Bacara Spa
Santa Barbara, CA 93117
Phone: (805) 968-0100
- Hours:
- Daily 6am-8pm
Editorial Review for Bacara Spa – by Lili Ladaga
The Scene
Understated luxury is the theme of this spa, located in one of several Mission-style buildings that make up this swank resort. Slip into a plush robe in the carpeted locker area, then stroll into an immense, spotless facilities area containing whirlpool, eucalyptus steam room and sauna. Cool off in one several large showers, stocked with shampoo/conditioner, body wash, towels and razors. Wait for your treatment in the quiet, light-filled waiting lounge overlooking the pool, snuggled into a comfy chair by the fireplace.
The Services
Traditional spa treatments are available, with some exotic choices (shiatsu, ayurvedic options), but true heaven is in the details: During a massage, your masseuse may place a heated towel on your back while kneading other parts, and provide a warm neck rest and eye pillows. Rooms have heavy wood doors and halls are carpeted, so there are no distractions; soft music and low lighting complete a divine experience. Be warned: Heaven will cost you.
The Details
Whirlpool, steam room, dry sauna, Swiss showers, fitness classes (fee), yoga (fee), Pilates (fee). Massage, body treatments, wet treatments, ayurvedic treatments, facials, hair removal, manicure/pedicure, full-service salon, makeup application.
Editorial content is independent of paid advertisers. Any expenses are paid for by Citysearch.
Insider Tips
Cancellation PolicyFour-hours' notice is required for cancellation; any less and you'll be charged 50-percent of the treatment price.
Arrive Early, Stay LateIt's recommended you arrive 20 minutes early to check in and prepare for your visit. Afterward, lounge as long as you like in the whirlpool.
Treats are for GuestsResort guests can get receive certain treatments in the privacy of their room. Call for reservations and pricing.
User Reviews for Bacara Spa
11/08/2006 Posted by gbkc
We were at the Bacara for our friend's wedding. The scenery was beautiful, and the rooms were fine, but our experience at the spa was awful. I had an appointment for a facial and was kept waiting for an hour (in my robe and slippers) after I checked in. When I finally found someone to ask, she said she would look into it and get back to me, and then kept me waiting another ten minutes. Finally, I got fed up and changed back into my clothes and went to the desk. They told me they were "aware of my situation" and that I should reschedule! My husband then asked to speak with the spa manager, who said she was surprised that I waited so long, and after my husband questioned further, she told him that the therapist cancelled at the last minute. AT NO TIME DID ANYONE APOLOGIZE!!! We finally spoke with the hotel manager, who offered me a complimentary facial on another day. I went back and had an average facial. At the end of the facial, I was presented with a bill for the full amount! I asked to speak to the spa manager to explain that the hotel manager intended for the facial to be complimentary, to which she said "you can just sign it, we know its complimentary." When I told her that this was a bill to make charges to my room, she said, "Fine, we can put a zero balance if you feel uncomfortable". For the same price at other upscale resorts, I have had far better treatments with professional, courteous service, and Bacara offers neither.
Pros: weather, scenery
Cons: spa, service
03/17/2006 Posted by nennie1969
As beautiful as the pictures in the ads. This is just a great resort. If you are into understated rather than over the top you will love it. I can't comment on the rooms because I just did a day trip, but the grounds and spa were lovely and the treatments were very good overall. I would love to come back and spend a weekend when I have more time.
Pros: beautiful, understated, elegant
Cons: too far from LA!
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