Santa Barbara has seen recent upgrades to some of its landmark properties, as well as a new addition to its restaurant roster. Here's a sample of what's new in and around the seaside city.
1. The Four Seasons Resort, the Biltmore Santa Barbara reopened its Coral Casino Beach & Cabana Club in October 2008 after a $65 million renovation funded by owner Ty Warner. The beach club was originally built in 1937 with a modern Scandinavian architectural theme, and it offers sweeping views of the Santa Barbara coastline from its perch on Butterfly Beach. Although it is a membership club, it is open to guests of the Four Seasons.
Additions to the property include a second-story restaurant, Tydes; a renovation to the La Pacifica Ballroom, which holds 350 guests; and an upgrade to the 5,000-square-foot terrace, which is adjacent to the ballroom. The property’s focal point is an entirely renovated Olympic-size pool and deck area bordered by 31 private cabanas; it features a whirlpool, children’s wading pool, and rooftop sun deck.
2. Sea Gate Estate is a private estate located in Montecito that offers 360-degree views of the ocean, islands, and mountains. The venue is five minutes from downtown Montecito and the beach and 10 minutes from downtown Santa Barbara. The estate features Asian-style decor, a gourmet kitchen, hot tub, meditation garden, fire pit, outdoor barbecue, fireplaces, guest house, lush landscaping, and wireless Internet.
Capacity for events is 120, and overnight accommodations are available for as many as six guests. The estate is available for events and retreats, as well as photo shoots and filming. There is parking on site, and valet service is required.
3. The Music Academy of the West opened its newly renovated recital facility, Hahn Hall, in June 2008. At a total cost of $15.5 million, the renovations included improved acoustics, a raked floor for improved sight lines, new and larger bathrooms, a remodeled lobby, a ticket office, upgraded electrical and mechanical capabilities, and better disabled access. Other site improvements include a substantial increase in parking spaces, a widened main driveway, landscaping, and improved pedestrian access to campus facilities from the lower parking areas.
For events, Hahn Hall is equipped with preprogrammed stage lighting, which can be operated from backstage using fixed instruments that illuminate nine designated areas on stage. The 350-seat hall also offers a control booth with a fully programmable lighting control board, a public address system with fixed speakers hidden in the ceiling structure, and a surround-sound system for cinema production.
4. The Melting Pot, part of the fondue restaurant chain, opened in Santa Barbara in January. The space encompasses more than 4,700 square feet, with seating for 145. The dinner-only menu includes an assortment of fondue cheeses and chocolates, entrées, and salads, as well as an expansive wine list and a full bar.
The restaurant also features an open patio and bar area as well as a private banquet room that can accommodate groups of 32. The private dining room has audiovisual capabilities and a drop-down projection screen. For special events, a certified sommelier is on hand for wine pairings. Full buyouts are available.
