Rosewood Miramar Beach, blending West Coast elegance with contemporary Cali-living, a place where time is lost to a new state of mind. From the moment we stepped onto the property, it felt refined but never stiff – coastal gardens, palms, and the steady soundtrack of the waves. “Miramar” – “to behold the sea” says it all. The sea as your constant companion, the resort feels spread out like a beautiful beachfront estate, with thoughtful pathways and pockets to pause and take it all in. We loved learning the story behind the resort while we were there. Developed by Rick Caruso, developer of The Grove, Americana and our own beloved Palisades Village, the resort opened in 2019 after a long transformation of the historic Miramar beachfront site, and it shows in the estate-like layout and the way the ocean is woven into the experience. Here, the Pacific is not just scenery – it is the rhythm of the day.
Mornings, Ocean Views, and Beach Walks
Our favorite routine was simple and, honestly, perfect: coffee in the morning from our lanai suite, then long, breezy walks with our four-legged family member, Ginger, happily leading the way. Some mornings our son was still half-asleep when we started, and by the time we looped back, the ocean air had everyone awake and smiling. That daily loop became our reset – fresh air, sandy paws, and the kind of calm that follows you home. Make time for a slow morning here. Coffee + ocean + an unhurried walk is mandatory.
Spa Moment: Sense®, A Rosewood Spa
I booked a massage at Sense®, A Rosewood Spa, also listed in Forbes as the only Santa Barbara Five-Star spa, and it was exactly what I was craving: quiet, grounding, and intentionally unhurried. The pacing mattered – no rushing, just a steady, calming experience that let me fully revive from the holidays. I left feeling noticeably lighter: shoulders relaxed, mind quieter, and that rare post-treatment mix of being both rested and refreshed. It genuinely shifted the tone of the trip for me. Sense also offers multiple seasonal treatments and lost remedies including their Montecito Sage Purification with grounding and clearing benefits for a purifying-body experience as well as the the Undaria Seaweed Age-Defying Ritual. This ritual includes superfood-rich vitamins, minerals and nutrients stimulating the nervous system and promoting longevity – so many things already on my list for when we return.
Dining Like No Other
The dining options highlight the coastal abundance. We started our dining at AMA Sushi for a memorable night out – beautifully prepared fish, elegant presentation, and relaxed coastal energy that still felt special. We started with Kani Sunomono with dungeness crab, cucumber, wakame and Aburi Maguro including seared tuna with yuzu-miso, then leaned into nigiri. Toro and Santa Barbara uni were the standouts for us, followed by a Negitoro hand roll. The Okinawa Mochi Cake was a fun, sweet finish and some of the best sushi we have ever tasted.
The Revere Room became our comfort favorite, especially in the morning. The Lemon Ricotta Pancakes were bright and satisfying, and the Bagel & Lox with Santa Barbara house-smoked salmon felt like a vacation upgrade done right. We also shared the crispy hash browns with caviar – pure “we’re on vacation” energy, and completely worth it. The Revere Room celebrates quintessential California dining in an elegant and inviting atmosphere that had us wanting to return for every meal. For dinner we indulged in Tagliatelle al Tartufo with shaved Périgord Truffles and Parmigiano Reggiano and Masami Cattle Ranch American Wagyu Striploin with Matsutake Mushroom a la Grecque, cauliflower puree and crispy potato hash and porcini jus, perfectly complimenting in flavors and texture. Our kiddo enjoyed the Scoop Shop with classic fare including house-made gelato and burgers poolside and I cannot forget the resorts Michelin star restaurant, Caruso’s with seasonal menus and Central Valley wines and signature cocktails Caruso’s is a luxurious dining experience.
Activities and the Montecito Feel
Between meals and beach time, it was easy to stay active without over-planning. We loved that the best “activity” was often just being outside – wandering the paths, stepping onto the sand, and letting the day unfold around the ocean. Montecito itself is lush and quietly beautiful, and it is an easy hop into Santa Barbara when you want to explore. We liked mixing in a casual stroll and a change of scenery, then coming right back to the beach and the calm of the property.
By the end of our stay, Rosewood Miramar Beach did not just feel impressive – it felt personal. Slow mornings, restorative spa time, dinners we are still talking about, and long walks with Ginger right alongside us. It is the kind of trip that feels both luxurious and real – and the kind you immediately start to plan again.
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