Since I first saw photos of San Ysidro Ranch, I dreamed of staying at the 5-star boutique hotel, nestled in the foothills of Montecito, California. Considered by many to be the world’s most romantic hotel, it’s easy to see why this spectacular property – at the top of a hill with lush gardens – receives that designation. With exclusivity as the new quiet luxury, the private cottages – spread out across the forested landscape – create feelings of tranquility unavailable at less spacious 5-star properties. The terrace from our Gardenia Cottage sat above the rose and veggie gardens, with a glimpse of the ocean in the distance, while the golden California sunlight streamed through the floor-to-ceiling windows.

Generations of distinguished guests have laid their heads here to experience the Ranch’s splendor. Even John F. Kennedy and Jacqueline Bouvier honeymooned at San Ysidro Ranch. Countless A-listers from every generation have escaped to this 130 year old hideaway. Elite east coasters once visited by train, arriving in horse-drawn wagons from the station at Sterns Wharf.

As our car spirals up through the lush foliage and mature trees of the hillside property, a calmness pervades my skin from the fresh cool air. It’s hard not be in awe of the blooming rose gardens, organic vegetable patches, and intoxicating scents wafting around the mature landscape. Ancient oak trees twist around decks and over entrances. Everything seems to grow better here.

Ty Warner, of Beanie Baby fame, now in his 80s, has enjoyed stewardship of the property for the last 25 years, and is responsible for curating the design of the 38 vine-covered ornate cottages. These mini homes showcase the natural character of the land and include well thought out details and decor. The style is a mix of eclectic vintage country chic with surprising touches like carefully selected antiques, 3-D fabric wallpaper expertly crafted on many walls and ceilings, heated stone bathroom floors, gas fireplaces, an EV charger for every cottage, and personalizations for every guest. While some cottages boast private backyards or a glimpse of the ocean in the distance, all cottages include patios with garden views and a private secluded outdoor jacuzzi with outdoor shower. Our secluded sanctuary in nature was wrapped in fragrant jasmine walls, making for an intoxicating experience.

Every stay includes complimentary dining, snacks, and non-alchoholic beverages, and is free of resort fees, parking fees, or extra charges, which seems reasonable for cottages that start at $2,495 per night and can exceed $10,000. Meals are served in-cottage or at the award-winning Stonehouse Restaurant, which is open for anyone to make a reservation, not just guests. The restaurant, originally built out of wood, was used as a packing house for fruit, as the land was once covered in citrus groves. Expect hyper-local, farmer’s market fresh cuisine, with longstanding menu favorites like Steak Diane and table-side flambeed Dover sole.

Wine connoisseurs will be impressed with the new Ty Warner Wine Collective, featuring ultra-personalized wine tastings and access to some of California’s most exclusive vineyards. Below the Stonehouse Restaurant is a 15,500-bottle Wine Spectator Grand Award-winning wine cellar, with hidden tasting room. Destroyed in the 2018 Thomas Fire mudslides, the entire cellar has since been completely rebuilt and restocked, with varietals curated from the finest collections around the globe.

It’s easy to be amazed down below, admiring vintages older than our great-grandparents, while learning about the intricacies of different wines through a custom curated wine tasting. Choose from thoughtfully tailored experiences, featuring bespoke consultations, curated classes highlighting rare and exceptional vintages, and exclusive access to top vineyards.

San Ysidro Ranch is currently home to one of the world’s rarest wines – a 138-vintage collection of Château d’Yquem, spanning 1811 to 2008—including the legendary 1811 “asteroid” vintage, the most expensive white wine ever sold. Housed in its 15,500-bottle cellar, the Ranch also boasts the largest restaurant offering of Château Pétrus in the U.S., with a rare 70-year vertical dating back to the iconic 1945 vintage.

Late night, stride into the Ranch’s cozy speakeasy Plow & Angel, where an unmarked entrance leads to a seductive, jazz-infused escape with vintage cocktails and rare spirits.

Just outside the speakeasy entrance is the Old Adobe, the oldest structure on the property, from 1825, where visitors can arrange a private dining experience. Around the property, three musicians are brought in each day to enhance the mood in the gardens and speakeasy.

Daytime activities include an intimate hillside heated outdoor pool, seventeen miles of hiking trails, spa treatments, bike rentals, horseback riding, a fitness center, putting course, custom bocce court, and boat charters upon request. Golfers of any skill will enjoy access to the spectacular private course at the nearby Montecito Club.

The natural beauty of the property paired with privacy in this Mediterranean climate makes San Ysidro Ranch the ultimate private sanctuary for a romantic escape, family getaway, or multigenerational gathering.