Overview
Rosewood Miramar Beach is a distinguished coastal resort located in Montecito, California. The property offers direct beach access and a collection of accommodations that include beach houses, bungalows, Lanai rooms, and Manor House suites. Guests are welcomed to a smoke-free environment with valet-only parking and a pet-friendly policy. The resort features a range of amenities, including multiple restaurants and bars, a Forbes Five-Star spa, two swimming pools, and a state-of-the-art fitness centre. Its address at 1759 South Jameson Lane places it within easy reach of Santa Barbara’s attractions and transport links, making it a sought-after destination for those seeking refined leisure by the Pacific.
Why this grade
Rosewood Miramar Beach in Montecito is a 4-star house — one of 70 four-star houses on Earth, among just 777 starred hotels; seat 18 of 70. The case for that grade rests on named recognitions and the guests' verdict: an EMPTYJET Consensus of 93/100, Forbes Travel Guide Five-Star, MICHELIN Guide Two Keys (2 Keys) and the guide's Best in Country — N°1 house in United States. Those awards and consistent guest praise underpin the 4-star register.
Rooms & suites
The accommodation at Rosewood Miramar Beach is thoughtfully divided among beach houses, bungalows, Lanai rooms, and Manor House suites. Beach Rooms and Suites are positioned just feet above the sand, offering immediate proximity to the shoreline. Bungalow Rooms and Suites provide serene views of the surrounding mountain landscapes, while Lanai Rooms and Suites overlook lush gardens and mountains. Manor House Rooms and Suites are set to capture rolling lawns and ocean vistas.
Signature suites include the Ambassador Suite, designed by Nancy Corzine and Victoria Montana, which blends coastal sophistication with bespoke luxury and estate-style living. The Beach House Terrace Suite offers 960 square feet of space, while the Garden Bungalow Suite provides 720 square feet, featuring a separate parlour with fireplace, dining table, bay window seating, and a furnished terrace or patio. Beach House Guestrooms are equipped with a furnished beach-facing terrace, vanity table, and designer bathrooms with freestanding soaking bathtubs. Twice-daily housekeeping and evening turndown service are standard, and in-room dining is available. The property welcomes pets of all sizes for a fee and maintains a smoke-free environment throughout its accommodations.
Dining
Caruso’s
Caruso’s is the resort’s signature restaurant, led by chef Massimo Falsini and awarded one MICHELIN star. The restaurant is celebrated for its seasonal menus crafted with fresh ingredients, complemented by a curated selection of fine wines and signature cocktails. Caruso’s stands as a culinary destination in its own right, reflecting the property’s commitment to gastronomic excellence.
AMA Sushi
AMA Sushi, under the direction of California-born chef Scott Yonamine, offers a refined sushi experience. The restaurant is noted for its focus on high-quality ingredients and precise technique, contributing to the resort’s diverse dining portfolio.
The Revere Room
The Revere Room presents quintessential California dining in an elegant yet inviting atmosphere. The menu highlights local produce and contemporary flavours, making it a popular choice for guests seeking a relaxed yet sophisticated meal.
The Manor Bar
The Manor Bar, with bar director Eliza Hoar, is distinguished by its literary-themed cocktails inspired by books and art. This venue provides a creative and intimate setting for evening drinks.
Miramar Beach Bar
Miramar Beach Bar offers refreshing cocktails and light bites in a lively beachfront ambiance, ideal for those wishing to enjoy the ocean views with a casual drink.
Other Venues
Additional options include FronteMare, BOUNTY Dinner, and the Cabana Bar, each contributing to the resort’s comprehensive dining and social scene.
Spa & wellness
Sense, A Rosewood Spa, is the only Forbes Five-Star spa in Santa Barbara. The spa offers unique treatments inspired by the local surroundings and holistic native traditions. Open daily from 10 am to 6 pm, it provides a tranquil retreat for guests seeking relaxation and rejuvenation.
The resort also features two swimming pools: the Cabana Pool, inspired by Paul Williams’ work for the Arrowhead Springs Hotel, and the Manor Pool, which is surrounded by palms, magnolia, lemon citrus, olive trees, and yellow roses. Both pools are open from 8 am to 10 pm, with food and beverage service available from 11 am to 5 pm.
The fitness centre is open 24 hours a day, equipped with Woodway and Peloton treadmills, dumbbells, yoga mats, and strength resistance equipment. Outdoor fitness is available from 7 am to 5 pm daily, with extended hours on request.
Service & reputation
Rosewood Miramar Beach is recognised for its attentive and polished service, as reflected in its Forbes Five-Star rating. These high scores underscore the resort’s reputation for delivering a consistently high standard of hospitality and guest satisfaction.
Location & setting
Situated at 1759 South Jameson Lane in Montecito, Rosewood Miramar Beach enjoys a prime beachfront location. The property offers direct access to the sand and is surrounded by the natural beauty of the California coast. The nearest airport, Santa Barbara Municipal Airport (SBA), is a 15-minute drive away, with direct flights to major cities including Los Angeles, San Francisco, Dallas, Denver, Phoenix, Portland, Seattle, and Chicago. The Santa Barbara Amtrak station, served by the Pacific Surfliner and Coast Starlight, provides convenient rail access. The resort’s setting combines the tranquillity of Montecito with accessibility to regional attractions and transport links.
Sources (2)
The EMPTYJET verdict
Rosewood Miramar Beach is a destination for travellers who value a blend of coastal elegance, culinary distinction, and attentive service. Its dual accolades from Forbes and MICHELIN, along with a MICHELIN-starred restaurant and a Forbes Five-Star spa, position it among the most celebrated resorts in California. The property’s diverse accommodation options, direct beach access, and comprehensive amenities make it suitable for both leisure and special occasions. Its consistently high guest ratings affirm its appeal to those seeking a refined yet relaxed retreat on the American Riviera.
Good to know
- The resort is strictly valet-only; self-parking is not permitted on nearby public streets.
- Pets of all sizes are welcome for a non-refundable fee, with service animals exempt.
- The property maintains a smoke-free policy throughout all guestrooms and suites, with a violation fee in place.
- Typical nightly rates are about US$2,808.
- Twice-daily housekeeping and evening turndown service are standard for all accommodations.
