ducks fly overhead and the glowing sun sinking below the horizon.

We head to an early dinner at the property’s steakhouse, Angel Oak. Tucked in a booth between bonsai trees we enjoy Sea Scallops and Snake River Farms Prime Ribeye, while passing Layla bits of decadent Lobster Mac and Cheese and House-Made Warm Parker Rolls that we almost order seconds of. For a bit of theatre to wrap up the meal—the Blood Orange Alaska is set afire at the table.

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and swinging from their arms. (Heights not your thing? It’s just as fun to watch others fly.) It’s the perfect mix of fun, fitness and bonding—I’m already counting down the years until I can sign Layla up at age three.

RARE SOCIETY, PHOTOGRAPHY SILAS FALLSTICH

Feeling accomplished, we embark on a more mellow activity–The Santa Barbara Zoo. While we’re eager to introduce Layla to the animals, we opt for the Zoolights exhibit (which runs through January 12th). We’re mesmerized by the displays depicting different California ecosystems–from mountains to desert. The illuminated animals and flowers leave us in awe.

We wake up to the sound of waves...just kidding, did I mention we have a baby? But we could hear the waves too. After breakfast on our patio, we grab coffee and wander the property, which feels like its own little seaside town. We take in the quintessentially Santa Barbara vignettes of bougainvillea popping against bright blue sky, palm-filled courtyards with trickling fountains, and the iconic cabana-lined pool. I think how beautiful it must look to someone who hadn’t seen it before, such as a tourist from the Midwest, or our baby.

Although the resort feels wonderfully secluded, it’s still only a 15 minute drive to downtown. We set off for our next adventure: Santa Barbara Trapeze Co. I’m sure you’ve passed by a million times on Haley Street. The upbeat energy from owner Shane Weaver and his team make it fun and exciting. My initial shakiness from climbing the 30-foot ladder to the platform dissipates as I swing through the air feeling like an acrobat. The finale is a knee hang followed by a catch–where you grab an instructor’s wrists mid-air, releasing your legs from the bar

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For dinner, we keep with the steakhouse theme and head to Funk Zone favorite Rare Society.

The glamorous interior transports us to a larger city, making our staycation feel like a trip to New York. The service is exceptional and we kick off the meal with Beef Tartare and Barbeque Dry-Aged Meatballs, while sipping the Staycation and Fool’s Gold mocktails (complete with gold accents on the giant embossed ice cube). As Layla falls asleep in the booth, our main course is served: The Associate Board, an epic platter highlighting three wagyu cuts, paired sauces and bone marrow.

When the dessert menu is set before us we can’t resist the Butter Cake, served in a skillet with sour cream ice cream and chantilly atop, and Bananas Foster Cheesecake. Decadent would be an understatement. As we leave, the family sitting beside us jokes that it’s great to take your child everywhere...until they turn five and start ordering the seafood tower.

After a couple days of playing tourist, we wonder why we don't do this more often. There’s something special about slowing down to appreciate what makes Santa Barbara a vacation destination. Visit Santa Barbara’s 30% off promotion includes fivestar accommodations like Belmond El Encanto, The Ritz-Carlton Bacara and Rosewood Miramar Beach, as well as bed and breakfasts like The Eagle Inn, and Paradise Retreats vacation rentals.

Whether you grew up here, moved here, or are hosting family, it’s the perfect time to rediscover the beauty and adventure Santa Barbara has to offer, or to simply unwind for a couple days–without the logistics of traveling far.*

SANTA BARBARA TRAPEZE CO., PHOTOGRAPHY HOLLY PARKER

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48 HOURS DAY 1

JUICE RANCH

JUICE

HIIT

Start off strong with a HIIT workout at Killer B Fitness.

Smile through the sweat as you master three cardio machines and specialized strength movements. Join the community for the New Year’s Fitness Challenge, or find your fit for a discounted rate in your first month. @killerbfitness

Love is in the air at Scarlett Begonia’s Valentine’s Day Brunch. The perfect place to celebrate with your loved ones or your galentines, savor a three-course brunch that you’ll adore—no Cupid’s arrow necessary. @scarlettbegoniasb

SIP

CAFFE LUXXE

REFRESH

Prioritize self-care this new year with a visit to the Salon at San Ysidro Ranch to look and feel your best.

A signature mani-pedi or hair touch-up with world-renowned Shu Uemura hair care will start your year, and your look, off right. @thesalonatsanysidroranch

Nothing says fresh start like organic blends at Juice Ranch.

From juice cleanses, to healing elixirs, to sweet smoothies, their nourishing concoctions detoxify the body, strengthen the immune system, and satisfy any craving. @juiceranch

FLIRT

in Santa Barbara

BIKE

Head to Mad Dogs & Englishmen Bike Shop for an unforgettable cycling experience and unparalleled quality. Book a rental or tour for a breath of fresh air and to rediscover the beauty of our Santa Barbara backyard on two wheels. @maddogsbikeshop

SWING

Play a round of golf at Sandpiper’s nationally ranked course alongside stunning ocean and mountain views. Whether you’re a seasoned pro or newcomer to the game, it’s the perfect time to pick up a new hobby or sharpen your skills. @sandpipergolflcub

SPA

THE RITZ-CARLTON BACARA SPA

BY Eva Grunburg 98 JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2025

If you need an oasis to get organized, revitalized, and energized, Caffe Luxxe provides the perfect respite of quality caffeination to prepare for the year ahead. Sip on artisanal roasts and breathe in the potential of the new year. @caffeluxxe

SHOP

When it comes to splurging and sustainability, Rêve En Vert strikes the perfect balance.

Stop by the retail boutique located in Belmond El Encanto to treat yourself or those on your shopping list to luxury goods crafted by ethical Californian brands. @revenvert

DAY 2

THE EDDY

RESTOCK

Fuel the mind, body, and stomach with elevated essentials at The Eddy.

A collection of eclectic specialties, the quaint corner store offers comfort and convenience in every visit. @shoptheeddy

A spa day keeps the doctor away—relaxation awaits at the The Ritz-Carlton Bacara Spa. Set the foundation for the year to come with a custom facial or hot stone massage to feel rejuvenated from the inside out. @ritzcarltonbacarasb SANDPIPER GOLFLCUB