By CAROLE ORLIN SPECIAL TO THE D A I LY PRESSW hen looking for an incredibly beautiful and tranquil destination that is not far from home and is also dog-friendly, Santa Monicans might consider the San Ysidro Ranch.
Situated on 500 acres of beautiful coast-line between the Santa Ynez Mountains and the Pacific Ocean, the Rosewood Resort features 17 miles of hiking trails, which we utilized every day. (Not all 17 miles, though at times it felt like it!) To say the views are spectacular does them an injustice. From the mountains, the view of the Pacific Ocean, with the silhouettes of far away ships illuminated by the sunset, was breathtaking. It seemed too beautiful to be real.
There is a century-long history to this ranch. Some of the more interesting historic notes include the fact that Vivian Leigh and Sir Laurence Olivier were married here; and John and Jackie Kennedy honeymooned here. Some friends of ours also got married here, but you wouldn’t know them. San Ysidro Ranch can be described as a legendary hideaway that blends exquisite beauty and rustic luxury.
When walking into a private cottage, guests are greeted by an enormous living room with a great fireplace (thankfully, the kind you switch on with gas). The fireplace gives off cozy warmth to the chilly day. It also has a well-placed, plasma TV, for which my husband was grateful. The living room features double doors lending a view of our backyard, complete with hot tub and outdoor rain shower.
The entire area was fenced in and great for our dog. Speaking of our dog, she received her own letter of greeting, along with a doggie bed, bowls for food and water (Evian, if you please), doggie bones and a squeak toy. They even offer doggie massages and other services for pets. Not bad for a rescue mutt from San Pedro! There is a welcome sheet for the dogs, and I noticed she was one of the few mixed breeds there. Nonetheless, she was shown the same respect as the Pomeranians and Pugs.
The bathroom was my favorite room — huge with a double-sized bathtub and an amazing view of the mountains. In addition, you can walk outside from your indoor shower to the deck. Just fantastic!
This is a very private place to come to for rest and relaxation and to get back in touch with nature. However, if you do get restless, they are close to golf courses, wineries, beaches and sailing, and the staff is more than willing to help coordinate a wide range of activities. They also have a heated swimming pool with the same amazing view, tennis courts and a very small fitness center.
The San Ysidro Ranch has several choices for dining and a wonderful complimentary continental breakfast. All in all, a great experience for us and a special treat for our dog, who usually gets left behind when we embark on our sojourns. She gives it a resounding two paws up, and we strongly agree.
Contact Carole Orlin at BY AUTOMOBILE: From Santa Monica, I-405 North toward Sacramento. Merge onto US-101 North toward Ventura. Take the San Ysidro Road exit (Exit 93). Turn right onto San Ysidro Ranch Road. Turn right onto San Ysidro Lane. End at 900 San Ysidro Lane. Distance is approximately 87 miles (approximately 1 hour and 30 minutes).
SAN YSIDRO RANCH 900 San Ysidro Lane (www.rosewoodhotels.com; (800) 368-6788)
Originally published in the Santa Monica Daily Press print edition on January 6, 2007. Read the original PDF.