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A Visit To Santa Barbara Fit For A Royal

01_SBBay_BillZeldis
(credit: Bill Zeldis)

The royals are coming! The royals are coming! Yes, the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge (newlyweds Prince William and Kate Middleton) will be visiting Santa Barbara on July 8-10. We know they'll be participating in a charity polo match at the Santa Barbara Polo & Racquet Club, and we've made a few educated guesses as to what else they may be doing during their royal stay in America's Riviera. Known for its beautiful beaches, luxury resorts, fine dining and sunny weather, Santa Barbara has a long history of attracting movie stars and dignitaries and providing the perfect recipe for romance. Check-out all the Royal Summer experiences offered in Santa Barbara in celebration of the Royals' upcoming visit.

Canary Hotel
(credit: Liz Laing

Canary Hotel

31 W Carrillo Street
Santa Barbara, CA 93101
(805) 884-0300
More Info

Begin your regal experience by checking into the Canary Hotel in downtown Santa Barbara, just steps away from bustling State Street. This elegant hotel is the perfect place to stay and begin your luxurious weekend. The Majorcan four-poster, canopy beds are heavenly and you'll feel like a queen in the king-size bed dressed in crisp, white linens. The dark hardwood floors add richness and a Moroccan flair throughout adds spice to a beautifully designed room that is both comfortable and sophisticated. The Canary is offering a Royal Package that includes a night in the fabulous presidential suite with strawberries, champagne, dinner and breakfast for two. Be sure and pop up to the rooftop pool for one of the best views of Santa Barbara – the red-tile rooftops spread out below as you scan the 360-degree view of the Santa Ynez mountains and out to the sparkling Pacific.

Four Seasons Spa
(credit: Barbara Kraft)

Four Seasons Resort – The Biltmore Santa Barbara

1260 Channel Drive
Santa Barbara, CA 93108
(805) 969-2261

Pampering is a must for a royal and there's no better place to get pampered than at the Four Seasons Resort – The Biltmore Santa Barbara spa. Indulge in a relaxing massage or go all out and splurge on the Royal Treatment spa package, which includes a Jasmine Rose Bath, champagne, Green Jade Rice Scrub, Detoxifying Seaweed Wrap, a body massage and more. After a delicious spa lunch, enjoy a deluxe, custom facial with a hand/foot paraffin treatment. You'll feel refreshed and rejuvenated, and your skin will be smooth as silk. Limousine service and a spa robe are also included.

Next, head over to the Bella Vista Restaurant on the premises and take part in Afternoon Tea (cream tea), a long-standing British tradition. Start with a glass of champagne as you take in the view of the beautiful surrounding gardens and ocean, just across the street. Artful, edible creations are served on fine china with a pot of fresh, loose tea leaves brewing. After a few finger sandwiches, the pièce de résistance is presented -- a silver tiered tray layered with scrumptious, sweet indulgences, such as pastries, cakes and scones. Split open a freshly baked scone and apply a dollop of Devonshire cream, fresh strawberry jam and top with lemon curd. Totally bliss.

Craving Adventures
(credit: Jamie Gathard)

Craving Adventures

(805) 776-3814
More Info

What do you crave? Sit back, relax and let Craving Adventures plan your special day and satisfy your cravings for adventure. Specializing in creating personal, customized experiences in food and adventure in Santa Barbara, Craving Adventures will take care of everything from planning meals, activities and transportation. In honor of the Royals' visit, they are offering a Royal Summer Package, which includes a guided city tour, horseback riding on the beach, luxurious spa treatments, sailing the ocean blue and delicious meals throughout your day with fresh ingredients from the local farmers' market. Half-day options are available. Let them plan the perfect itinerary and you'll be sure to have an unforgettable experience.

Santa Barbara Adventure Company
(credit: www.sbadventureco.com)

Santa Barbara Adventure Company

(805) 884-9283
More Info

If you'd like more water adventures, try an all-day excursion of sea cave kayaking at the Painted Cave on Santa Cruz Island with the Santa Barbara Adventure Company. Both breakfast and lunch are included. Book two or more guests and save $50 on this Royal Summer Painted Cave Grand Adventure. Promo Code: ROYAL2864.

Urban Wine Trail
(credit: Bob Dickey)

Urban Wine Trail

No visit to Santa Barbara would be complete without sampling some of the region's world-famous wines, produced locally in the Santa Ynez valley. You can sample wines from several wineries in downtown Santa Barbara, as you walk along the Urban Wine Trail. This is a very convenient way to sip and sample when you don't have the time to drive and visit the wineries in the hills. Stand outs include Margerum Wine Company and Au Bon Climat (next door) on Anacapa Street, near the heart of downtown. A cluster of tasting rooms are located in the industrial area, known as the Funk Zone. Live music and outdoor seating at Oreana Winery create a fun atmosphere to sit back, relax and sip away. Don't miss Santa Barbara Winery next door and Kunin Wines, only a couple of blocks away.

Coast Restaurant
(credit: Liz Laing)

Coast Restaurant (at Canary Hotel)

31 W Carrillo Street
Santa Barbara, CA 93101
(805) 884-0300

After all this adventure, you'll be ready for a royal feast. Take a pedicab back to the Canary and dine from the new "Farm AND Coast to Table" dinner menu at Coast Restaurant. Executive Chef Brian Parks adds a whole new level to "farm to table," by including locally sourced seafood from Santa Barbara and the Central Coast. Highlights include the light and fresh Green Bean Salad with fennel, tomatoes, celery and watercress tossed in a garlic-caper vinaigrette, Roasted Baby Abalone with an ogo-cucumber mignonette and the Black Cod with a corn and fava bean succotash, heirloom tomatoes and spinach. You'll be enveloped in Santa Barbara's bounty and delighted by the fresh taste of seasonal fruits and vegetables grown by local farmers. Be sure and save room for the Peach Tart, a perfectly delicious summer dessert and a sweet ending to a fabulous royal agenda.


Liz Laing is a writer, Web designer and photographer who lives in Los Angeles. Her latest projects may be followed on LizLaing.com.

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