Rosewood Miramar Beach: A Glamorous Beachfront Resort in Montecito

These days, it seems like Montecito is blowing up with new places to eat and drink — there have been so many new openings lately that it’s almost hard to keep up. Contributing to that energetic buzz in this laid-back, affluent coastal community is the opening of the much-anticipated Rosewood Miramar Beach.

Growing up in Montecito, I spent a lot of time at Miramar Beach, and have fond, though faint, memories of the “old Miramar” with its blue-roofed cabins and unique charm. Anyone remember the old train car diner? Nearly 20 years after Miramar by the Sea closed its doors, the Rosewood Miramar Beach has transformed this area of Montecito into a beachfront, luxury destination like no other. While I was sort of reluctant to see this beautiful, laid-back beach change into a tourist destination, one step on the property and all that trepidation went by the wayside. This place is pretty dang awesome.

Photo: Rosewood Miramar Beach / Courtesy of Visit Santa Barbara

I’ve now visited the Rosewood Miramar on a few occasions: once for cocktails before it officially opened, once for lunch and once for the official ribbon cutting. I also got to experience a magical overnight on an assignment. Yes, the new Miramar is luxurious, and yes, it’s very expensive. But don’t expect it to feel pretentious or stuffy. Owner and developer Rick Caruso has created a beachside getaway that exudes Gatsby-esque glamour and sophistication, but has done so in a tasteful, casually elegant way.

The minute you pull up to the grand entrance, it’s actually hard to remember there was anything here before it. In fact, it’s hard to remember where you are… it feels worlds away. Which I guess is exactly what you want when visiting the Miramar, whether coming for a weekend getaway or simply an afternoon cocktail — to experience a place that feels like vacation.

Lobby. Photo: Rosewood Miramar Beach / Courtesy of Visit Santa Barbara

The Rooms

Situated on 16 acres of pristine beachfront grounds, Rosewood Miramar offers 124 guest rooms and 37 suites. Rooms are located in the main building, called The Manor House, as well in bungalow cottages. In addition, 26 of the rooms are located directly over the sand. Believe it or not, there aren’t any other hotels in the Santa Barbara area that have rooms on the beach. Crazy, I know. But how amazing to fall asleep to the sounds of the waves!

Beachfront room at Rosewood Miramar

We stayed in one of the over-the-sand rooms and I’m not sure it could get much better. Our beachfront room (pictured) was relatively spacious and very comfortable, with a color palette of yellow and white. There was a King sized bed, Nespresso coffee maker, dressing area and a large bathroom with a soaking tub and separate shower. The bright and airy vibe was further intensified by the natural light pouring in from the windows, with double doors leading out to the deck. Perfection.

I hear there’s an evening trolley cart offering complimentary cocktails for those staying in the beachfront rooms, but we must have missed it. Darn!

The Amenities

There’s no shortage of ways to bliss out at Rosewood Miramar Beach. There are two cabana-lined pools, two bocce courts and a fire pit on-site.

Manor Pool. Photo: Rosewood Miramar Beach / Courtesy of Visit Santa Barbara

There’s also a large workout room, a spa and a James Perse store. I particularly enjoyed paying a visit to the Goop store — a permanent retail store and sundries shop filled with detoxifying beauty products and sun essentials, all neatly displayed on shelves between lavender colored walls. The resort will soon be launching the Miramar Bocce League, featuring cocktails, light bites and, of course, bocce every Thursday evening from June 6 – July 25. So fun.

Photo: Rosewood Miramar Beach / Courtesy of Visit Santa Barbara

Down at the beach, there are complimentary kayaks and paddle boards available for guests, and a private section of the beach where you can sip a cocktail in the sand.

Food & Drink

The Rosewood Miramar Beach has seven places to eat and drink throughout the property, including four bars: the Miramar Beach Bar, the Manor Bar, Cabana Bar and the Living Room (which overlooks the expansive lawn).

Beach Bar. Photo: Rosewood Miramar Beach / Courtesy of Visit Santa Barbara

The Miramar Beach Bar has a sophisticated ocean view lounge setting, and makes for the perfect spot to grab a cocktail as the sun goes down. For something a little more cozy, sans the view, the Manor Bar charms with its dark wood paneling, rich jewel-toned couches and leather chairs. It exudes the feel of an old school country club. I don’t really drink scotch, but it seems like an appropriate drink to have here!

Manor Bar. Photo: Rosewood Miramar Beach / Courtesy of Visit Santa Barbara

If you’re at the Manor Pool, opt for an afternoon treat of local Rori’s ice cream at the Scoop Shop. And over at the Cabana Pool, there’s a chic bar for grabbing a cocktail in the shade.

While you can get bites to eat at the bars and pools, the two main restaurants are Malibu Farm and Caruso’s. Malibu Farm’s original location is in Malibu, naturally, but at this second location you’ll find a stylish contemporary space with coastal vibes, along with California-inspired fare.

Malibu Farm at Rosewood Miramar Beach. Photo: Rosewood Miramar Beach / Courtesy of Visit Santa Barbara

Caruso’s, on the other hand, offers a nautical interpretation of a ‘good old boys’ steakhouse. The interior is reminiscent of a glamorous yacht, with blue hues and glossy lacquered wood panels. The menu features seafood and steaks with Italian influence. Definitely go before the sun sets to enjoy the unobstructed views of the Pacific. Oh, and don’t miss dessert – incredible! 

Caruso’s. Credit: Rosewood Miramar Beach

The Train

Perhaps the number one thing people have asked me about after staying at the resort is whether the train is bothersome. Yes, the Amtrak train tracks run right through the property, between the great lawn and the beachfront rooms. Trains pass through several times a day and the track is manned by a gate guard (who tells you when it’s safe to cross). I have to say, however they constructed the rooms – thick walls and three doors to pass to access the room – the sounds of the train are minor. I can’t speak to all of the rooms, but they definitely did a great job of masking the sound from the beachfront rooms, to the point where you barely notice it. Outside of the room, the train certainly has a noticeable presence, but it adds to the charm, right?

One thing’s for sure, a stay at Rosewood Miramar Beach is a luxurious treat. Even if you don’t stay the night, a brief visit will still feel like a luxe retreat from reality.

Photo: Rosewood Miramar Beach / Courtesy of Visit Santa Barbara

*Rosewood Miramar Beach*
Website
Address: 1759 S Jameson Lane, Montecito, CA 93108
Phone: 805.900.8388
Rates: Rooms start at $745. Ocean view Kings start at $1,500 and the Ambassador’s Suite is $7,000 per night.