We spent last week in sunny Southern California…..just the three of us.
This was Reed and I’s 10 year anniversary trip, but also a special week of laid back family time [& some friend time here and there, which is always refreshing to the soul].
Our initial trip was to be in Newport Beach for the week, but while I was photographing the O2 Experience tour this past Fall….we spent a few days in Santa Barbara, and needless to say…..I immediately called Reed and said that we must spend a few days of our trip there. We made it happen…..and it was so worth it!
As we were planning for our Santa Barbara accommodations…..Reed suggested the Four Seasons. I’ll be honest, I was hesitant of the idea….only because I was nervous about having a toddler in tow at such a nice hotel resort! As I started to dig around their website…..it was loud and clear that families and kids were welcomed. They even have a complimentary Kids For All Seasons program, professionally organized with activities that give kids their own unique resort experience. Pretty awesome!
When I reached out to the Four Seasons, a unique opportunity came about to collaborate with them. I tell you, our experience at this resort was like none other. They know customer service…..and not as highly paid robots, but they genuinely care about and serve people well. I certainly left inspired in so many ways. From the handwritten welcome / anniversary note left on our bed upon arrival….to the little details that were put together in the crib for Ezra….everything was carefully thought of and executed well. Above and beyond.
There are just a handful of cottages at the Four Seasons, and we got to stay in one of them! AMAZING, right?!? Our cottage was spectacular. The breakfast we had overlooking the beach was so peaceful, especially as Ezra was filling up on the [kids eat free] buffet! The resort grounds were breathtaking….to see such beautiful greenery and flowers everywhere I looked was incredible. Our flower season here in Montana is so short…so it’s in the little things like this that made walking around the resort so much fun.
We spent one full day split between Butterfly Beach and the Resort Jungle Pool. Ezra loved the sand, sunshine and all the water! A dear friend [who just so happens to make the very best cupcakes in the world- who has a little shop in the Santa Barbara Public Market] met up with us as well, so that was so much fun….to catch up face to face and watch our kiddos play together.
Of course a trip to Santa Barbara wouldn’t be complete without an authentic Mexican meal….and so we enjoyed dinner at Los Agaves. Oh my goodness….no words….so good!
Can you tell we had the best time ever in SB?!? We sure did. We only stayed for two nights, but it was the perfect start to our vacation [after this we headed to Newport Beach for the remainder of our trip].
Our must-eat/drink list for Santa Barbara: Bella Vista at Four Seasons [fabulous breakfast & buffet!], Enjoy Cupcakes, The French Press & Handlebar Coffee Roasters [tied for best coffee], Los Agaves & Los Arroyos [our absolute favorite Mexican food spots] and Jeannine’s Bakery (for breakfast, lunch &/or dessert)
Between all the splish splashing pool fun, sandy beach hangs…..and just being together as a family….this trip was a special one. So much fun sharing our trip with you! And now…..our vacation in photos!
