Although I am a week late in posting this, mostly sidetracked by all the World Cup games, I still think it’s fine to share. I spend a weekend in Santa Barbara, driving down from San Francisco on a Friday morning and returning early Monday morning. A four-hour drive at best, without traffic and almost five with, taking Highway 101South to get there.

We arrived at our hotel Friday at noon and were checked in right away, which was pleasant. I decided to treat myself since it was my birthday and stayed at the Bacara Resort and Spa – a luxury property in Goleta about twenty minutes from downtown Santa Barbara. The beauty of this property is that you actually feel like you’ve escaped the norm, secluded at the farthest point of a dead-end road. Access to the property is via valet parking only, and the guests, destined to spend a weekend pampering themselves.

The minute I swiped the card-key and opened the door to our suite, I felt at peace, smiling right away knowing I have found my retreat even if for three days. The remainder of the time, I slept in, wined and dined and lay on a recline by the poolside, listening to Pandora and napping underneath a palm tree. It was well worth it and something I will have to consider doing at least 3 to 4 times a year as I have been spoiled.