Santa Barbara Vacation Rentals Best Kept Secrets: Top 7 Romantic Santa Barbara Getaway Tips

Creating the ultimate Santa Barbara romantic getaway for half the price of a luxury hotel is easy with Santa Barbara vacation rentals. The challenge is planning a romantic Santa Barbara getaway for Valentine’s Day, anniversaries, honeymoons or that special retreat you'll never forget. For that you'll need these romantic Santa Barbara insider secrets.

As fairy-tale destinations for lovers go, a romantic Santa Barbara getaway tops the list. From scenic Stearns Wharf and the beautiful Santa Barbara Mission to the tree-lined State Street shopping district and glorious sandy beaches, renowned wineries, spas and art galleries, a romantic Santa Barbara getaway is just what the doctor ordered. And Santa Barbara vacation rentals can help you create the special retreat for Valentine’s Day, anniversaries, honeymoons or that dreamy romantic tryst you’ll remember for the rest of your lives.

Travel writers have waxed rhapsodic about many romantic Santa Barbara activities but instead of a simple list of romantic tourist attractions (I’ve included those at the end), these tips will help you create the ultimate romantic Santa Barbara getaway.

Santa Barbara Vacation Rentals' Romantic Santa Barbara Getaway Tip #1: How to compose your perfect Santa Barbara love symphony
Planning the ultimate romantic Santa Barbara getaway is easy. Romantic Santa Barbara offers a full orchestra of locales and activities at your disposal. All you have to do is compose the most romantic Santa Barbara getaway for your beloved. As with any great piece of music, the secret to a romantic Santa Barbara getaway is varying the pacing.
Mix slow leisurely beach walks (or art gallery walks, if you prefer) with high-energy activities like dancing. Start with lyrical passages like getting a massage at a local spa. Up the tempo with an invigorating horseback ride. Build to a romantic crescendo with a candlelit dinner at a fine restaurant. Then segue over to a passionate evening of poetry reading (or whatever else comes to mind).

One of the best ways to pull off a memorable romantic Santa Barbara getaway is to get a Santa Barbara vacation rental home (like the Mykonos Villas pictured here). A musical masterpiece should be played in a venue worthy of it. But beyond a great showplace, picking the right Santa Barbara vacation rental home can inspire romantic activities based just on the location. A Santa Barbara vacation home gives you so much more opportunity to create great romantic moments than an anonymous hotel room.

Imagine your Santa Barbara vacation rental home just steps away from Shoreline Park and the sand, with easy access to Ledbetter Beach. When you stay at a Santa Barbara vacation rental you can enjoy a morning stroll through the park. There is also a children’s playground and seating areas for afternoon BBQs in the sun. Watch the surfers at the beach, take a walk through the harbor area, and enjoy the oceanfront atmosphere of beautiful downtown Santa Barbara.

The physical layout of a Santa Barbra vacation rental home is also important. For example, imagine the relaxing you can do on your own private rooftop patio with incredible views of Shoreline Park and the Pacific ocean in both directions. Each individual feature of a Santa Barbra vacation rental home is a piece of music waiting to happen.

Santa Barbara Vacation Rentals' Romantic Santa Barbara Getaway Tip #2: Set the stage for love
The best way to enjoy a romantic Santa Barbara getaway is to completely control your environment so that you can set the stage for love. Santa Barbara vacation rentals can help with this. A Santa Barbara vacation rental home costs half as much as a luxury hotel for more than twice the square footage, plus you have an outside oasis all your own.

With a romantic Santa Barbara vacation rental home, you can drop a trail of rose petals, light all the candles you want, even light a roaring fire in the fireplace. Almost every romantic Santa Barbara vacation rental home has a multimedia system to play any mood music you like.

One of the best ways to set the scene is to choose a romantic Santa Barbara vacation rental that fits your mood or style. If the sound of waves crashing on the shore causes insomnia, maybe you’d prefer a home on a beautiful tree lined street in Montecito. You’ll still be close enough to enjoy the beach, but you’ll also have easier access to shopping and fine dining. Instead of going out, maybe you’d like to cook on a gas BBQ grill and relax with your honey in a hammock.

Santa Barbara vacation rentals offer concierge service to help you set the scene according to your specifications before you arrive. The dedicated Santa Barbara vacation rental concierge staff will have your favorite wines, food and flowers ready for you and will even arrange for your personally selected mood music to be playing when you arrive. This perfect "Wow!" moment is priceless. Prepare to pick your beloved's jaw up off the floor.

Santa Barbara Vacation Rentals' Romantic Santa Barbara Getaway Tip #3: Rule your personal love nest. With a Santa Barbara vacation rental home, you won't have to worry about hotel conventioneers making lots of noise or crowding out all your romantic moments. You control the environment. Instead of a noisy hotel, imagine your own private villa with outside decks (like the Santa Barbara Oceanview pictured here) , including a "living roof" terrace, a fireplace, a fountain and 360-degree views of the ocean, mountains, Santa Barbara Harbor, Mission and Riviera. It is like having all of the beauty and amenities of a luxury hotel, but all the privacy of a private home.

Santa Barbara Vacation Rentals' Romantic Santa Barbara Getaway Tip #4: Enjoy Santa Barbara's top flight hotel amenities at half the cost.
The San Ysidro Ranch has often been called Santa Barbara's most romantic hotel. Take your significant other to the Ranch to walk the grounds and eat at their delicious and headily romantic Stonehouse restaurant. You can enjoy the ambiance of the hotel, but enjoy a beautiful nearby Santa Barbara vacation rental home for half the price.

Santa Barbara Vacation Rentals' Romantic Santa Barbara Getaway Tip #5: Have the best of Santa Barbara come to you
Once you arrive at a Santa Barbara vacation rental home for your romantic Santa Barbara getaway, you don't have to leave it. You can have the best of romantic Santa Barbara come to you. Many of Santa Barbara's finest restaurants will cater your romantic dinner in your very own Santa Barbara vacation rental home. Santa Barbara vacation rentals also offer in-home massage and spa treatment services.

Let a Santa Barbara vacation rentals concierge team arrange to bring the very best of Santa Barbara to your door. Although Santa Barbara has a lot of outside activities to enjoy, sometimes it is the inside activities that visitors remember best from a romantic Santa Barbara getaway.

Santa Barbara Vacation Rentals' Romantic Santa Barbara Getaway Tip #6: The way to a lover's heart is through the stomach
If your honey is a foodie, you don't have to book a worldwide cruise. Santa Barbara has cuisine from all over the world. You can sample an English breakfast, then an Asian lunch and finally a seven-course French dinner. While some of the area's finer restaurants (such as the Four Seasons Biltmore) may require reservations well in advance for your romantic Santa Barbara dinner, you can often get an equally romantic lunch reservation the same day.

To make sure your gourmet trek is flawless, engage the Santa Barbara vacation rentals concierge to make all the arrangements. Not only will the concierge know all the best places, but they might be able to get you a deal or an elusive reservation at the impossible-to-get-into restaurant your beloved would love to try.

Santa Barbara Vacation Rentals' Romantic Santa Barbara Getaway Tip #7: Surprise is on your side.
One of my favorite romantic Santa Barbara getaway stories is about a husband who secretly booked a Santa Barbara vacation rental home as a surprise for his wife. The husband asked one of her friends who lived in Santa Barbara take her out to lunch, while he secretly checked into the romantic Santa Barbara vacation rental home. After lunch the friend followed the husband’s instructions and asked the wife to look at a Santa Barbara vacation rental home the friend said she was interested in buying. When they walked in to inspect the property, her husband was there and announced to his shocked wife that he was surprising her with a romantic vacation.

Don't feel you have to cram every activity into one romantic Santa Barbara getaway. There's one thing better than your first romantic Santa Barbara getaway, and that’s returning to your Santa Barbara vacation rental home for your second romantic Santa Barbara getaway.

Helpful links for romantic Santa Barbara getaways:

Santa Barbara's Top 10 Places To Swoon Over: http://www.lovetripper.com/issues/issue-44/santa-barbara-top-10.html

Amour Along the American Riviera: http://www.lovetripper.com/issues/issue-44/santa-barbara-romantics.html
Santa Barbara Romantic Attractions and Things To Do for Couples: http://attractions.uptake.com/california/santa_barbara/romantic/182341388.html
101 Free Things To Do In Santa Barbara: http://travel.latimes.com/daily-deal-blog/index.php/101-free-things-to-d-351/
Santa Barbara Nude Beaches: http://gocalifornia.about.com/cs/clothingoptional/l/bl_nb_ctysb.htm
Fun Things For Couples To Do In Santa Barbara: http://www.essortment.com/travel/funthingscoupl_tuil.htm
Santa Barbara Romantic Things to Do: http://www.eromance.com/travel/things-to-do-in-santa-barbara.html

For more information on high-end, fully-furnished vacation rentals in Santa Barbara - including private beach houses, California holiday villas, and large luxurious vacation homes - visit www.sbluxuryrentals.com or call 800-715-8766.

Santa Barbara Vacation Rentals Help You Plan an Affordable Romantic Getaway

This year, create the ultimate Santa Barbara romantic getaway for half the price of a luxury hotel with insider Santa Barbara vacation rentals tips for Valentine’s Day, anniversaries, honeymoons and other unforgettable romantic getaways!

With Valentine’s Day around the corner, couples planning a romantic getaway on a budget don’t have to compromise on comfort, privacy or amenities when booking accommodations for their unforgettable retreat. Romance doesn't have to cost you an arm and a leg: just check out the Mykonos Villa (pictured above).

Santa Barbara vacation rentals can cost half as much as a luxury hotel for more than twice the square footage, plus you can also enjoy an outside oasis all your own. It’s the perfect solution for anyone looking for romance on a budget because you can still enjoy a full range of hotel amenities including having the Santa Barbara vacation rentals concierge team assist in planning your Santa Barbara romantic getaway. Stay at our SB Oceanview house and breathe in the fresh sea air while knowing that our concierge team is ready to tend to your every need.

We also offer concierge service to help you set the scene for romance according to your specifications, including having your favorite wines, food and flowers ready for you and arranging to bring the very best of Santa Barbara to your door.

Additionally, insider tips can also help couples enjoy top-flight hotel amenities at a fraction of the cost. Santa Barbara vacation rental guests often enjoy taking in the ambiance at the San Ysidro Ranch, which has been called Santa Barbara's most romantic hotel, by walking the grounds or dining at their romantic Stonehouse restaurant. And then they go home to their very own beautiful, private nearby Santa Barbara vacation rental home for half the price of a hotel room.

Ultimately, it’s like having all of the beauty and amenities of a luxury hotel, but all the privacy of a private home for your most romantic day of the year. We understand how priceless these special memories are to our guests and can help you create a special retreat for Valentine’s Day, anniversaries, honeymoons or that dreamy romantic getaway you’ll remember for the rest of your lives.

Visit www.sbluxuryrentals.com to view our high-end, fully-furnished vacation rentals in Santa Barbara - including private beach houses, California holiday villas, and large luxurious vacation homes - or call 800-715-8766. We'd be delighted to assist you!

Santa Barbara Vacation Rentals Best Kept Secrets: 10 Reasons To Choose a Vacation Home Over Pricey Santa Barbara Hotel Rooms

I've blogged before about how you can rent a luxury Santa Barbara vacation rental property at a fraction of the cost of a hotel - which makes it possible to travel with more friends and family – as well as travel more frequently!

I've compiled our Top 10 reasons why renting a Santa Barbara vacation home (like the Anacapa Penthouse pictured here) makes sense for travelers looking for comfort, convenience and value.

Whether your Santa Barbara vacation home is just for two, or an entire wedding party, a Santa Barbara vacation rental is such an outstanding value that it changes the very economics of travel.

1) With a Santa Barbara vacation rental, you get six times more space for the same cost
On square footage alone, you get on average six times more bang for your buck with a Santa Barbara vacation home than a single room in a high-end Santa Barbara hotel. For value, there is no contest.

2) With a Santa Barbara vacation rental, character is destiny
We've all been in generic, forgettable small hotel rooms. Santa Barbara vacation rentals are your vacation home. Each villa has a unique view and a character all its own. How many hotel rooms have private fireplaces, oceanside decks or mountain view lawns? These Santa Barbara vacation homes are finely decorated in a way that will inspire memories.

3) With a Santa Barbara vacation rental, there are no crowds
In your Santa Barbara vacation rental you won't ever have to wait in line for parking, the check-in line in the lobby or all the other places you can get crushed by a thousand fellow hotel guests. With Santa Barbara vacation rentals, you don’t have to deal with crowds at every turn.

4) With a Santa Barbara vacation rental, privacy is paramount
If you want to have a romantic rendezvous, you are free from prying eyes. Likewise, if you are arranging a business deal that requires discretion, a Santa Barbara vacation rental is a much more controllable environment.

5) With a Santa Barbara vacation rental, there is no waiting for fine dining
Every home has a fully equipped kitchen so you'll never have to wait in line behind a velvet rope. Whether you want to prepare a bowl of cereal, a romantic dinner for two or prepare for a full dinner party, a Santa Barbara vacation rental has an open kitchen that lets you show off your culinary artistry. (There is also catering available.)

6) With a Santa Barbara vacation rental, you can entertain in style without fussing in your own home
You want to entertain in style but your house isn't up to the challenge without an 18-person cleaning crew? A Santa Barbara vacation rental gives you a picture perfect palace that your guests will always remember.

7) With a Santa Barbara vacation rental, there is room for your entire party
When far-flung friends or family members meet at a hotel, they can get lost in the throng. If you stay at a Santa Barbara vacation rental, you'll have all the benefits of home without the headaches. You can spend time together swapping stories, sitting together reading or running around on the lawn playing games. You own the place. Do whatever you want in your Santa Barbara vacation rental home.

8) With a Santa Barbara vacation rental, your schedule is your own
Want to have a three-hour meal? Want to use the exercise equipment without waiting? Want to dip into the private hot tub at 3 a.m.? You decide. With a Santa Barbara vacation rental, the place and the timing of every detail are all yours.

9) With a Santa Barbara vacation rental, you have a safe, kid-friendly home that's free from twitchy business travelers
If you travel with children, you are tired of constantly apologizing to or keeping a wary eye on other hotel guests. You can never truly relax. In a Santa Barbara vacation rental, your kids can do what they want and you can breathe easy.

10) With a Santa Barbara vacation rental, you can be as noisy or noise-free as you want
Even the finest hotels can have paper-thin walls. You often hear everything the other guests are doing and vice vera, they hear you. With a Santa Barbara vacation rental, you can watch the big game on a large flat panel TV, and cheer your team on to victory. You can sing Karaoke at the top of your lungs. You can play touch football in the yard and no one will complain.

So after saving lots of money with your Santa Barbara vacation rental, not only can you travel to more new places but you can also enjoy the best kind of vacation. And you will always look forward to a return trip to your very own Santa Barbara vacation home.

Visit www.sbluxuryrentals.com to view our high-end, fully-furnished vacation rentals in Santa Barbara - including private beach houses, California holiday villas, and large luxurious vacation homes - or call 800-715-8766. We'd be delighted to assist you!

Santa Barbara Vacation Rentals Offer Off-Season Discounts for Travelers in Search of Winter Sun

While the holiday season can be an expensive time to travel, it’s also one of the best times to take advantage of off-season deals, especially since winter can be a slow season for vacation-home rentals.

However, when taking advantage of winter travel discounts, its important to keep in mind that many destinations have slow periods due to inclement weather or other unfavorable conditions that preclude visitors from enjoying the destination’s top attractions or activities.

The most common reason for off-season deals is unfavorable weather conditions. However Santa Barbara offers a comfortable and temperate climate year round so you can still enjoy all the seaside city has to offer while paying less for your wintertime getaway when you stay in vacation rentals in Santa Barbara.

Even popular travel destinations like Santa Barbara experience an ebb and flow of visitors with the seasons. We recommends calling our Santa Barbara vacation rentals company directly to find out about off-season deals that can help significantly slash vacation costs.



Santa Barbara vacation rentals offer a great way to enjoy the winter sun on a budget. At the 5-bedroom Vista Riviera (pictured here), guests can take in views of the ocean and city and enjoy soaking in the private pool or relaxing in the sauna. They can also take advantage of all the amenities of a luxury hotel including pre-arrival grocery, in-room spa treatments, and other concierge services.

If you have a few extra days off from work, you’d be surprised at the last-minute travel deals you can get on airfare and accommodations during the holidays. Combine that with off-season discounts on luxury vacation homes in Santa Barbara and you’ll find that it’s actually possible to getaway and soak up the sun for less!



Visit our website to view our properties www.sbluxuryrentals.com or give us a call at 800-715-8766. We'd be delighted to assist you.

Featured New Santa Barbara Vacation Rental: Riviera Oceanview Retreat

Santa Barbara Luxury Rentals is proud to introduce our newest Vacation Home in Santa Barbara. The Riviera Oceanview Retreat is a gorgeous 5 bedroom home in the hillside Riviera neighborhood that overlooks the city and harbor. This spectacular, one of a kind property allows guests an experience of Santa Barbara living at its finest. Newly remodeled and restored to the original design of architect and artist Joseph Plunkett, with all the modern upgrades and amenities that one would expect in a luxury home, this incredible home embodies the best of both worlds. Beauty and charm, comfort and quality, with the best ocean views that Santa Barbara has to offer.

Offering 4600 square feet of living space on two levels, the main house is artfully designed and decorated, with no expense spared. The lower level boasts walnut hardwood floors and original Spanish tile. Upon entry to the house the great room (pictured left) opens up to a lovely seating area, complete with a 40 inch plasma television above the wood burning fireplace and a breakfast nook that seats six. The adjoining kitchen is a chef’s dream come true, with a 60 inch Wolf range, Sub Zero fridge and state of the art appliances. Featuring custom cabinetry and Italian marble counter tops, the fully stocked gourmet kitchen will beautifully accent every meal. The adjacent formal dining room seats up to 10 people comfortably. The family room features a lovely seating area and is adjacent to the media room/library (pictured right), which features a 50 inch plasma television and wood burning fireplace.

Three bedrooms with en-suite bathrooms comprise the upper level, which features designer carpeting and views from every bedroom. The master suite offers a king size bed and a private balcony to enjoy a glass of wine or morning cup of coffee. Leading into the master suite is a private sitting room (pictured below) with a 40 inch plasma, cozy sofa and large desk. The master bath features marble tiles, radiant heating, a large tub and dual sinks. Two additional guest bedrooms feature queen size beds.

The separate guest house offers one bedroom that looks out to the courtyard fountain, and a private sitting room overlooking the pool. Complete with a bathroom and wet bar these accommodations will create a memorable experience for every guest. A beautiful terrace sits between the main house and the guest house, featuring an outdoor dining table and comfortable seating area with an outdoor fireplace. The swimming pool (pictured below) has a nearby pool house with a conveniently located half bathroom for swimmers.Nestled in the hillside neighborhood of the Riviera, the unobstructed views of the ocean and harbor are unparalleled. Nearly every room in this gorgeous home offers fantastic views…you’ll find yourself anticipating your return to this incredible Santa Barbara Vacation Rental every time you leave. With the gorgeous grounds, fantastic furnishings and the inviting pool and spa, you might just spend your entire vacation at the Riviera Oceanview Retreat and still feel like you did not miss a thing! Come experience the Santa Barbara lifestyle for yourself in this beautifully appointed vacation home.

Santa Barbara Vacation Rentals Offer Stress-Free Christmas and Holiday Getaways to California

This holiday season, snowbirds, families, and vacationers alike are headed south to enjoy affordable and luxurious accommodations in Santa Barbara vacation rentals.

For a growing number of travelers, going home for the holidays means celebrating with loved ones at a sunny and exotic home away from home. While snowbirds have always enjoyed heading south for the winter, more travelers than ever choosing to get away and enjoy sun-filled beach vacations during the holiday season.

Santa Barbara vacation rentals makes it easy to vacation with the entire family during the holidays. Our spacious holiday villas (like the Ocean Oasis pictured below) and private beach properties can house several generations of family members comfortably under one roof at an affordable price. Plus you can enjoy hotel amenities including pre-arrival grocery, in-room spa treatments, and other concierge services that can help you take advantage of all Santa Barbara has to offer.

When spending the holidays away from home, our guests often pack decorations or a few special items to help bring their family traditions and rituals with them. Many of our clients also start new traditions by planning on returning to Santa Barbara every year for truly relaxing getaways that allow them to leave all their stresses behind.

Santa Barbara vacation rentals can also alleviate any burden on relatives who need to house out of town guests during the holidays. Whether you are escaping the cold, taking a much-needed break or visiting relatives in town, Santa Barbara vacation homes offer a great opportunity to relax in comfort and luxury while celebrating Thanksgiving, Christmas, or the New Year.

Enjoying a beach vacation lets you soak up the sun and take in ocean breezes in the middle of the winter. Sharing that experience with your loved ones can be priceless – and that’s certainly something to be thankful for this holiday season.

Visit our website to view our properties www.sbluxuryrentals.com or give us a call at 800-715-8766. We'd be delighted to assist you.

Santa Barbara Vacation Homes Featured in the Vendor Spotlight

Santa Barbara Luxury Rentals is proud to be featured in the Vendor Spotlight by local event designer and wedding planner Kelly Oshiro. Kelly's Santa Barbara Chic Blog is a wealth of information and beauty. Having worked with countless brides arranging every detail of their special day, Kelly knows that finding suitable accommodations for out of town guests can be a daunting task. Santa Barbara Vacation Homes are the perfect option for friends and family who would like to stay in the same central area but are hoping for a more warm and inviting place to be than a hotel. The Anacapa Villas and Penthouses provide just that. With three 3 bedroom Mediterranean style Villas and two 2 bedroom modern contemporary Penthouses, the property can accommodate over 30 guests at the same location. These vacation rentals in Santa Barbara provide more than just accommodations. A large, private flat within the building can be rented separately to host rehearsal dinners and cocktail parties to welcome their guests. Casa Perla features 3500 sq ft of space, a gourmet kitchen for your catering needs, and a private patio to enjoy the warm nights. Package deals available now through Santa Barbara Luxury Rentals...call now to inquire.