Four Seasons Resort Santa Barbara

SANTA BARBARA, CA " Four Seasons Resort The Biltmore Santa Barbara, a Spanish Colonial treasure built in 1927, has completed a comprehensive and detailed $240 million renovation. Owner Ty Warner's uncompromising vision of restoring the hotel to the glamour and grandeur of the golden era, has returned this jewel of the American Riviera to its original splendor with modern conveniences and luxuries. Completion of this phase signals the end of a thorough guestroom enhancement and complete resort restoration which brings together the benefit of contemporary technology, while remaining sensitive to the historical integrity of the property.

Situated on the American Riviera, this gem, with its red roof tiles, ivory adobe and graceful archways, provides visitors a luxurious and intimate retreat. This beautiful historic property boasts striking views of the Pacific Ocean and the Santa Ynez Mountains. Lit by romantic gas lamps, brick walkways guide visitors through 20 acres of lush manicured tropical gardens surrounding the 207 guest rooms and suites.

Tastefully decorated with custom Spanish tile, ornamental ironwork and mission-style furniture, guestrooms are enhanced with 42 plasma screen televisions and CD/DVD players. New luxurious bathrooms include old-world style masonry and modern features including rain showers, fogless mirrors and deep soaking tubs. Renovated suites provide radiant floor heating and steam showers.

Designed by noted architect Peter Marino, the 10,000 square foot Spa features 11 treatment rooms including four deluxe suites fully equipped with fireplaces and ocean view terraces. A well appointed fitness center, adjacent to the Spa provides guests workout facilities with ocean views.

Brick and native Santa Barbara sandstone curbing has replaced the asphalt main driveway, a return to the original design of renowned architect Reginald Johnson. Lowering the Valet parking lot by several feet, affords guests an unencumbered view of the Pacific Ocean and the Channel Islands from the main entrance. Enhancing the view is a custom designed water fountain, a collaboration of Ty Warner and Susan Van Atta. Hand selected and hand set pebbles form the base of this unique water feature.

Respecting the Resorts historical heritage, great care was taken in the restoration of the main building lobby. Artisans hand painted the ceiling with an eclectic collection of Mediterranean design utilizing eggshell paint and 23 karat gold leaf. Hand painted replicas of period maps depicting the Channel Islands and the city of Santa Barbara grace the arches behind the Front and Concierge desks.

Bella Vista, the Four Seasons Resort The Biltmore Santa Barbaras new restaurant, offers guests a view of the ocean from both the restaurant and the dining terraces. Updated features and enhanced dcor include two double-sided sculptured stone fireplaces, a garden fountain, custom wooden wine wall, gas lanterns and Italian stone flooring. The floor of the restaurant and outdoor terrace is heated by a hydronic heating system, enabling guests to dine comfortably in any weather. Featuring a glass retractable roof, Bella Vistas ambiance is that of an elegant outdoor Mediterranean courtyard. Executive Chef Martin Frost has created an innovative menu, featuring California cuisine, inspired by the fresh local bounty and regional produce.

Ty Lounge features richly finished solid walnut floors with custom woven rugs and a sophisticated mix of eclectic furnishings and luxurious fabrics. The custom made bar was hand assembled from selected stones that were cut using state of the art water jet cutting technology. Whether seated at the bar, in front of the fireplace or outside on the heated terrace facing Butterfly Beach, guests can enjoy cocktails and light fare listening to live music in a relaxed atmosphere.
For conferences, the Four Seasons Resort The Biltmore Santa Barbara offers ten newly decorated private meeting rooms, from boardrooms with garden courtyards to an elegant ballroom for 200 guests.

The property has received the coveted AAA Five Diamond award for three years in a row, even while it was still under construction. It was also awarded a spot on the 100 Best Places to Stay in 2006 by the Robb Report. The Spa at the Four Seasons Resort The Biltmore Santa Barbara was honored by Mobil Travel Guide with a Four-Star rating also for the second year running and received a spot on Mobil Travel Guides recently unveiled list of top hotel and resort spas in the United States and Canada.

About Four Seasons Hotels and Resorts
Four Seasons Hotels and Resorts is the worlds most honored hotel brand. Dedicated to continuous innovation and the highest standards of hospitality, Four Seasons invented luxury for the modern traveler. From elegant surroundings of the finest quality, to caring, highly personalized 24-hour service, Four Seasons embodies a true home away from home for those who know and appreciate the best. The deeply instilled Four Seasons culture is personified in its employees " people who share a single focus and are dedicated, highly skilled and inspired to offer great service. Founded in 1960, Four Seasons has followed a targeted course of expansion, opening hotels in major city centers and desirable resort destinations around the world. Currently with 72 hotels in 28 countries, and more than 20 properties under development, Four Seasons will continue to lead luxury hospitality with innovative enhancements, making business travel easier and leisure travel more rewarding. For more information on Four Seasons, visit www.fourseasons.com.

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For more information, contact:
Gena Downey, Director of Public Relations
Phone: (805) 565-8270, Fax: (805) 565-8326, E-mail: gena.downey@fourseasons.com