The Spa at The Ritz-Carlton Bacara, Santa Barbara

"At 42,000 square feet, the spa and exercise center is impressive in size but can feel somewhat factorylike, and the massages (the treatment of choice for most guests) are nothing to write home about"

"It has a gorgeous spa, two respected golf courses, top-tier organic Spanish cuisine, a kid- and pet-friendly vibe, and gorgeous coastal scenery"

"Guests have endless recreational activities at hand, with everything from surfing lessons and yoga at the spa to family movie screenings and fireside cocoa and s’mores"

"On-site dining options include Ocean House, The Bistro and Spa Cafe"

"And the spa has everything to help guests relax and feel pampered, from citrus-avocado body polishes to earth crystal therapies"

"The Spanish Colonial–style buildings and manicured gardens sprawl across 78 acres next to a rugged stretch of beach 15 miles north of downtown Santa Barbara"

"Then there are the two restaurants—the Bistro for casual bites; Blend for a cup of joe and grab-n-go snacks; and, for the diet and health-conscious, the seasonal Spa Café"

"Don't miss the exceptional massages at the spa, 42,000 square feet of hot tubs, eucalyptus steam rooms, and areas to relax in"

"Spanish Colonial–style buildings, a first-rate spa and beautiful gardens stretch across 78 acres next to a remote and windswept stretch of beach"

"(Anyone staying here should not be seeking the least expensive room, as the price differential—a measly $200 to $400—is negligible when costly dining, spa and room service costs are factored into the bill"