INDAH GALLERY
the gallery in the vineyard
Indah Gallery (indah meaning “beautiful” in Indonesian) is Roblar Winery’s very own contemporary art gallery, with a focus on artists local to the Santa Ynez Valley and Santa Barbara County. Indah Gallery is situated within the Roblar vineyard in a converted hay barn. This idyllic setting provides a unique venue for experiencing art—where the birds sing, glorious California sunshine spills in, grape leaves rustle in the wind, and an occasional rooster caw punctuates the soundscape.
Alexandra Yakutis: AUG 28 - SEP 28
Danvy Pham: OCT 9 - NOV 9
Kellen Meyer: NOV 15 - DEC 21
SIMPLIFYING YACHT OWNERSHIP
At Top Tier Yachts, we are dedicated to elevating the boating experience for yacht owners within the Santa Barbara harbor. Through our exceptional full-service offerings, we aim to simplify the ownership process and eliminate the stress of management, maintenance, and schedules. Our ultimate goal is to ensure that owning a yacht is a purely enjoyable and effortless experience. Allow us to take care of the details, so you can focus on enjoying the moment.
EDITOR IN CHIEF & PUBLISHER Ottocina Ryan
ART DIRECTOR Vide Olsson
SOCIAL MEDIA MANAGER Alexandra Lee
STAFF PHOTOGRAPHER Silas Fallstich
PHOTOGRAPHERS Ryan Mayo, Hanna Snyder, Torrey West
WRITERS Anna Constantino, Eva Grunburg, Nicole Johnson, Alexandra Lee, Andrea Manokian, Maddy Sims
PHOTOGRAPHY Torrey West
MODEL Allie Leggett with The Industry
HAIR, MAKEUP & STYLING Helen Grace Hening
PHOTO ASSISTANT Dayana Chaparro
LOCATION The Yard Orchard & Co.
Dress STAUD Teller
Jacket PENDLETON
Jewelry OCTAVIA ELIZABETH Wunderkind Vintage scarf
Santa Barbara Life & Style Magazine is published by Santa Barbara Life & Style, Inc.
26 West Mission Street #5, Santa Barbara, CA 93101
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OUR MISSION IS TO “HELP CLIENTS NAVIGATE CHALLENGES AND GUIDE THEM TOWARDS THE ACHIEVEMENT OF THEIR
CONTENTS
SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2025
IN EVERY ISSUE
SBLS SPOTLIGHT 15
For when you want to make your own cocktail, and for when you don’t.
COVET & CRAVE 16
We’re falling for these pieces.
FINISHING TOUCHES 20
Not every space is permanent, but that doesn’t mean it can’t feel personal.
48 HOURS 98
What to do when fall still feels like summer.
DINING
MANGIA! 22
The flavors of Santa Barbara, with the soul of Southern Italy.
COASTAL CACHET 26
Goleta Beach’s beloved restaurant is back and better than ever.
WINE
VINES & VISION 32
Wine, art, food, and hospitality come together at Roblar.
IN THE MOOD FOR... 38
There are no wrong answers on this quiz.
BEAUTY
MORE THAN SKIN DEEP 42
Retrouvé skincare is driven by quality ingredients, some even ourced from the founders’ permaculture farm.
WELLNESS
OLADA 48
Not just a fitness studio, Olada is a place to reset, recharge, and reconnect.
HIGH VIBES 52
With a focus on fun and friendliness, Megan’s Organic Market transforms the cannabis shopping experience.
HEALTH WITH HEART 54
To Zahra Salisbury, longevity isn’t about adding years—it’s about enjoying them.
HOME
REMIXING SPACES 58
Interior designer to the stars Kishani Perera brings her eclectic style to Santa Barbara.
FASHION
ADRIFT 64
It’s all smooth sailing aboard SB Sailing Center’s Jenny Lane.
APPLE OF MY EYE 72
Enjoying the fruits of our labor at The Yard Orchard & Co.
TRAVEL
ROSÉ COLORED GLASSES 84
Taking in the view (and the wine) at Montage Healdsburg.
LAKESIDE 86
Canada's Lake Rosseau is secluded, serene and spectacular.
CHECKING IN 90 El Encanto’s next chapter.
CANYON COUNTRY 94
Experience the stillness of Southern Utah at Ofland Escalante.
SBLS SPOTLIGHT
BY Alexandra Lee
1. LITERARY LIBATIONS
In collaboration with Godmothers Bookstore, The Manor Bar at Rosewood Miramar Beach launches the Godmothers Literary Society, a monthly salon featuring intimate author talks in its storied library lounge, in addition to new Reading Hours from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. daily.
3.
JUST ADD ICE
Prefer your cocktails stirred, not shaken?
Join Dusk Bar for Negroni Night on September 24, where hotel guests and visitors alike will learn how to craft the classic cocktail in its original form, play around with creative twists, and finish by taking home a bottled freezer door Negroni.
2. TASTING NOTES
Tucked into the Sta. Rita Hills, Alma Rosa Winery pairs cool-climate winemaking with a reverence for the land. For an early fall day trip, book an appointment-only tasting at the historic Ranch House to sample the estate’s acclaimed Pinot Noir and Chardonnay in a truly bucolic setting.
4. COASTAL PAIRINGS
East Coast flair meets California cool at Little Dom’s Seafood, where unfussy seafood classics like linguine and clams and smoked fish rillettes shine alongside a standout wine list and bar program. Keep an eye out for curated wine dinners and special events that nod to the season’s bounty.
Follow @sblifeandstyle for daily behind the scenes content, new restaurants, events, getaways, and more...
COASTAL PREP
TIMELESS STAPLES, SOFT TEXTURES, AND BESPOKE ACCESSORIES CONSTITUTE YOUR NEW FALL UNIFORM
1
Perlina Earrings
Whether prepping for back-to-school or heading back to the office, nothing complements a tailored look like a timeless and refined accessory. Take these solid gold Perlina hoops adorned with freshwater pearls, a subtle nod to coastal elegance with an effortlessly elevated finish.
5
L’OBJET x Fortuny Games
L’OBJET’s latest creative collaboration with Venetian design house Fortuny fuses old-world opulence with modern leisure, elevating classic games like backgammon, dominoes, and playing cards into heirloom-worthy objets d’art.
BY Alexandra Lee
2
Anya Hindmarch Bespoke
Walton Tennis Bag
Equal parts sporty and sophisticated, this canvas and eco-leather tennis bag feels right at home courtside or on the coast. With a dedicated racquet sleeve, detachable ball case, and bespoke detailing, it’s a polished essential for autumn matches and weekend escapes alike.
3
Charlotte Tilbury Life
Changing Lip Mask
Charlotte Tilbury’s brand new lip mask delivers on its “life-changing” promise by targeting all six visible signs of lip aging, simultaneously hydrating, plumping, blurring fine lines, and restoring the fragile lip barrier in just 28 seconds.
4
Minnow Women’s Cream and Red Stripe Cropped Sweater
As dry gusts begin to replace late summer breezes, the perfect pullover will surely earn its keep in your fall repertoire. This best-selling knit, crafted from a cotton-cashmere blend, is perfect for tossing on with jeans or layering over your favorite long-sleeve tee as the seasons transition.
6
Hermès Cape Cod Watch
With elegance of refined proportions, the Cape Cod watch evokes a punctuality that only Hermès can deliver. The watch’s 31 mm case frames its iconic square-ina-rectangle dial, while its natural Barenia leather strap nods to the maison’s saddle-making heritage.
SANTA BARBARA
FINISHING TOUCHES
Decor pieces that beg the question “Where did you get that?”
BY Ottocina Ryan
LIGHT IT UP
Lori Smyth, a former spec builder and all too familiar with uninspired lighting, shares that it was ultimately a friend's son's dorm room "boob light" that sparked the idea for Tulip, her company that offers easy-install lighting covers. Both Lori and Tulip’s Creative Director Elizabeth Muse are Santa Barbara residents who share a vision for beautiful, sustainable design. Tulip’s recently launched Rincon Collection channels the natural tones of the Santa Barbara coast. Yet Tulip is about more than aesthetics— it’s about how lighting makes you feel. “Our goal is to create adaptable products for your home and you,” Lori says. “I’m hoping to leave behind more than just pretty light covers. I want to build a brand that makes people feel something, where our product design is thoughtful and accessible.” Her genius isn’t just appreciated by renters everywhere, Lori’s mission recently earned her national recognition as a 2025 Tory Burch Foundation Fellow, honoring 50 visionary women entrepreneurs across the U.S. Tulip is soon expanding with a pendant light attachment and a removable, wireless puck light—perfect for anyone needing light in unexpected places, no electrician required. For deeper insight into the power of lighting at home, Tulip’s blog, Lighting Series, explores how light affects mood, energy, and overall well-being.
NO RENOVATION REQUIRED
There are some tag lines that just stick with you. “You don’t need a renovation, you need better furniture.” It was a little too accurate when it popped up in my inbox.After years of living with a sofa that felt out of place, I decided to test the theory and ordered the Dane Deep Seat Sofa from CHITA. It made an immediate difference. It didn’t just replace the old couch—it elevated the space. The deep seat sofa is perfect for morning coffee and movie nights, and the neutral tone blends in without disappearing. CHITA’s aesthetic leans simple and functional, which helps their pieces work across a variety of spaces. And while buying furniture online often feels like guesswork, the product descriptions and photography are refreshingly thorough. What arrived was true to what was promised: soft fabric, well made, and no assembly required. Sometimes, the right furniture really is enough.
LOVE AT FIRST SIGHT
Vibrant speckled ceramics, crystal votive holders, pastel mohair throws, playful beach towels—walking into Coast Village Road’s True Love Always boutique is a feast for the eyes. It’s truly a treasure trove of colorful pieces, waiting to add personality and polish to any space. The mother-daughter ran shop is a collection of decor, clothing and accessories inspired by Lori and Olivia Runnfeldt’s travels and whimsical style. True Love Always is now also available for discovery online at tlagoods.com
LORI SMYTH , PHOTOGRAPHY AUSTIN LEIS
DANE DEEP SEAT SOFA, CHITA
mangia!
AT MARISELLA, SANTA BARBARA BOUNTY MEETS THE SPIRIT OF THE AMALFI COAST
BY Maddy Sims
The bluffs fall away into a sweep of blue, where the ocean moves with the unhurried grace of early evening. It’s just past seven, and the sun pours across the horizon, over the waves, and into the glass panels framing the outdoor dining area. Everything in the restaurant is touched by gold: the crisp white linens, the gleaming wine glasses, and the soft leather menus.
The air is cool and faintly scented with the sea. Craft cocktails circulate with plates of fresh focaccia and handmade pasta. For a minute, you feel like you’re in a sunlit trattoria high above the Tyrrhenian Sea. Except this isn’t the Amalfi Coast. This is Marisella at The Ritz-Carlton Bacara.
Beyond The Ritz’s lobby—fragrant with blooming lilies and adorned with local art—a beige stone path leads to a tall tower nestled among palm trees. I pass through the archway, walk beside a wood-paneled wall softly lit by glowing pendant lights, and step into the restaurant. The bar is at the center of the space, surrounded by cozy pink loveseats, lush greenery, and floor-to-ceiling windows facing the horizon.
“Marisella’s sweeping views, sun-soaked terrace, and coastal palette speak to Santa Barbara’s natural beauty, and Chef Danny Grant brings it all to the plate.”
CHEF
DANNY GRANT
FESTA DI MARE
Step outside and you’ll find yourself at what feels like a private beach club in Positano—only it’s perched above the Pacific. Marisella’s sweeping views, sun-soaked terrace, and coastal palette speak to Santa Barbara’s natural beauty, and Chef Danny Grant brings it all to the plate. The two-Michelin-star chef behind Maple & Ash, Monarch, Kessaku, and Eight Bar has crafted a menu rooted in the Central Coast’s landscape. Take the opening dish: Sungold cherry tomatoes from John Givens Farm, dipped in local olive oil and dusted with a house blend of sea salt and garlic. Our waiter calls it a burst of Santa Barbara in your mouth.
After perusing the inspired cocktail menu, I land on the Set In Stone, a sweet peach margarita topped with foam and rimmed with house spice salt. It pairs perfectly with our warm, airy focaccia, served alongside whipped ricotta with truffle, honey, and a touch of black pepper. The pairing is rich and decadent, just shy of dessert. The other dipping options—tomato sauce with roasted garlic, chili, and basil, and prosciutto with buffalo mozzarella— are reason enough for me to return.
The squash blossoms arrive crisp and golden, filled with warm, creamy ricotta. The tuna crudo—silky, fresh, and dressed in a subtly spicy sauce—is a standout, its heat balanced by the natural sweetness of the fish. Ahead of our entrées, I order the Intermezzo cocktail. It’s a bright, citrusy blend of Hendrick’s, St. Germain, aloe, passionfruit, and lime cordial. As the sun dips behind the bluffs, the sky fades to a light pink hue. The patio heaters hum to life, casting a soft glow over the terrace.
Just as the sky turns dark, our main dishes arrive. The California Rockfish is perfectly cooked, plated with greens and topped with a zesty citrus sauce.
The Orecchiette, handmade and satisfyingly chewy, is served with spicy sausage, rapini, crushed Sungolds, and fennel pollen. Each bite transports me to Southern Italy. We also enjoy a side of the pan-roasted wild mushrooms, cooked in brown butter.
Then comes the star: a 40-ounce, slow-roasted bone-in short rib for the table to share. The meat lifts effortlessly from the bone. The outside is crisp, the inside butterysoft. It’s served alongside homemade hearth bread and fresh mint and dill, allowing diners to build their own short rib sandwiches. The concept strikes a fun balance between fine dining and family dinner. It’s the kind of dish that invites passing plates and sharing stories.
Though tempted by the tableside tiramisu (an experience worth the visit alone), we opt for the panna cotta. It’s topped with vanilla-infused strawberries and features an almond pastry in the center for an extra-sweet touch.
As the night stretches on, the patio buzzes. Conversation floats in the air while trays of wine weave between tables. Marisella’s extensive wine list features California, Italian, Austrian, and French producers, all stored in the property’s 700-bottle wine cellar. The curated martini program—with inventive house infusions and adorable illustrations—makes it clear that the bar is as considered as the kitchen.
A meal here feels like an Italian holiday, but it’s only a short drive up the 101 to Goleta’s coast. Marisella means “star of the sea,” and the restaurant lives up to its name. You leave feeling nourished by more than just the food. You carry a deep sense of connection—to the land and to each other—long after you’ve left.*
coastal cachet
TASTEFUL AND TRANSPORTIVE, THE ELLWOOD AT GOLETA BEACH IS AN OCEANFRONT INSTITUTION IN THE MAKING
BY Nicole Johnson PHOTOGRAPHY Silas Fallstich
Just years ago, Goleta Beach was on the rocks. Seaweed forests swamped its shoreline in sour mounds. Its hundred-year-old pier attracted more loiterers than lines cast. The shell of the long-shuttered Beachside Bar-Cafe—which was, for 36 years, a favorite of UCSB families and locals alike—rotted behind a chain-link fence. By most accounts, the beach was a community cornerstone gone stale; a waste of a stunning window to the Pacific.
Enter The Ellwood, an ambitious, elegant reimagination of the coastal gem, three years in the making. With a reverence for its past and renewed vision for its future, the space revitalizes the beach’s natural splendor and cultural significance. And, might I add, serves up a creative cocktail and culinary program that finally brings beachfront dining in Santa Barbara (save for Caruso's) up to par with its scenery.
“We knew the space was special,” founder and operating partner Omar Khashen shares. “There were so many stories along the way: people who worked and met their eventual partners here, got engaged here, or just had a history with it as a celebratory spot.” Naturally, Omar conjured an intimate gathering place for the next generation—this time with more grandeur. As I step inside on a summer evening, I see just that, my eyes meeting a sea of frothy, bauble pendant lights that mimic suspended seafoam. Framed between the glow above and a bar below, the shorebreak shimmers into view.
CHOPPED SALAD
The Ellwood’s design unfolds like a travelogue, each space a distinct escape. In a piano and bar area inside, I’m in an opulent bistro outfitted with teal suede booths, inky blue walls and gold-framed art. On the outdoor patio, I’ve just been admitted to an exclusive beach club with airy vaulted ceilings, woven chairs, and a stately fireplace. My mom (my dining companion) and I are placed at the prime table overlooking the surf. We recall luxe restaurants on Maui that the space resembles— relishing the added pleasure of watching barefoot children build sandcastles just beyond the terrace, and seeing Storke Tower ascend above palms and bluff-top buildings. It helps, too, that only a sleek pane of glass separates us from the sand.
Chef Craig Riker, a Goleta local with a resume spanning (the former) Oliver’s in Montecito, Finch & Fork, and most recently the American Club in Singapore, leads the kitchen. His seafood-forward menu draws on global travels and Central Coast ingredients—Italian, Asian, and Californian in influence, and abundant in innovation.
As we admire a whimsically illustrated cocktail menu, we’re handed a complimentary espresso martini—and I’m instantly won over. After considering the nine-page wine list containing some 150 world-class labels, I opt instead for a mixed drink: the Lavender Farms, which tastes like a cucumber mojito with a Provençal touch. My mom’s Spicy Mermaid, a dressed-up margarita, swims in color and heat. And the Coastal Caviar we’re sharing—a concoction of pink vodka, yuzu, and passionfruit foam, topped with poppable caviar pearls—feels equal parts confection and chemistry. After one sip, we’re bubbling.
Seconds later, we’re playing a delightful game of roulette with a starting Hamachi crudo. It’s jewel-like and accompanied by grapefruit, avocado, jicama, and cucumber aguachile that sends us coughing on one bite, and laughing on the next. A luscious Ora King Salmon poke arrives in tandem, practically blushing. Local strawberries, marinated tomatoes, and miso-chickpea tahini lend brightness to the sunset-hued dish, finished with a crimson violet. It’s a medley of flavors that shouldn’t work, but does. So I toss expectations aside.
A fruit-infused and seasonal chopped salad impresses too, with enlivening bites of turmeric ginger dressing, sweet date, and crunchy cauliflower. I’m starting to crack the Ellwood’s code: straddling indulgence and freshness with a Californian ease.
My mom and I marvel over the beach’s remarkable transformation as shadows engulf its sand and mist rises from the sea. Its recent manicure has excavated its original beauty, inviting dogs to prance and toddlers to dart between driftwood. The lights of campus wink on just as the zigzagging ones overhead begin to glow. Soon, yellow pier lamps follow suit.
A fusilli vodka arrives next—twirled into steam and spice, steeped in vodka sauce with ’nduja and Calabrian chile, and crowned in a snow of parmesan. A branzino is delicate, buttery glory. Broccolini arrives scattered with chili flakes, again tickling our tastebuds with unpredictability. Last to arrive is the pistachio barn cake, a refined cousin of cornbread. Our forks race to polish off the fluffy golden round, surrounded by strawberries and topped with vanilla ice cream.
When I call Omar days later, he’s just returned from a farm in Santa Maria that supplies much of The Ellwood’s specialty produce. “I wanted to show the team how it’s grown,” he says. “Not just to say, ‘Here’s what’s in our crudité,’ but to deeply connect with it.”
The attention to detail shows, and will carry across to The Ellwood’s coming expansions. Across the wharf alley, a once-vacant lot is being transformed into The Break, an event space for weddings and concerts. Next door, The Coop—a walk-up café offering coffee, breakfast, pizza, and much-needed ice cream—will round out the experience at a more everyday price point. “It’s not as much of a culinary adventure,” Omar admits, but rather daily rituals driven by high-quality ingredients.
Already, though, the elevated restaurant encapsulates many experiences. That’s the thing about The Ellwood: it multitasks beautifully, and beckons for memory-making. General Manager Antonio Rodriguez—whose local expertise spans Lilac Pâtisserie and The Ritz-Carlton Bacara—floats by to thank us as we finish. We feel spoiled, but never smothered. Even the ocean air feels intentionally perfumed.
As a UCSB alumna dining with my mother, a fellow Gaucho who frequented Beachside Bar-Cafe during its heyday in the late 1980s, the night feels delightfully full circle. And while we aren’t here for any special occasion, it’s inherently celebratory—just as The Ellwood intends.*
COASTAL CAVIAR
vines & vision
THE GLEASON FAMILY HAS TRANSFORMED ROBLAR WINERY INTO AN IMMERSIVE EXPERIENCE: PART WORKING FARM, PART RESTAURANT, AND NOW, PART ART GALLERY
BY Maddy Sims PHOTOGRAPHY Silas Fallstich
At Roblar Winery, rows of vines stretch across the land, punctuated by enchanting oak trees. As winemaker Max Marshak guides me through the golden-green haze, he points out something curious. There’s tape on the bottom of the vines: evidence of his skilled grafting work. By attaching new varietals to established rootstock, he’s cultivating young vines set to mature in just a couple of years. The process reflects a broader intention to reimagine what the land is capable of. “We’re pushing the property towards the best use it has to offer,” says Max Gleason, Roblar’s creative director and son of owner Kevin Gleason.
This spirit of transformation extends far beyond the vines. Since acquiring the Roblar estate in 2017, the Gleason family has meticulously reimagined the property into a multifaceted destination. A working farm lies just beyond the winery. There are also two wedding venues—a romantic courtyard and a sleek black barn strung with lights and flanked by a lawn. Encircling the grounds are newly-rennovated rental homes, from charming casitas to a sprawling five-bedroom manor with its own pool. And now, a new addition brings an unexpected creative dimension: an art gallery, thanks to Max Gleason.
The space, formerly a hay barn, lies just beyond the tasting room. Inside, vibrant artwork lines the walls, each piece refreshingly distinct from the familiar landscapes that often define the Santa Ynez Valley creative scene. Gleason curates work exclusively from local talent across Santa Barbara County (he even included his own pieces in the gallery’s inaugural show).
“I’m an artist at heart,” Gleason says. “I went to art school and lived in New York City for 10 years, so I was around artists and exhibitions all the time. And while Santa Ynez is a beautiful place to live, I missed that aspect of being in a big city.”
WINEMAKER MAX MARSHAK
When Gleason first moved to the rural area, he assumed there wouldn’t be many artists around. “But over the years, I kept meeting more and more artists and they were doing interesting things,” he says. “So I thought I should create a place for them to show.” He approached his father, brother-in-law, and sister with the idea, and they embraced it enthusiastically. Since its debut in March, the gallery has been a resounding success.
“I knew that the artists were excited and eager to show, but I didn't know if people would actually show up,” he says. “There were easily over a hundred people at the first opening and every subsequent opening has been very well attended.” Open Friday through Sunday, the gallery attracts both visitors driving by and tasting room guests. “People feel like they're discovering this little hidden gem when they make their way back here,” he says.
“I went to art school and lived in New York City for 10 years, so I was around artists and exhibitions all the time. And while Santa Ynez is a beautiful place to live, I missed that aspect of being in a big city.”
For Gleason, the most rewarding part has been the enthusiastic response. “The amount of support and attention that it's gotten from the local community has been affirming,” he says. The art is selling as well. A smile spreads across Gleason’s face as he scans the room. “I wanted to create a space that felt like a New York City gallery.”
With its high ceilings and curated works, the space delivers on Gleason’s vision. As he speaks about the artists and upcoming exhibitions, pride flickers in his expression. “It’s a lot of hard work, but it feels like it’s towards something I’m personally interested in,” he says. “The gallery is an added value to the overall Roblar experience.”
And an experience it is. Beyond the art gallery, rentals, wedding venues, and farm, Roblar offers something rarely found at wineries: a full-service restaurant. Where most tasting rooms settle for charcuterie boards or picnic fare, Roblar presents a thoughtful seasonal menu built around ingredients harvested directly from the estate.
I settle into the shaded dining area beneath a pergola laced with wisteria. Nearby, the chef’s garden overflows with color, and hummingbirds float between flowers. Sunlight filters through the greenery, casting dreamy shadows over the smooth wooden tables. My tasting begins with a crisp, fruity rosé paired with a little gem Caesar salad and warm focaccia layered with burrata, prosciutto, and sliced peaches. A glass of Sauvignon Blanc follows—a standout in Roblar’s lineup—before I sample a delicate Pinot Noir, with notes of black cherry, raspberry, and black tea. Then come the hanger steak tacos, dressed with garden-fresh pico and avocado salsa, perfectly paired with a pour of Sangre De Dioses (a tasting room favorite). It’s so good, I order a bottle to take home.
As a sweet sendoff, I’m served fresh-baked chocolate chip walnut cookies alongside a pour of sparkling rosé. Though it’s well past lunchtime, the patio still hums with conversation and clinking glasses. It’s the kind of wine tasting experience that encourages you to slow down—where guests can take in the scenery and savor both food and connection.
The Gleasons are often onsite at Roblar, yet their presence is most apparent in the way they’ve shaped the experience: thoughtful, welcoming, and built to bring people together. With grafted varietals flourishing in the vineyard, a lively restaurant, fully-booked rental homes, and a contemporary art gallery, they’ve steadily pushed the property toward its fullest potential. The result is a destination that redefines the wine tasting experience into something truly unforgettable. As I leave, I pass owner Kevin Gleason quietly sipping a glass of wine in the corner. He says he hopes I’ll come back, and I assure him I absolutely will.*
in the mood for...
BY Eva Grunburg PHOTOGRAPHY Jared Fix
At peak harvest season and minutes from some of the best wines in the world, Santa Barbara in September and October is the optimal time to perfect your personal taste. Regardless of your “actual” wine experience, appreciation and enjoyment know no limitations—according to local wine professional Lindsey Reed. Promoting the accessibility and knowledge of wine, Lindsey’s goal is to make this exclusive industry as inclusive as possible through education. So, in the spirit of learning, take this quiz to identify the right local wine for your mood—and learn something about your taste along the way.
WHERE ARE YOU?
Enjoying a lively lunch. Savoring a serene night on the town. Sitting by the campfire on a chilly night.
WHAT’S THE OCCASION?
Celebrating life. Winding down from a long day. Hosting an intimate dinner.
WHAT’S ON THE MENU?
A variety of tasty tapas and sharable snacks. A long prix fixe menu. No food necessary—I just want to enjoy a beautiful glass of wine.
WHO ARE YOU WITH?
A group of your best friends. A new love interest. Me, myself, and I.
WHAT TIME OF DAY IS IT?
It’s afternoon in the warm countryside. It’s sunset at the beach. It’s nighttime in the winter.
WHAT SOUNDS GOOD?
Salty and fresh. Floral and pretty. Bold and spicy.
If you answered...
MOSTLY A’S - YOU’RE IN THE MOOD FOR ALBARIÑO FROM ÂMEVIVE. Âmevive translates to “soulful” and this lively spirit is evident through the label’s deep connection to the land. Tending to some of the oldest vines in Santa Barbara County, Âmevive takes care of the land through environmentally conscious vineyard management, such as holistic, regenerative organic, and biodynamic practices.
Sourced from the biodynamic Martian Ranch & Vineyard in Alisos Canyon AVA, the 2024 Albariño is the perfect accompaniment for light bites, sunshine, and good company. Salty and zesty, Albariño from Âmevive is sure to brighten an already good mood. It’s an environmentally thoughtful, unfiltered wine that’s perfect for thoughtful, unfiltered conversation.
MOSTLY B’S - YOU’RE IN THE MOOD FOR A PINOT NOIR FROM WHITCRAFT WINERY.
A family-run operation, Whitcraft Winery was passed down and still carries on a level of dedication that’s evident in each bottle. Making wine in Santa Barbara County for 40 years, Whitcraft Winery demonstrates what it means to be a “veteran of Santa Barbara viticulture,” from sourcing grapes from sustainably farmed vineyards, to producing high quality wines with the least amount of intervention.
A signature varietal of Whitcraft, their Pinot Noir brings Burgundy to Santa Barbara County. Their 2022 Pence Ranch Pommard Clone Pinot Noir is a unique experience of floral aromas and beautiful berries. Lavender flowers, tamarind, and orange blossom flowers hit the nose while a raspberry-adjacent brightness and fine tannins fill the palate. One sip satisfies a tranquil and romantic mood.
MOSTLY C’S - YOU’RE IN THE MOOD FOR A SYRAH FROM DEMETRIA.
A family-run vineyard named for the Greek goddess of harvest, Demetria spearheads “acoustic winemaking,” meaning the pursuit of wines as natural and authentic to the land as possible. Using native yeast fermentations and biodynamic and regenerative farming, Demetria upholds high standards of farming—and flavor.
From their forty-five acres planted to Rhône varietals, the 2022 Estate Syrah is a straightforward wine that holds its own in the wine world— and on the palate. It’s a testament to the flavors of Santa Barbara County Syrah, leaning toward red fruit with deep notes of leather, baking spices, and vanilla bean. A bold glass on its own, Demetria’s 2022 Estate Syrah makes for the perfect company for a solitary mood.
Hopefully this quiz helped you learn more about local wines and about your personal preferences. “You’re not finding the perfect wine for you, you’re finding the perfect wine for the moment,” says Lindsey, reminding us that finding the “right” wine for the moment doesn’t have to be daunting—just go with your gut.*
Find Lindsey at Aperitivo on Haley Street, or teaching UCSB’s Wine Class, for more recommendations and knowledge to sip on. @thewineclassucsb
FOUNDED BY THE FAMILY BEHIND KIEHL’S, CELEBRITY-LOVED RETROUVÉ
COMBINES INGREDIENTS SOURCED FROM THE FAMILY’S MALIBU FARM WITH SCIENCE-BACKED FORMULATIONS FOR ULTRA-LUXURIOUS SKINCARE
BY Andrea Manokian PHOTOGRAPHY Ryan Mayo
more skin than deep
According to a quick Google search, on average a person is said to encounter 80,000 people in their lifetime. Now, I don’t know the validity of that statement, but I do know this: My encounter with the Heidegger family is one I will never forget. They are, without a doubt, some of the most hospitable and genuine people I’ve had the pleasure of meeting. And if their permaculture farm is any testament to their personalities, consider them real down-to-earth people.
“These products were never meant to be sold,” says Hannah Heidegger, daughter of co-founders Jami and Klaus Heidegger and vice president of Retrouvé. It’s a statement that may be hard to believe—especially given that the company’s Instagram page is dotted with notable celebrity faces. But don’t let their A-list clientele fool you: Retrouvé is “very much a family-run and -operated business. We are actively involved every day, all day,” says Hannah.
Retrouvé began as a passion project for Hannah’s mother, company co-founder and former Kiehl’s heiress Jami Heidegger, who initially formulated the products for her personal use. Ever since Jami was a little girl working alongside her grandfather and father at Kiehl’s, she possessed a natural talent for developing skincare, fragrances and other nifty potions and elixirs. “It was always easy for me to think of things that no one else had thought of before,” says Jami. Once she eventually sold Kiehl’s to the L'Oréal Group, Jami began creating products for her own skin, driven largely by her frustration with the abundance of parabens, artificial dyes, perfumes and other additives in many formulas on the market at the time. Fueled by her desire to create clean, effective skincare without unnecessary fillers, she unknowingly began crafting what would become Retrouvé’s earliest products. “It’s just as important what you put in the product as what you don’t put in it,” says Jami.
Before long, people took notice of Jami’s radiant skin and couldn’t help but wonder what her secret was. “People were always asking me, ‘What do you use on your skin?’” she recalls. And in true Jami fashion, she shared. “The queen of sampling, they called her,” says her husband and Retrouvé co-founder Klaus Heidegger. This was the nickname given to Jami in the 80s and 90s due to her generosity in handing out samples to those curious (she was a true pioneer in this new way of marketing), in addition to her reputation for relentlessly testing samples until the formulations were just right. “People really liked it and started to ask if they could get some to purchase,” says Jami. And as the saying goes—the rest is history.
Her commitment to protecting and nourishing her skin— without compromise—led to the creation of skincare that knew no boundaries and cut no corners. “I trust my wife,” says Klaus. “She was always ahead of her time. With Kiehl’s, she was ahead of her time, and with Retrouvé too,” he adds. Today, Jami is still the mastermind behind Retrouvé’s product line, and sampling new formulas as well as different variations of products has become her family’s norm. “My bathroom looks like a laboratory,” Klaus jokes. “I have like this much space,” he gestures with his hands to show me. I assure him his predicament sounds all too familiar—and one my longtime boyfriend would eagerly attest to.
Included in the formulations are raw materials sourced directly from the Heideggers’ permaculture ranch in Malibu, a farm I had the pleasure of touring and witnessing firsthand. I rode through the property in an ATV with Klaus and Hannah as Klaus pointed out each plant and plan, sharing stories of their sustainable practices. No detail goes overlooked, from how the water is sourced to the strategic placement of companion plants to the careful way each crop is maintained. But perhaps the most memorable part was Klaus’ exuberant and infectious passion for the land and its permaculture methods—a passion rooted in his upbringing, no doubt. (His mother was a farmer, and he was raised on a farm.) The Malibu farm itself was designed by Sepp Holzer, the “godfather of permaculture,” with the help of his right hand, Judith Anger. Needless to say, it’s as bona fide as permaculture gets.
For those ingredients not sourced directly from their farm, the Heideggers rely on suppliers who meet and maintain the highest quality standards. One thing that becomes abundantly clear when speaking to the family: quality is not just their goal, it’s their non-negotiable. “We don’t compromise. Jami didn’t compromise. When she made these products, she wanted to make the best products available. Whatever we get, we get it from the best sources,” says Klaus. Their dedication to procuring top-tier ingredients is impressive. When the company faced a shortage of vitamin C, instead of switching suppliers and risking a drop in quality, they simply accepted their fate and waited it out. “A lot of vitamin C is ascorbic acid, whereas ours is called THD ascorbate and is specifically from Japan, and it’s a pharmaceutical-grade form of vitamin C. Because of this, if it’s not available, we are not going to compromise and get a lower quality,” explains Hannah.
When you’re sourcing best-in-class ingredients, you need a packaging system that’s just as advanced. Retrouvé has a trademarked clinical name for their triple airless protection system: RTAPS313™. The packaging consists of three tiers, requires a vacuum seal and features an airless mechanism within the pump. “A lot of people don’t realize that product gets stored in the pump [and] all that product is being exposed to the environment. When the product is exposed to light and to air, it can oxidize,” explains Hannah. The RTAPS313™ system was developed to preserve the integrity and shelf life of their formulations. This is also why their packaging is black—to prevent any light from penetrating.
Every Retrouvé product is created with thought, intention and scientific backing in mind. Jami doesn’t come up with new products for the sake of expanding the line or generating buzz. Retrouvé products are highly curated and multipurpose. The company has launched 10 products in 10 years—11 if you include their lip serum. And for each product, there’s an extensive review process where the Heideggers themselves, and many others, put samples to the test. “We work with a lot of med spas, dermatologists, doctors, and estheticians,” says Jami. “I love to get feedback from customers, as well as scientific validation through clinical testing,” she adds.
By the time this story is published, Retrouvé’s new herb gel mask will be available—or just about to launch. The mask will incorporate herbs grown on the family’s farm, along with other skin-nourishing ingredients designed to feed and hydrate the skin. Speaking with Jami about the inspiration behind it, she says, “I thought, there are so many masks out there, how can I make something that is a little bit different and that isn’t already created, and that also goes with our philosophy?” Years in the making, the mask has been rigorously tested and reviewed by many, including Klaus and Hannah. “For my skin, it’s my favorite product that my mom has ever made,” says Hannah.
If you’re interested in trying Retrouvé’s products, why not start with their bestsellers? “Our best-selling products are our Intensive Replenishing Facial Moisturizer and our Revitalizing Eye Concentrate Skin Hydrator,” says Hannah. “Our Hydrating Lip Serum just won awards for best lip treatment from Harper’s Bazaar and best lip serum
from InStyle and Shape, and our Intensive Replenishing Facial Moisturizer has won multiple awards for dry skin, as well as for its innovation in science,” she adds.
Their products truly impressed me from the start. As I write this, I’ve already placed an order for more of their Skin Brilliance Priming Pads. In just a short amount of time, these pads have done wonders for my skin, brightening my dark spots and even reducing the size of my pores without making my skin feel parched. Their Balancing Face Oil has also become a personal favorite of mine, moisturizing my combination skin without clogging my pores and provoking breakouts.
However, skincare is individualistic and everyone’s skin type and needs are different. Retrouvé understands this, so they’ve come up with a way to help. “We have a concierge service where you can call in, email, FaceTime, Zoom—however you want to communicate—and you can get a personalized, complimentary skincare consultation,” says Hannah. “We feel like that is the best way to start because then we get an understanding of your skin, what your skin needs are, and what you’re looking for,” she explains.
A look at the Retrouvé website reveals just how many ethical initiatives the company invests in. “We are partnering with One Tree Planted, so for every product sold at Retrouvé, we sponsor the planting of a tree, and we’ve sponsored nearly 24,000 trees to date. We have also partnered with Plastic Collective to help reduce our plastic emissions,” Hannah says. The company prides itself on being cruelty-free and offers several vegan products: their Luminous Cleansing Elixir, Skin Brilliance Priming Pads, Conditioning Toner with Chamomile, Nutrient Face Serum, and their Balancing Face Oil.
At Retrouvé, no detail goes unnoticed because the Heideggers know, as well as anyone, that it’s the little things that make the biggest difference. From their permaculture farming methods to their thoughtful packaging and the unrelenting testing and sampling of each formula, every step is intentional. Retrouvé isn’t just another skincare company—it’s the Heidegger family’s legacy. And the best part? You can feel good knowing that these exceptional products are crafted by equally exceptional people.*
OLADA
OLADA, CARPINTERIA’S NEWEST YOGA AND PILATES STUDIO, BLENDS BREATH, MOVEMENT, AND DESIGN FOR A HOLISTIC APPROACH TO HEALTH AND WELLBEING
BY Maddy Sims
Amid the sizzle of smash burgers and the scent of wood-fired pizzas drifting through Carpinteria’s Linden Square, a different kind of sensory experience awaits. Olada, the neighborhood’s newlyopened yoga and Pilates studio, offers a tranquil refuge: a place where breath, movement, and intentional design converge to create a contemporary approach to wellness.
Stepping inside feels like you never left the outdoors. Skylights flood the space with golden light, illuminating pale wood floors and softly-textured surfaces. The open, airy layout reflects founder Casey Glassman’s belief that our physical surroundings profoundly shape our mental state. A palette of sand, stone, and eucalyptus grounds the space in its coastal setting and invites a sense of calm, presence, and ease.
Glassman brings a rare blend of expertise to the wellness world, combining her background as a licensed psychotherapist with a deep passion for mindful movement. “I got into yoga when I was still practicing as a therapist and feeling emotionally depleted,” she says. “I started going to yoga after work every day, and something just clicked—I fell in love with it.” She later became a yoga teacher and discovered Pilates. “I started doing Pilates as a form of resistance training and was hooked,” she says. “For people who love yoga, there’s a similar flow state in reformer classes.”
To Glassman, yoga and Pilates are similar in that they are breath-led practices—but they serve the body in complementary ways. “Building strength alongside flexibility helps you stay balanced and injury-free in your yoga practice,” she explains. “Pilates provides that resistance training. The combination supports people in every phase of their journey.” That’s why Glassman opened a space where both disciplines are offered side by side.
Strength, breath, and balance are woven into Olada’s identity—reflected even in its name, which merges “Ola,” Hawaiian for health and vitality, with “Lada,” a Slavic goddess of love, beauty, and harmony. Glassman saw an opportunity to bring this holistic vision to Carpinteria and chose Linden Square for its accessibility and community feel. “After the pandemic, so many of us were craving connection,” she says. “We wanted to move together again.”
This inclusive spirit is evident in Olada’s design and class schedule. The studio features a heated yoga room, a climate-controlled Pilates space, and a retractable wall that opens both areas for community events. With classes running from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. daily, Olada caters to early risers, midday movers, and post-work regulars alike.
Glassman encourages a hybrid schedule, blending yoga and Pilates to nurture both body and mind. “Balance is key in life and in movement. Too much of one thing can create an imbalance, but a variety of practices builds strength, stability and resilience,” she says. “For anyone who hasn't tried doing both yoga and Pilates, I welcome them to. I think it can create a big shift.” Olada’s offerings include reformer Pilates and three yoga classes: vinyasa flow, an energizing power flow, and sculpt, a dynamic class that blends strength training with yoga.
Olada offers more than a workout—it offers visitors a space to recalibrate. “These practices get you out of your mind and into your body,” Glassman says. “Even if it’s just for that hour, it can change how you move through the rest of your day. It slows your reaction. It shifts your perspective.”
As the studio finds its rhythm, Glassman continues to shape Olada in response to her community. This fall may bring new beginner-friendly reformer classes, additional advanced offerings, and class time adjustments to suit school-year schedules. The retail boutique is also expanding, with curated activewear and elevated wellness products. A formal opening celebration is in the works to mark the start of this exciting new chapter.
Thanks to the prime location, shoppers and diners at Linden Square often stop by to book a class. Many locals plan their evenings around a visit to Olada: After class, it’s not uncommon to see students strolling just a few steps away to share a Tina’s pizza or Third Window burger with their families.
This seamless fusion of wellness and community embodies the studio’s core mission. What started as a personal lifeline for Glassman has blossomed into Olada, a vibrant new presence in Carpinteria’s evolving wellness scene, inviting everyone to find balance through mindful movement.*
“Building strength alongside flexibility helps you stay balanced and injury-free in your yoga practice. Pilates provides that resistance training. The combination supports people in every phase of their journey.”
OLADA FOUNDER CASEY GLASSMAN
vibes high
MEGAN SOUZA, CO-FOUNDER OF MEGAN’S ORGANIC MARKET, IS ON A MISSION TO MAKE THE CANNABIS SHOPPING EXPERIENCE FUN
BY Maddy Sims
Step inside Megan’s Organic Market in Goleta and you might briefly forget you’re in a cannabis dispensary. There are no stark counters, sterile white walls, or TVs flashing promotions. Instead, you’ll find botanical wallpaper, open shelving, and cheerful pops of color. It feels like a neighborhood boutique—and that’s precisely the point.
A neon sign inside reads, “Your mom smokes weed.” And at Megan’s, she actually might. Alongside flower, pens, and edibles, the shop carries cannabis products rarely found in dispensaries: vaginal suppositories, personal lubricants, and other wellness offerings designed for women. “There are a lot of products that are directed toward women or people with a uterus,” says co-founder Megan Souza. “Cannabis can be very effective for symptoms of menopause or pain associated with endometriosis.”
This inclusivity is reflected in the dispensary’s customer base. Megan’s sees a higher percentage of women and female-identifying customers than the state average. Many of the brands Souza carries are women-owned businesses that are often overlooked elsewhere. “These are small manufacturers that struggle to get shelf space,” she says. “We’re stoked to be able to have them in our stores.”
MEGAN SOUZA
Souza has championed wellness for everyone since the start. She and her partner began growing their own cannabis 15 years ago, long before testing was required, using organic farming practices to create a clean product. As word spread, Souza recognized a larger issue at hand: a lack of trustworthy, user-friendly cannabis options. So she decided to build her own.
“It was obvious that there was a need for a different type of cannabis retail experience,” she says. “I tested every single delivery service in San Luis Obispo and Santa Barbara County, and it was never a friendly person that you would want to welcome into your home. It always felt like you were doing a drug deal.”
She launched Megan’s Organic Market as a delivery service in 2013. Souza was the only driver at first, but the venture grew fast. Soon, she had an all-female team wearing handmade aprons and delivering farm-grown products in glass jars. “It was adorable,” Souza smiles. “I taught countless sweet little old ladies how to consume weed for the first time.”
The model set a new standard: trustworthy people offering trustworthy products. With no official organic certification for cannabis, Souza leaned on third-party testing and pesticide-free cultivation—a rarity at the time. That ethos still drives the brand. Most of the cannabis sold at Megan’s is grown locally in Santa Barbara County and selected for clean and sustainable practices. Megan’s is also a certified California Green Business, and Souza still sources from friends in the industry.
With a loyal customer base behind them, Souza and her husband took the next leap following the legalization of recreational cannabis in California. They applied for a retail license in SLO, staying rooted in Souza’s original vision. “I wanted it to be a wholesome, normal shopping experience,” she says. “It's not like going to a jewelry store where everything is behind the counter. It's more like you're going to the corner market and buying groceries.” And that’s exactly how it feels when you walk into Megan’s. The open layout invites customers to browse at their own pace, no prior knowledge required. “I hated how sterile so many dispensaries were,” Souza says. “They all had a bro-vibe that was uninviting, and cannabis is so not that.” Instead, Megan’s is lively and warm, with chatty budtenders and bright décor.
This approach has made Megan’s a favorite among first-time users. “We say we try to be a dispensary that you can take your mom to,” Souza says. “In Goleta, we have UCSB students who bring their parents when they’re in town. We get to be the first dispensary experience for so many people's moms—it’s the best.”
Why Goleta for Megan’s second location? “It's such a similar demographic to San Luis Obispo, so our brand does well there,” she says. “It's Santa Barbara's SLO.” The process of opening took time, though. The space—once a palm reader’s shop—had to be completely rebuilt before opening its doors in December 2023.
The opening was a resounding success—something Souza attributes to deep community involvement. Megan’s showed up everywhere, from the Lemon Festival to Psychedelic Mushroom Club meetups to the Goleta block party. “People are community-oriented in Goleta and Santa Barbara,” Souza says. “It makes a difference when they see you out and about.”
But not every reception has been warm. Faced with skepticism and lingering stigma, Souza leaned into education. “I just did a presentation at a retirement facility, and a lot of their misconceptions were dispelled,” she says. “People who were very anti-cannabis and only came to tell me that ended up leaving excited about sleep gummies or topical pain relief products.”'
This outreach isn’t particularly easy for Souza (she actually uses cannabis for social anxiety), but it’s important. She’s joined Rotary Clubs and neighborhood watches— working with groups initially opposed to dispensaries. “Instead of being enemies, I asked them to work together,” she says. “I don’t want kids to use cannabis either. We created educational materials and we give it to every customer under 25 and tell them about cannabis use disorder, cannabis-induced psychosis, and the effects of cannabis on the developing brain.”
At the heart of these conversations is a simple goal: helping people see cannabis not as a threat, but as a resource for relief. “I hope customers leave with another tool in their toolkit for their chronic pain or anxiety or depression and they feel confident on how to use it,” she says. “Thanks to testing, we know exactly how many milligrams of each cannabinoid is in each dose, so you can have a very controlled experience.”
Looking ahead, Megan’s is set to launch a delivery service. But Souza has her sights on something even more ambitious. “My greatest hope is to have an onsite consumption lounge slash restaurant,” she says. The dream is on its way to becoming a reality—she’s currently working with the city of Goleta to make it happen.
At Megan’s, cannabis is reimagined as a tool for wellness, a source of joy, and a reason to gather. Whether you bring your mom, your friends, or come alone, you’ll be welcomed with kindness and care.*
health with heart
FOR ZAHRA SALISBURY, OWNER OF NEXT HEALTH MONTECITO, LONGEVITY ISN’T ABOUT LIVING LONGER, IT’S ABOUT LIVING FULLER
BY Maddy Sims PHOTOGRAPHY Ryan Mayo
When was the last time you felt truly happy? In the rush of modern life, it's easy to settle into a passive existence—going through the motions, forgetting what actual joy feels like.
The first thing I notice about Zahra Salisbury, founder of Next Health Montecito, is that she radiates enthusiasm. With glowing skin, a bright smile, and an energy that you can physically feel, she embodies the very concept of vitality.
We stroll through her newly-opened clinic, a space that feels more like a luxury retreat than a medical facility. The IV stations resemble a first-class lounge, and the sleek cryotherapy and hyperbaric chambers are spacious and inviting. Though the clinic has only been open a couple of weeks, Salisbury seems completely at ease. There’s something magnetic about her presence. She’s just...happy.
And if you ask her, that’s the whole point. “Wellness, to me, is waking up and feeling excited about life,” she says as we settle into her office. “It’s moving through your day with ease and grace. Just feeling good.”
In an industry obsessed with scientific jargon, it’s rare to hear someone speak so plainly about joy. Salisbury’s approach to longevity reframes it not as a chase for biohacked perfection, but a pursuit of well-being—equal parts physical and emotional. In a space that can lean into rigidity and all-or-nothing thinking, her outlook feels refreshingly human.
“I still enjoy my glass of wine. Bettina pizza is my favorite,” she says. “I’m never going to be someone who cuts everything out of my diet.” Balance isn’t just a word Salisbury tosses around. It’s a philosophy she lives by.
Her approach to wellness is built from years of curiosity and study. She trained in nutrition, only to find much of what she’d learned (no fat, low-carb) flat-out wrong. So she kept going—diving into research, speaking with experts, and testing methods herself. The result? A daily routine that’s both evidence-based and grounded in real life.
“I try not to look at my phone first thing. That’s the best time to meditate,” she says. Salisbury starts each day with a 20-minute meditation in front of a red light panel, followed by coffee, gratitude journaling, and grounding outdoors. “Having your feet touch the earth is important. It’s simple but powerful.”
Then comes movement. “Women need to build muscle especially as we get older,” she says. “All the chemicals that fight disease reside in your muscles.” She lifts weights three to four times a week and supplements with HIIT on her Peloton, citing research on VO2 max workouts.
Though the list may sound extensive, Salisbury’s full morning routine only takes about 90 minutes. Food plays a central role in this strategy, and like everything else, it’s about realism. “I’m a big believer that food is medicine,” she says. She focuses on greens and protein— salads, smoothies, real whole foods—and avoids the ultra-processed.
Her midday and evening wellness practices often include tools now housed at her clinic—IV therapy, cryotherapy, contrast therapy, and even working from the hyperbaric oxygen chamber once a week.
Salisbury’s passion for longevity deepened during her own experience with perimenopause. She knew something was off internally, but her doctor dismissed her concerns. She got a DUTCH test on her own, which confirmed her suspicions. Her hormone levels were low, but when she brought that to her doctor, they said she had no symptoms and wouldn’t treat her.
Salisbury then went to a functional medicine practitioner, who agreed she needed hormone therapy. The shift in her health was immediate. “I feel so fortunate,” she says. “I never had to experience the hot flashes or mood swings so many women go through because I was ahead of it.”
While Salisbury says traditional medicine is important and needed, her own experience showed her sometimes you have to dig deeper. It fueled her mission to empower others with the information they need to take care of themselves.
A Vancouver native, Salisbury first encountered Dr. Darshan Shah (founder of Next Health) when organizing an event for Young Presidents’ Organization. He spoke about baseline biomarker testing and proactive health strategies. “I remember thinking that this is what I want to do,” Salisbury says.
When Next Health launched its franchise model, she and her husband leapt at the opportunity to open one in Montecito, where they’ve been part-time residents for over a decade. “It’s the trifecta—it’s something I’m passionate about, it’s something that’s profitable, and it’s something that’s good for the world,” she says.
The soft launch of Next Health Montecito was met with enthusiasm from the community. “There are a lot of people in Montecito who are very health-conscious and understand our philosophy, which is that we take care of ourselves,” she explains. “We don’t just wait until we’re sick. We’re into proactive care.”
Salisbury lights up when talking about what’s next—not just for the clinic, but for the community it’s building. She envisions more: local partnerships, community events, perhaps even a members-only wellness club. But at the heart of it is her goal to help people feel their best.
It’s about what works for each individual—because Salisbury knows health isn’t one-size-fits-all. “Everyone’s different,” she says. “That’s why biomarker testing is so important. It takes the guesswork out. You can see what your body actually needs.” Annual baseline testing is included in the clinic’s membership for that very reason.
Despite what longevity marketing might suggest, Salisbury’s not trying to live forever. “I’m not one of those people who wants to live to 140,” she says. “I just want my health span to equal my lifespan.” That means being able to hike, dance, and laugh until the end. Not years spent managing medications and missing out.
At Next Health Montecito, that path doesn’t have to be overwhelming. It’s about small, sustainable changes— and the freedom to approach it at your own pace. Don’t like needles? Skip the IV and try a vitamin shot instead. Nervous about the hyperbaric chamber? A front desk member will stay on the walkie-talkie while you’re inside. “Wellness and longevity are actually very accessible,” she says. “We have great people here to explain everything.”
As I leave the clinic, I feel noticeably lighter. I realize I’m still smiling. That’s the thing about happiness—it’s contagious and cathartic. My visit with Salisbury reminds me that longevity isn’t just about how we measure a life well-lived—it’s how we feel it.*
remixing spaces
KISHANI PERERA EFFORTLESSLY COMBINES
TIMELESS AND MODERN ELEMENTS WITH HER MIX-AND-MATCH DESIGN PHILOSOPHY
BY Andrea Manokian PHOTOGRAPHY Blake Bronstad
When we think of interior design, we often picture furniture, fabrics and curated decor. But Los Angeles-based interior designer Kishani Perera approaches projects with a deeper lens, considering not just the aesthetics but the very bones of a home. From the raw materials used in construction to the components that make up every finish and fixture, her process focuses on thoughtful, intentional design from start to finish.
Having worked with A-list clients like Harry Styles, Bruce Willis, Molly Sims and more, Kishani has built a reputation as one of the most sought-after interior designers in the industry. And although she welcomes projects all across the country, her latest features a 3,500-square-foot historic home in Santa Barbara, originally built in the 1930s and designed by Edwards and Plunkett—a once renowned architectural firm known for shaping Santa Barbara’s identity through their use of the Spanish Colonial Revival style.
“My design style is definitely eclectic, and it’s very much tailored to each client,” Kishani says. Her versatility and refusal to confine herself to a single design style keep her projects dynamic and inventive. “I’m happy to do anything because I love everything from Victorian to mid-century to contemporary. That's what keeps things fun and interesting, and I can appreciate something about every era and every culture,” she adds.
Chatting with Kishani on the phone, I can feel her enthusiasm—her energy is infectious, her excitement palpable. She’s bubbly, sweet and full of life, which makes it all the more surprising to learn she’s been battling her share of enervating health conditions for decades. “I have been debilitated with a myriad of health problems since I was twenty years old,” she says. “It came down to a bad combination of genes and environmental exposures,” she explains. And at the root of her health struggles? Mycotoxins. This 10-letter word has become the bane of
Kishani’s existence. But mycotoxins aren’t just harmful to her—they’re damaging to everyone.
After realizing that most people spend the majority of their time indoors, Kishani was inspired to understand how these invisible toxins affect both our homes and our health. “It really sent me down this path of investigating, understanding and learning about different materials in our homes,” she says. Given the extremity of her health conditions, there are homes Kishani cannot physically step into, making her breathtaking work as an interior designer all the more impressive and inspiring. “At first, I was scared to talk about it. I thought, ‘No one is going to hire me. What am I going to do?’ And then, the more I started talking about it, random people started emailing me saying, ‘I saw something you were talking about, and I feel like everything you said resonates.’”
Today, Kishani is known for offering clients a healthier alternative to traditional homes—what she calls “healthy homes.” These are spaces where every single material is meticulously considered and mindfully sourced. Whether it’s swapping fiberglass insulation for natural sheep’s wool or avoiding chemical-laden paints and treatments, Kishani and her team have healthier alternatives for just about everything for clients who are interested in such solutions. “My point in life is to help people because I went through 20 years of hell,” she says. “I had to turn lemons into lemonade at some point,” she adds with a loud, infectious laugh. Even though we’re chatting over the phone, I can tell she’s smiling.
Having been a committed vegan for two decades, Kishani even has experience building fully vegan homes, where everything—and she means everything—is certifiably vegan. “We’ve also done totally organic houses from ground-up construction, and every single element in the home was 100 percent organic,” she says. “Every fabric had to be organic, every fill had to be organic, every piece of wood—everything,” she adds.
“THE SPACE FEATURES elevated pieces PRESENTED IN A WAY that exude BOTH COMFORT and livability. WHEN flamboyant elements ARE ADDED, they’re incorporated in ways THAT ENHANCE THE SPACE rather than OVERPOWERING IT.”
Kishani Perera Inc. is a full-service interior design firm with collaboration integrated at every stage. “We do floor plans, 3D renderings of everything, and then I do a lot of FaceTime calls with the client to understand who they are and what they want,” she says. Kishani has become known in the design industry for her effortless way of mixing and matching elements—both old and new, as well as high-end and more accessible pieces. This “remixing,” if you will, served as the inspiration behind her book, Vintage Remix: The Interiors of Kishani Perera The book offers a glimpse into Kishani’s mix-and-match philosophy and even includes a foreword written by acclaimed actor and client, Gary Oldman.
Speaking about her latest Santa Barbara project, Kishani says, “I love the aesthetic in Santa Barbara, and I think what we do really translates well [here].” This project features a variety of personal elements that the homeowners wanted to incorporate in a way that felt cohesive and intentional with the overall design and layout of the space. That’s where Kishani’s signature mixand-match approach came into play, and she was soon hard at work, seamlessly integrating style and sentiment.
In the kitchen, Kishani and her team built a custom metal pot rack to display the homeowners’ antique brass pot collection, which was passed down to them by their family. The kitchen also features hardware from Waterworks and a faucet from Waterstone. Creating custom pieces that highlight sentimental items is important to Kishani—an approach that manifests in the home’s library as well. “They have an amazing collection of books, and they wanted to display them, so we designed the built-in library with the rolling ladder and the detail on the cabinetry,” she says. The design was a months-long feat, given the functional rolling ladder, intricate cabinetry, and other delicate details. In the kid’s room, bright yellow ottomans belonging to the homeowners are effortlessly incorporated, alongside Peter Dunham fabric and other playful components.
The living room features yet another custom piece: a curvature sofa with wood framework, situated alongside a Kelly Wearstler credenza. The home seamlessly carries its aesthetic and design style from room to room. One way Kishani achieves this is by incorporating elements like rugs and drapery that complete each space. “I like a big grounding rug,” she says. “I think it really finishes off a space,” she adds. The home features rugs sourced from Lulu and Georgia and Jan Kath, bringing warmth and coziness throughout.
The master bedroom stands out as one of Kishani’s favorite spaces. “That room is serenity to me. When I look
at that room, it's just peace.” To achieve this quiet sense of tranquility, she incorporated a master bed from LawsonFenning and mushroom-shaped clay lamps from In Common With.
For Kishani, a home has to feel like just that, a home. “I want people to be comfortable enough to feel like nothing is so precious that they can’t sit there,” she says. This is why the space features elevated pieces presented in a way that exude both comfort and livability. When flamboyant elements are added, they’re incorporated in ways that enhance the space rather than overpowering it—like the Jonathan Browning chandelier in the dining room.
The homeowners embody an innate sense of creativity and design, having worked on other homes themselves and brought in Kishani as a sounding board—someone to bounce ideas off and draw inspiration from. While the house was still under construction, Kishani Perera Inc. stepped in. “We were a fresh perspective to help guide them,” she says. “We helped on the construction side of it, and then furnished the house from top to bottom after that,” she adds.
Speaking of the homeowners, Kishani says she was proud of them for retaining much of the integrity of the historic home. “They were very respectful of the history of the house, even down to the registers on the wall,” she says. “They had come up with the layout already, but we were working with them on paint colors, hardware, lighting, the plaster hood in the kitchen, the pot rack and the open shelving,” among other elements.
As for what’s next for Kishani, she says she’d love to take on more projects in the Santa Barbara area. Nearby, she and her team are currently partnering with victims of the tragic Pacific Palisades fire that wreaked havoc on the neighborhood earlier this year. They have been assisting with rebuilding and redesigning the homes of those wishing to incorporate many of the design philosophies Kishani has championed for years, such as fire-resistant building materials, organic and non-toxic elements and much more. Whatever the design challenge, she’s ready for it, and no doubt will face it with the same enthusiasm and energy I could detect over the phone.
Before ending my call with Kishani, I asked her which song she would choose to describe the feel of the Santa Barbara home she recently designed. A big-time music enthusiast, she did not take this question lightly. After thinking it over for a few days, she texted me the following: “I’m going with ‘Just Like Heaven,’ but the Dinosaur Jr. cover, not the original. So it’s a classic with a modern twist, just like the house!”*
PHOTOGRAPHY Hanna Snyder with Miramar Photo | MODEL Yara Khmidan with Freedom Models HAIR & MAKEUP Melody Lou | STYLIST Hannah Canon | VIDEOGRAPHY Luke Alonso BOAT Jenny Lane 50’ Catalina from Santa Barbara Sailing Center
Bikini MAYGEL CORONEL Sunglasses QUAY
Swimsuit & skirt MAYGEL CORONEL Earrings & ring GEORGINA JEWELRY
Bikini & skirt MAYGEL CORONEL
Bracelet VERONICA THARMALINGAM
Earrings MONICA VINADER
apple of
Dress STAUD Teller
Jacket PENDLETON
Jewelry OCTAVIA
ELIZABETH Wunderkind
Vintage scarf & boots
my eye
PHOTOGRAPHY Torrey West | MODEL Allie Leggett with The Industry
HAIR, MAKEUP & STYLING Helen Grace Hening | PHOTO ASSISTANT Dayana Chaparro
LOCATION The Yard Orchard & Co.
Sweater MAIAMI Juniper Shirt
TOTEME Teller
Pants BONDI BORN Teller
Jewelry OCTAVIA ELIZABETH Wunderkind
Dress
PIRATE BOOTY
ELIZABETH Wunderkind
Handbag CHANEL Vivrelle
Sweater JENNI KAYNE
Dress VINCE
Boots HUNTER
Jewelry
OCTAVIA ELIZABETH Wunderkind
Denim shirt
AMO Juniper
Jeans L’AGENCE Juniper
Hat LACK OF COLOR
Rings OCTAVIA
ELIZABETH Wunderkind
Vintage boots & shirt
Wunderkind
glasses rosé colored
AN ODE TO REST AND RELAXATION AT MONTAGE HEALDSBURG, WINE COUNTRY’S BEST-KEPT SECRET WHERE VINEYARD BOUNTY AND SEASONAL FLAVORS CULTIVATE THE IDEAL WEEKEND RETREAT
MBY Anna Constantino
y best-loved practice (or should I say, paradox) consistently proves to be the art of doing nothing. It’s a mindset coupled with the resolution to maintain a minimal agenda, which, in this particular moment, means donning a waffle-knit bathrobe on a chaise lounge beneath an orange sky, an ice-cold glass of rosé in hand. Pairs well with: a deck of playing cards, a jar of Castelvetrano olives, and absolutely nowhere to be.
Daydreams of splaying myself in the late August sun and a renewed dedication to slowing down catalyzed our much-needed girls’ getaway. It took very little convincing to whisk my friend, Ashley, up the 101 freeway to Healdsburg, a quaint yet mighty town at the juncture of three prominent California wine-growing valleys. Think: Napa’s relaxed, charming twin sister. We round the roselined driveway of Montage Healdsburg on a Wednesday afternoon, and our bags are swiftly collected in exchange for two glasses of the property’s private label Surveyor Sauvignon Blanc and Cab-Sauv. Situated on 258 acres of rolling vineyards in the heart of Sonoma Valley, the views offer a painting-like backdrop for our weekend’s amusements. The property encompasses 130 guest rooms and Harvest Home residences, blending environmentally conscious design with refined luxury. We ease into our bungalow, a stunning hideaway harmoniously nestled between groves of heritage oak trees, accented by midcentury modern fixings and an outdoor enclave.
MONTAGE HEALDSBURG
As quickly as I slip into my bathrobe, a delivery of green goddess wellness shots and accoutrements arrive at our doorstep—a welcome jumpstart to our evening. We nibble on fresh fruit before rinsing off in the outdoor rainfall shower, a satisfyingly primitive contrast to our interior sanctuary. A wardrobe change and a jaunt down the drive land us at Scout Field Bar, the indoor-outdoor property centerpiece boasting seasonal craft libations and breathtaking vineyard views. I take my first sip of “Menzies Inferno,” a refreshing concoction of serranoinfused tequila, amaro, and strawberry, with a habanerosalted rim. We tête-à-tête over first sips, expressing much delight in pulling off a midweek escape, to which our bartender playfully affirms, “Any day can be the weekend if you want it to be.”
We opt for a second round—this time a jalapeño cilantro gin-wash—to be savored as we make our way next door for dinner at Hazel Hill. Our reservation situates us al fresco under a pink sky, with a perfect view of both the vineyard and open kitchen, adorned with copper accents and a charming indoor microgreen garden. The property’s terroir-to-table philosophy not only guides the winemaking, but also rings as an omnipresent practice in the kitchen, showcasing refined French technique using locally sourced ingredients.
“We ease into our bungalow, a stunning hideaway harmoniously nestled between groves of heritage oak trees, accented by mid-century modern fixings and an outdoor enclave.”
We nosh on Goguette sourdough with duck fat and herb butter before diving into the main events: 38 North chicken with bacon and pearl onion, alongside its natural complement—the Liberty Farms duck breast in a rhubarb sherry reduction. The meat is a succulent explosion of flavor, only to be further complemented by a chilled glass of gamay as the sun dips below the horizon. Despite slipping into a food-coma-induced haze, my insatiable sweet tooth can’t resist a Brooklyn Blackout cake, its mousse-like consistency tempting me to lick the plate clean. A post-dinner glass by the fire, paired with a symphony of cicadas, lulls us into a restful sleep.
Striations of light dance through the acacia slats above our California king, waking us in perfect timing to
catch a gentle yoga session in the vineyard. We stretch and twist among the vines, our preemptive unwind before heading to Spa Montage, a Forbes five-star retreat nestled in the volcanic hillside. CBD oil and percussive therapy melt away any last knots in my back, followed by a sauna session and swift wardrobe change into our pickleball attire. We meet at the on-property Compass Sports adventure hub, where Beau, our guide and volley partner for the afternoon, humors us with a two-on-one match on the private courts. We trek back to the lobby via a nature trail, working up an appetite for a swimsuitclad poolside lunch from Hudson Springs Bar and Grill. With a “Cabana Dreams” cocktail in hand, our carefree afternoon of lounging is aptly christened. We sip and flip as the UV heightens, snacking on shrimp ceviche and tacos between cooling off in the zero-edge pool.
We refresh and ready for an afternoon of tastings at Jordan Vineyard & Winery, an independently owned winery situated on a 1,200-acre estate from the ’70s with architecture and design elements inspired by the Palace of Versailles. We are drawn into the space, welcomed by a sunshine-yellow façade ornamented with ivy vines, and a visit from John Jordan, the chief proprietor of the vineyard, proclaiming himself the “Walt Disney of wine.” Our delightfully unexpected meet-the-maker leads into a speakeasy cellar tasting of the estate’s olive oil and current-release wines paired with seasonal bites, a favorite being the cold fennel soup with caviar.
In our typical fashion, we keep the party rolling en route to the Healdsburg Plaza for happy hour at the Matheison, a downtown farm-to-table staple and purveyor of what I’ve coined as a wall of “wine vending machines.” A mixand-match of dispensed wine splashes brings us to the rooftop bar, where we cap off our time with a spritz and dinner, then meet our complimentary private transfer back to the Montage.
We arrive to a surprise bucket of chilled Surveyor rosé in our bungalow, as if a telepathic fairy godmother granted our unspoken wish. We taste the final trifecta of wines grown on the property, accompanied by a triple suite of card games by the fire, because good things come in threes. After savoring a generous pour (or three), we do what any overindulged duo naturally would: run an overzealous bubble bath in the freestanding tub that foams its way into minor chaos, our laughter howling through the bungalow over a nightcap. Perhaps these moments are our greatest luxury; the rare permission to do nothing, and let that be everything.*
LAKESIDE
A TRIP TO LAKE ROSSEAU, AN EXCLUSIVE ESCAPE THAT OFFERS BAREFOOT ELEGANCE IN ONE OF CANADA’S MOST COVETED CORNERS
BY Maddy Sims
The seaplane descends toward glassy blue water. We’re flying fast, but the aircraft skims the surface with ease, sending white spray into the air as towering trees sharpen into focus from a verdant blur. The plane glides to a private dock, and I step into a scene that feels cinematic: a modern farmhouse rising from the treeline, its floor-to-ceiling windows catching the golden light, and a wraparound patio furnished with lounge seating, a dining area, and a firepit overlooking the lake.
This is Lake Rosseau in Muskoka, Ontario where loud luxury is cloaked in quiet and grandeur hides behind the trees. Beyond the forest, sprawling estates boast boathouses outfitted with multiple speedboats, chef’s kitchens, and guest wings the size of homes. The lakes— connected yet divided by private islands crowned with architectural gems—remain perfectly still. The noise of the world fades away, replaced by a peace you didn’t know you needed until you arrive here to cottage country. The silence is broken only by the low purr of a speedboat, the soft descent of a seaplane, or the quiet hum of an electric car on a winding country road.
For all its magnificence, Lake Rosseau remains one of Canada’s best-kept secrets: a discreet retreat for celebrities and tastemakers who come not to be seen, but to disappear. This is insider luxury—less about visibility and more about access. You can rent a waterfront cottage, browse boutique shops, and dine at under-the-radar gems without velvet ropes, cameras, or crowds. It feels less like travel and more like returning to a private club few even know exists.
How do you get into a club like this? Real estate here is rare—and expensive. Instead, most visitors turn to Jayne’s Luxury Rentals, a full-service rental and concierge company offering six-star accommodations with a dose of Canadian warmth. Founder Jayne McCaw spotted a gap in the local market and launched a platform where resort-level comfort meets lakeside serenity. The business has since become the go-to for those visiting Lakes Rosseau, Joseph, Muskoka, and beyond.
Most journeys to Muskoka begin in Toronto. Whether by scenic drive or private floatplane, the city serves as a launchpad to the lakes. We spend the night at The RitzCarlton, Toronto, which, despite its downtown address, feels like a retreat. Dinner at EPOCH Bar & Kitchen Terrace includes fresh oysters, crisp pizzas, and inventive cocktails. The rooms offer sweeping skyline views framed by floor-to-ceiling windows. In the morning, I visit Spa myBlend by Clarins (exclusive to Paris and Toronto) for a restorative massage then head upstairs to TOCA, the
hotel’s Italian restaurant by Roman chef Oliver Glowig. After a leisurely lunch and a glass of chilled rosé, it’s time to leave the city behind.
We drive to a private terminal and board a six-seat seaplane run by Cottage Air. The engine roars to life— though inside, noise-canceling headphones reduce it to a soft hum. We circle the skyline before heading north. Suburbs give way to shimmering lakes dotted with electric-green islands. Country music plays gently in my ears as I watch the world slip by below. Forty-five minutes later, we touch down on Lake Rosseau and taxi straight to the dock of Wildcat Point, one of Jayne’s most prized properties. The sky turns pink as the sun dips behind the trees. In the grand kitchen, we toast to our arrival with Muskoka blueberry wine.
The next morning, we drive along a winding lakeside road, sunlight filtering through the leaves. The canopy glows gold and green. These roads are unpaved and unmarked—navigable only if you're a local or with an insider like Jayne. We arrive at Santosha, a popular cottage on Lake Rosseau that’s equal parts rustic and refined. Wooden walls mirror the floors, accented by vaulted ceilings and flannel textiles. Make no mistake: The lodge’s cabin aesthetic is the only unassuming thing about it. Santosha sleeps twelve across four bedrooms, plus a private boathouse suite. We dine on the patio, where a private chef serves us local salmon, grilled steak, and seasonal vegetables arranged artfully. As the sky fades to black, a steady chorus of cicadas rises around us. I walk down to the boathouse and fall asleep to the sound of boats rocking beneath me.
We begin the next day with sunrise yoga on Wildcat Point’s dock, surrounded by the lake’s stillness. Afterwards, we head into Port Carling, a charming village of boutiques and cafés, and stop at local spot Turtle Jack’s for lunch. From there, we board a pontoon boat with Jayne for a private tour of Lakes Rosseau and Joseph. Sunlight sparkles across the water as we pass a lineup of extraordinary homes from her portfolio. We cruise along Millionaires' Row, where families like the Carnegies and Mellons summer in estate homes with iconic views. Then we enter The Gold Coast, a stretch of sprawling lakefront compounds—ranging from sleek A-frames to classic Cape Cods—each with its own boathouse and near-private shoreline.
We stop at Rousseau’s, an Italian restaurant with panoramic lake views, for prosecco and elegantly-plated starters. Back at Wildcat Point, we grill salmon and chicken kabobs for dinner. The night ends with s’mores by the firepit, flames flickering beneath a starry sky.
On our final day, we explore more of Muskoka, passing a handful of Jayne’s most private estates—including the luxe mansion Drake rents during his Muskoka getaways. With posh interiors, generous entertaining spaces, and a state-of-the-art boathouse, it’s the definition of lakeside opulence. From there, we drive to Bala, a town that feels straight out of Dirty Dancing—an exclusive country club come to life, with charming lakefront boutiques, cozy cafés, and The Kee, a historic concert venue pulsing with local culture. Dinner awaits at The Rousseau at Windermere House, where red gables and a white clapboard façade nod to Victorian elegance. It’s a quiet celebrity hideaway where staff casually namedrop A-listers who return year after year.
Dinner begins with a procession of appetizers—crisp greens, seared scallops, and foie gras—before entrées of locally sourced meats and seafood. But the standout is the sushi, crafted by Chef Kee, who trained in Tokyo
and blends Canadian wild salmon with rare ingredients imported from Japan. The result is a refined, East-meetsNorth experience. It’s overcast outside, and dusk settles over the water. Lake Rosseau transforms into a silver mirror—still and luminous.
On our last morning, we take one final voyage across the lake. Cool air brushes our skin. The only sound is the steady hum of the engine slicing through still water. Fog clings to the shoreline. The gloom feels intentional, like a curtain softly falling on the week. Few know the magnificence tucked behind these trees, which is what makes it such a special place. At Lake Rosseau, the beauty lies in the balance. Barefoot mornings and private chefs coexist, and luxury is felt, not flaunted. We hop off the pontoon and I sit on the dock, dipping my feet in the cool water, taking in my last few breaths of the fresh forest air. It’s a quiet ending to a stay that speaks for itself.*
WILD CAT, JAYNE’S LUXURY RENTALS
checking in
TYLER AND JUSTIN MATEEN HAVE GONE FROM GUESTS TO OWNERS OF EL ENCANTO HOTEL, AND HAVE EXCITING PLANS IN STORE FOR THE PROPERTY'S FUTURE
BY Ottocina Ryan
The iconic El Encanto hotel perched on the Riviera has found new owners—and they’re not your typical hoteliers.
In a $82.2 million deal, tech entrepreneur Justin Mateen, co-founder of Tinder and founder of JAM Fund, and his brother Tyler Mateen, CEO of Cannon Commercial, in partnership with the Cayton family’s Culver Capital, have purchased the property from LVMH. Yet for the Mateen brothers, this isn’t just another real estate acquisition, it’s sentimental.
The 90-room property has been a fixture in Santa Barbara for over a century, as well as a meaningful place in the Mateen brothers' lives. Justin mentions that ten years ago on his first vacation in the U.S. with his now-wife, they stayed at El Encanto and he joked about what he’d improve if he owned the hotel. A decade later, the joke has become reality, and their plans for El Encanto are both ambitious and thoughtful.
From the moment our conversation begins, it’s clear that the Mateen brothers are passionate about El Encanto. Their vision balances reverence for the hotel’s storied past with a fresh, inspired energy aimed at restoring its place as a social and cultural anchor in the Santa Barbara community. “We want to emphasize the charm we fell in love with, while elevating the experience so guests and locals know they're going to be met with excellent service and attention to detail,” Tyler says. There’s no doubt that the 30-something-yearold brothers’ stewardship will usher in an exciting next chapter.
The Mateens had been eyeing the property long before it came on the market. “Even before we found out that the property was for sale, Tyler was trying to find a way to buy it,” Justin says. “For the past two years, we've been proactively approaching the seller,” Tyler adds. “Not to sound cheesy, but we admire and love the hotel. Economically speaking, it probably didn't make sense for us to buy it, but we believe in what it can be.” To further the sentiment, Justin shares, “It’s personal for me. With just my family, we recently did a gender reveal [for our third child] at El Encanto. The point is, this hotel is going to stay in our family forever. So the child that my wife is pregnant with will one day own the hotel.”
“We want to emphasize the charm we fell in love with, while elevating the experience so guests and locals know they're going to be met with excellent service and attention to detail.”
JUSTIN MATEEN, PHOTOGRAPHY RYAN MAYO
Despite their packed calendars—when we speak Justin is en route to personal training in Los Angeles and Tyler has just landed in London—the pair plans to be hands-on throughout the transition. Tyler will relocate to Santa Barbara temporarily, while Justin will make weekly visits from LA. “In the short term, we're going to do our best with the current systems in place, but longer term, we’re excited about making it a cohesive, well-rounded property,” Justin explains.
Though this is their first time operating a hotel themselves, the brothers are no strangers to hospitality. They are majority shareholders in several hotels and venues, and their niche is creating spaces that evoke emotion. “In real estate, we've focused on properties where we can create unique experiences. We own a couple of entertainment centers and we want people to feel a certain way when they come on to our properties. And, this is the next evolution of that,” Tyler says. One of the first enhancements to impart that transportive feeling? “We're going to be adding a lot of hedging so that guests have a sense of arrival, and that while you’re there, the rest of the world doesn't matter,” Justin shares. I have an inkling many of their updates will have us wondering why they weren’t always a part of the enchanting and nuanced property.
While some changes will be immediate, like adding more pool seating to accommodate the Indian summer demand, others will be introduced gradually over the next few years. A second pool and kid’s club will be added, the fitness center will be expanded, the gardens restored with indigenous plants, some of the conference rooms will be transitioned to vibey bars and dining establishments—think a sushi restaurant, or a bar made of surfboards, serving Mexican food. “We're going to do some surprises here and there and make certain parts of the property a little destination with a new fire pit, an area with orange trees, or even a padel court,” Justin shares. It’s always the little things—the fine details, scents and thoughtful touches—that are most important to them. “I love going to hotels where they have bedside mats with nice slippers next to it. When you get out of the bed,
you immediately feel pampered. It’s the tiny details like that,” Justin says. The brothers plan to involve the Santa Barbara community as much as possible in future programming and renovations, from partnering with bakeries, coffee shops and artisans, to enlisting a local interior designer to help reimagine the guestrooms.
As wellness is a major focus for them, the spa, too, will be transformed into a sanctuary for locals as much as visitors. “We’d like the spa to be part of Santa Barbara’s natural rhythm,” Justin says. “A space for locals to relax, feel calm and nourished, then maybe grab a drink on the rooftop after.”
Their plans are anything but cookie cutter. Under the Mateens’ leadership El Encanto will be a place for creatives. “It'll be the edgy [hotel in town]. We want artists and writers and people who would be inspired by being there,” Tyler shares. Their ethos includes eliminating anything that feels replicable or corporate. “We'll do weddings sometimes, but, for example, a wedding that's done in a unique way that feels like you're in a forest somewhere,” Tyler says.
The brothers are eager to hear feedback from the community and guests. “As new owners, we would love for locals and people who stay at the hotel to give us feedback on what they would love to see happen,” Justin says. After all, they’re going to rethink everything and want to curate the best experience possible.
For me, El Encanto already holds so many personal memories. I grew up within walking distance. My grandmother came to visit just for their floating island dessert. My baby shower was there. Like so many Santa Barbara locals, I see El Encanto not just as a hotel or spot for afternoon tea with a view, but as a special part of our community. The Mateens understand that. “It has a rich history. FDR went there a couple times during World War II. Clark Gable went there. There's obviously something magical about it,” Tyler says. As for what the future holds, trust that El Encanto is in good hands, and its heyday is yet to come.*
canyon country
OFLAND ESCALANTE—A DESIGN-FORWARD GLAMPING RETREAT IN UTAH’S CANYON COUNTRY—BLENDS IMMERSIVE WILDERNESS WITH MODERN COMFORT
BY Maddy Sims
There’s something spiritual about the desert. Despite the unrelenting sun, frigid nights, and unforgiving landscape, life endures and beauty remains. In Escalante, a remote gem tucked in Southern Utah, towering geological formations rise like ancient monuments, bridging earth and sky—blurring reality and the divine. It’s a place where the planet bares its bones and the heavens feel close enough to touch. It’s simultaneously grounding and mystifying: offering perspective on how small we are and how vast the universe is.
Getting to Escalante is an adventure all its own. Visitors can drive five hours from either Salt Lake City or Las Vegas. Escalante’s secluded location almost requires you to disconnect: There’s practically no cell service and the Wi-Fi is spotty as you journey into Utah’s canyon country. But the rugged setting doesn’t mean those seeking luxury are without options. Nestled within the Grand Staircase National Monument lies Ofland Escalante, a high-end glamping property with accommodations for every kind of traveler.
While national parks often mean roughing it, Ofland pairs luxury with unbeatable proximity—offering everything from tiny cabins to vintage airstreams. The park boasts amenities such as a pool, hot tub, vintagestyle drive-in, food truck, Wi-Fi, and laundry. At the center of the property lies the general store, stocked with premade meals, trail-friendly snacks, beer, and wine. Just beyond the store is the outdoor lodge, a communal gathering space with tables, firepits, and uninterrupted views of the desert mountains.
After a scenic drive in, the staff welcomes us and shows us to our cabin. It’s perfect for travelers who crave adventure without sacrificing comfort. The deluxe cabins offer panoramic windows, parking, climate control, a queen bed, and the ultimate luxury: a private outdoor shower with an overhead heater.
Dinner is a hands-on affair: We cook DIY meal kits on the communal grills. Options range from locally-sourced steak to lentil-stuffed mushrooms, with seasonal sides and, of course, s’mores. We sip wine from the general store and watch the sun slip behind jagged peaks. The sky fades from bright blue to pale pink, casting the desert in a warm rose glow. As we finish dessert, stars quietly take over the sky.
Even in the South, the desert turns cold at night. We slip into the oversize hot tub to warm up. Back in our cabin, we rinse off in the outdoor shower (the overhead heater keeping things comfortable in the cool air) and get into bed. The air is thick with silence—the kind that settles the mind and invites deep, uninterrupted rest.
The sun rises over the surrounding peaks, flooding Ofland with warm golden light. In the crisp morning air, we head to the food truck. Guests can fuel up with larger plates, like the breakfast sandwich and the cornbread french toast (a must-try), or grab-and-go options like a parfait or oatmeal. Complimentary coffee in hand, we sit by the firepits, trading stories with other guests. What truly sets Ofland apart from other glamping experiences—aside from the range of accommodations and impressive list of amenities—is the communal space where other campers can meet and mingle. The property provides campers with comfort and community, making the remote desert location feel slightly less isolated and a little more like home.
A ten-minute drive brings us to Escalante, a charming mountain town that feels plucked from a film set. We stop at Mercantile, a natural grocery market, to pick up lunch. Escalante may be the largest town for nearly 70 miles, but it’s small enough that everyone’s on a firstname basis. The workers at Mercantile warmly greet regulars and remember their orders. Back at Ofland, we gear up for the hike and head out.
You can explore the surrounding area solo or join a guided tour. We book a hike with ROAM Outdoor Adventure Co (Ofland guests get a discount). After meeting our guides, we hop in the ATV, and soar across the sand toward the slot canyons. The first is Peek-A-Boo, known for its vibrant red and orange walls. These winding passageways—some barely wide enough to walk through—are sculpted by centuries of flash floods and wind, carving the stone into sinuous, cathedral-like corridors.
As you step into these canyons, you’re enveloped by towering walls, their surfaces smoothed by the elements. The rock glows in radiant shades of rust, rose gold, honey, and espresso, shifting with the changing light. Midday sunbeams slant through narrow openings above, illuminating the passage with a soft, ethereal glow. It’s like walking through a kaleidoscope of desert light.
Spooky Canyon is aptly named: tight, dark, and carved from rugged grey stone. Our guides expertly lead us through the challenging stretches, telling us the best spots to place our feet and hands. While these canyons can feel a bit claustrophobic, our guides tell us that we need only look up. The clear blue sky above us serves as a reminder that no matter how trapped we feel in the moment, there’s always a way forward.
We head to our ATV and fly back across the desert. Dinner is from the food truck: burgers made with local beef and a heaping side of fries and tater tots. After dessert, we walk to the drive-in theater and score a vintage Ford truck, complete with blankets and a heater.
Breakfast burritos and coffee in hand, we head to Bryce Canyon City for a horseback ride the next morning. Hiking is the most popular activity here, but you can also explore by horseback, ATV, or on the water. It’s a 45-minute drive from Ofland to Bryce Canyon, and the route is incredibly scenic. The horses walk us through a forest filled with towering trees, emerging at the edge of Bryce Canyon.
The landscape unfurls in waves of color and texture. The sea of stone is interspersed with ancient bristlecone pines and meadows brushed by alpine air. Bryce Canyon is an impossibly immense geological gallery. Whether you venture down into the canyon or stand at the edge, the landscape stirs your soul. The desert shifts your sense of scale—reminding you how little we need and how much beauty surrounds us.
Here, nature has sculpted a surreal landscape: a labyrinth of spires, pinnacles, and towering structures known as hoodoos. These striking rock formations rise from the canyon floor, ranging in color from soft apricot to deep red. Their irregular shapes—some like cathedral towers and others like delicate flutes—are the result of freezethaw erosion, wind, and time’s artistry.
Back at Ofland, we pop by the pool and hot tub before heading out to Boulder for dinner at Hell’s Backbone Grill & Farm. The restaurant is completely packed despite its secluded location. It’s no surprise why: Hell’s Backbone was selected as a James Beard Award semifinalist in 2017, 2018 and 2019, a finalist in 2020, and a semi-finalist in the Outstanding Restaurant category in 2022 and in 2023. The restaurant serves organic, locally grown, seasonal fare, growing much of their produce on their six-acre farm. The fruit comes from Boulder’s heirloom orchards, and the meat comes from local ranchers. But it’s not just the food that’s incredible: The entire restaurant operates with intention, deeply rooted in sustainability, ethics, and community care.
We start with black-powder biscuits, spice-rubbed cauliflower, and their award-winning house salad. Then, lemon chicken, which is unbelievably fresh. And the Spicy Cowgal Chipotle Meatloaf, made with local grass-fed beef and bison. For dessert, we have the chocolate chile cream pot, made with chimayo chile and fresh whipped cream, and the honey chamomile panna cotta served with blackberry compote. Blake Spalding, the owner, personally stops by our table before we leave, making an already incredible meal absolutely unforgettable.
When we return to Ofland, my body unwinds completely. Despite its remote setting, Ofland somehow feels like home—both comforting and luxurious. After a day navigating rugged trails, I’m grateful to return not just to shelter, but to warmth, ease, and a sense of belonging in the middle of nowhere.
There’s something transformative about being surrounded by untouched beauty away from the distractions of the modern world. By disconnecting, you’re able to reconnect: to the land beneath your feet, the people around you, and the parts of yourself that often go unheard. Escalante leaves you changed—more in tune with the land and with yourself.*
PHOTOGRAPHY KIM AND NASH FINLEY
in Santa Barbara 48 HOURS
DAY 1
PEARLS
In the heart of Santa Barbara's vibrant Funk Zone, discover Perlina Designs, a jewelry boutique that blends coastal elegance with a bold edge. Think luminous pearls, rich gold, and statement pieces that channel Santa Barbara's sunsoaked glamour. A must-stop for those looking to take home a little luxury with local soul. @perlinadesigns
SADDLE
Saddle up for a scenic tour of Summerland with Los Padres Outfitters. Family-ownedand-operated since 1969, their horseback beach and trail rides transport you from the hills of Summerland down to the beach for a picturesque adventure fit for any outing, from private romantic rides to family occasions. @lospadresoutfitters
SHOP
Pop into the endlessly charming Upstairs at Pierre Lafond nook for picturesque paintings, detailed dishware, and treasured trinkets to spice up your space. @upstairspierrelafond
BY Eva Grunburg
SCULPT
Feel the burn at Homebody Studios, one of the newest additions to the Post Montecito. The Austinbased studio offers a second home(body) where you can focus on strengthening, sculpting, and aligning in reformer pilates classes or private sessions.
@homebody__studios
SIP
This harvest season, taste your tried and true favorites, or rare newcomers like the 2023 ‘Pali Vineyard’ Dornfelder at Pali Wine Co. The first vintage from their one-acre planting of Dornfelder, a German-born variety, in the Sta. Rita Hills, this wine takes on a deep color with a vibrant acidity. Try Dornfelder or another from their selection of Central Coast wines at the original Funk Zone tasting room.
@paliwineco
SLOW
A lunch spot for “fast-slow-food,” Stica Santa Ynez is your new go-to for pizza by the slice, paninis, salads, and even pantry staples. Since opening this summer, the SY Kitchen subsidiary has brought
SEE
One of Santa Barbara’s most popular hikes for a reason, Inspiration Point is a moderately challenging trail with an extremely rewarding payoff. The 3.4-mile out-and-back trail, nearly 1000 foot elevation gain, and panoramic Pacific views are sure to strike inspiration–getting your creative juices (and sweat) flowing.
SHOW
This season’s shows at the Santa Barbara Bowl bring talent from a plethora of genres and generations, from the GooGoo Dolls, to Jon Batiste, to HAIM, to MacDeMarco. Get your tickets now to hear longtime classics or your newfound favorites in the historic outdoor amphitheater. @sbbowl
the best of pizza, wine, and community to Santa Ynez. @stica_sy
LOUNGE
Take advantage of the season’s prime weather and dwindling crowds at The Barbara Beach Club. Reserve in advance, or walk up to spend your weekend in style with a lounge set for two or celebration-worthy cabana. @thebarbarabeachclub
DAY 2
DINE
Euro summer continues at Aperitivo, where there are no reservations–or patrons under age 21. Sip on their selection of Italian wines, or pair them with seasonal specialties from their rotating menu in the intimate space. @aperitivo_sb
PERLINA DESIGNS
LOS PADRES OUTFITTERS
HOMEBODY STUDIOS
BLOWOUT AND STYLE
UPDO’S BRAIDS WEDDINGS EVENTS + MORE
B o u t i q u e H o t e l A w a r d s
T u c k e d a w a y i n t h e f o o t h i l l s o f S a n t a B a r b a r a , S a n Y s i d r o R a n c h o f f e r s t h i r t y - e i g h t
u l t r a - p r i v a t e c o t t a g e s w i t h i n d i v i d u a l s o a k i n g s p a s , c o t t a g e - s i d e p a r k i n g , a n d o u t d o o r s h o w e r s .
G u e s t s e n j o y c o m p l i m e n t a r y d i n i n g a t t h e M i c h e l i n - r e c o g n i z e d S t o n e h o u s e ,
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S A N Y S I D R O R A N C H
i n a s t o r i e d l e g a c y g r a c e d b y i c o n s l i k e J F K, J a c k i e O . a n d W i n s t o n C h u r c h i l l . A T Y W A R N E R P R O P E R T Y “ W O R L D ’ S M O S T R O M A N T I C H O T E L ”
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