Luxury Real Estate

Courtesy of Staci Caplan and Michael Humphrey

Although there are many beaches sprinkled along the Santa Barbara coast, Montecito’s stunning Butterfly Beach stands out among the rest. This local treasure is nestled in Montecito, an exclusive community of incredible luxury real estate and beachfront properties. Tucked away from the hustle and bustle of downtown Santa Barbara, this beach is a favorite among locals. One of the reasons it is so special, is witnessing the annual mating of the Monarch butterfly. Taking place every spring, the sole existence of the butterfly is to mate. Then, they fade to dust seven to ten days later. It is said that the clusters of buzzing butterflies are so robust, that they appear as thick as tree trunks. Butterfly Beach is one of the few west facing beaches in the Santa Barbara area, making it an ideal place to relax on the warm sand, watch surfers work the break or enjoy a colorful sunset. From the beachfront, you can see Stearn’s Wharf in the distance, which marks the end of State Street. Miles of coastline stretches out along the horizon, offering Santa Barbara’s unique Riviera views with spectacular, purple colored mountains and the Pacific Ocean in one sweeping, dramatic landscape.

Just a stone’s throw from the beachfront itself is the world renowned Four Seasons Biltmore located on Channel Drive. Built in 1927 and remodeled beginning in 2001, this resort features remarkable Spanish Colonial Revival architecture and gardens with a lush array of both local and exotic vegetation – perfect for complementing a stroll among the cabanas. Another beautiful feature is the outdoor pool. The pool’s surface is crusted with smooth abalone shells and music is piped from speakers under the water for a unique swimming experience.

If you’re feeling a bit peckish, be sure to check out all of the Biltmore’s luxury dining options. Enjoy five-star dining at Bella Vista which serves excellent organic, Italian-inspired California coastal cuisine. Watch the dolphins play in the Pacific while sitting on a marble-tiled terrace with stunning views of the water. The Ty Lounge serves a delectable selection of specialty drinks and classic cocktails and features a huge stone fireplace with couch seating. If you are a Resort guest or a member of the club, be sure not to miss the chance to dine at the resort’s legendary Coral Casino Beach and Cabana Club’s Coral Café and Bar for casual poolside dining with gorgeous 180 degree oceanfront, island and coastal views. Also available to Resort guests and members is Tydes, cleverly named after local philanthropist and owner of the Resort, Ty Warner (famous for the creation of Beanie Babies and sponsor of the Ty Warner Sea Center).

Butterfly Beach and the famous Four Seasons Biltmore are absolutely must-see destinations for experiencing the luxury lifestyle of Montecito and positively ideal for taking a break from the excitement and crowds of downtown Santa Barbara. Escape from the ordinary and visit today!