Ritz-Carlton, Bacara

Santa Barbara, California

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By Roger Cox, Editor

Bacara perches atop a bluff overlooking two miles of beach, a little north of Santa Barbara. Architecturally it resembles a Spanish Colonial village, as winding pathways connect low-slung buildings with open balconies and courtyards with fountains. Within its 78 acres are 311 rooms and suites, a 42,000-square-foot spa, a fitness center, 3 rimless swimming pools, and 4 Har-Tru tennis courts. Its connection to a 1,000-acre lemon and avocado ranch adds more dimensions, like horseback riding, hiking and mountain biking. Golfers, meanwhile, have privileges at local courses.
Four courts is a modest number for a hotel this size, but they stand out for their location near the ocean and their talented tennis director Wayne Barnes. Barnes has a history of catering to those who choose upscale resorts, having spearheaded the programs at the Phoenician in Arizona and the J.W. Marriott Ihilani in Hawaii before coming here in 2000 when the resort opened. It's not that he has a wealth of programming beyond daily adult and junior clinics&emdash;four courts really don't allow that&emdash;it's that he strives to ensure that any guest looking for a game finds one by drawing on local residents to fill in as opponents when none can be found among the guests. That and the soft courts, a relative rarity in southern California, give Bacara a higher tennis profile than its modest court complex suggests.

The Ritz-Carlton Bacara, Santa Barbara guests can swim in three pools, surf or sail at the beach, receive one-on-one attention from the resident tennis pro, play a round at the adjacent championship golf course or walk the on-property nature trail. Santa Barbara is also home to a thriving arts community, festival circuit and winery region, inviting guests to explore beyond the resort to discover more of what the area has to offer.

GOLF

Santa Barbara’s three 18-hole championship golf courses include Sandpiper Golf Club, located next door to the resort. Tee times at all courses can be arranged through the resort.

TENNIS

The resort’s four Har-Tru clay composition courts host adult and junior clinics, matches and private and semi-private lessons. Equipment is also available for rental.

BEACHES AND POOLS

Set on 78 acres, the resort offers two-mile natural beach, three zero-edged saline, heated pools with private cabana rentals and watersports including surfing, kayaking and paddle boarding. Learn more about our Pool Cabana rentals.

OUTDOOR ADVENTURE

Santa Barbara offers horseback riding, biking, hiking and other activities. Rentals and tours are available through the onsite Bacara Adventures. 

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Sponsor

Co-ed Tennis Retreat at Baha Mar Resort in the Bahamas! Overlooking pristine white sands and turquoise waters, Baha Mar affords guests a truly breathtaking backdrop to perfect their tennis game. This 4-day, 3-night retreat features educational drill sessions and exciting match play opportunities. Off court, enjoy luxurious accommodations at SLS coupled with delightful group dining and happy hour experiences. For more information, contact Katie Steck at k.steck@cliffdrysdale.com or visit Omni La Costa Doubles Boot Camp

Ratings (21 Reviewers)
Tennis Overall Tennis Staff Instruction	Game Matching Junior Tennis Pickleball	Cuisine Lodging Spa & Fitness	Dollar Value Other Recreation Setting	Kids' Programs Romance Solo Travelers

Rates and Reservations

Ritz-Carlton, Bacara
8301 Hollister Avenue
Santa Barbara, CA 93117

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Here's what others have had to say about Ritz-Carlton, Bacara.

• ""—M.S., Adv., August 2022

• "The Cliff Drysdale tennis retreat was the most amazing tennis get a way I have been to. My husband and I loved the pros, facility and all around fun. We plan to go back for another fun weekend. I highly recommend this facility for a great tennis weekend."—T.N., Int., July 2022

• "Groups are perfect size for instruction. Lots of fun drills and excellent feedback from the teaching pros. Great social atmosphere and perfect weekend getaway."—K.C., Adv. Int., July 2022

• "Beautiful resort and accommodations. Tennis coaches are Phenomenal"—L.G., Int., July 2022

• ""—S.D., Int., June 2022

• "Awesome location on the beach in Santa Barbara. 4 great clay courts. Galina is high energy and very motivational, in addition to possessing an awesome tennis skill set."—M.J., Adv., June 2022

• "Lovely resort, great tennis, fun pros. A really great experience"—L.G., Adv. Int., June 2022

• "My husband and I had a wonderful time at the Ritz-Carlton- Bacara in Santa Barbara. This is the second camp we have attended and it did not disappoint. Galina Bykova and her team do an excellent job with the clinics and private lessons. It was a wonderful weekend!"—T.F., Int., May 2022

• ""—V.R., Adv. Int., May 2022

• ""—K.B., Int., May 2022

• "Great place for rest and relaxation. Attentive staff and the return of the breakfast buffet! Beach was the highlight for me. Tennis was great fun! The pro's were very good and the drills were on point. Loved the fast pace of the clinic and the progression of instruction and drills. I was disappointed with the wine tasting. We tasted two wines. The weekend was labeled Tennis and Wine, so I assumed there would be more than two wines. Also, it would be great if you include breakfast or maybe offer a discount coupon."—K.K., Int., May 2022

• ""—K.T., Int., May 2022

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