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THE BEATING HEART OF THE RIVIERA MAYA

DISCOVER MORE BELMOND.COM/MAROMA

1046 COAST VILLAGE ROAD

4 FEB MAR APR 2026

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MONTECITO

805-770-1910

ROBLAR WINERY

FARM FORK VINE GLASS to

Roblar Winery is the premier destination in the heart of the Santa Ynez Valley. Enjoy expansive indoor and outdoor tasting venues on our estate vineyard property. Complete with our own onsite farm and world class culinary program, we offer farm-to-fork food and wine experiences seven days/week. Join us!

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Experience

3 0 1 0 R o b l a r Av e n u e i n S a n t a Y n e z info@roblarwinery.com 805.686.2603

@SBLIFEANDSTYLE | 5

SBIFF’S FILM CENTER PRIORITIES: • 6,000+ arthouse film screenings each year • Revitalization of downtown Santa Barbara • Dolby Atmos sound and projection • A film-themed art gallery with rotating exhibits • Increased accessibility and ADA compliance • Plush seating • Modern plumbing, electric and HVAC • Local healthy artisanal snacks

A NEW STATE-OF-THE-ART 5-SCREEN THEATRE COMING FEBRUARY 2026 TO DOWNTOWN SANTA BARBARA LEARN HOW YOU CAN SUPPORT AT WWW.SBIFFTHEATRES.COM/FILMCENTER SANTA BARBARA INTERNATIONAL FILM FESTIVAL

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by Chef Danny Grant VOLUME 14. ISSUE 1

COASTAL ITALIAN HERITAGE MEETS CALIFORNIA STYLE Ocean Views | Cocktail & Wine Bar | Private Events

EDITOR IN CHIEF & PUBLISHER Ottocina Ryan ART DIRECTOR Vide Olsson SOCIAL MEDIA MANAGERS Eva Grunburg, Alexandra Lee STAFF PHOTOGRAPHER Silas Fallstich PHOTOGRAPHERS Arna Behar, Alex Feggi, Jesse Hovey, Ryan Mayo, Jacqueline Pilar, Jon Premosch WRITERS Anna Constantino, Eva Grunburg, Sophie Jetzer, Alexandra Lee, Andrea Manokian, Danae Petsimeris, Maddy Sims INTERN Thanah Anderson

ON THIS COVER

PHOTOGRAPHER Arna Behar MODEL Jessie De Lowe HAIR & MAKEUP Whitney Destiny LOCATION Santa Barbara Botanic Gardens

Dress J MARIE jmarieonline.com

Santa Barbara Life & Style Magazine is published by Santa Barbara Life & Style, Inc. 26 West Mission Street #5, Santa Barbara, CA 93101

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OUR MISSION IS TO “HELP CLIENTS NAVIGATE CHALLENGES AND GUIDE THEM TOWARDS THE ACHIEVEMENT OF THEIR FINANCIAL AND LIFE GOALS.” SAIGE PRIVATE WEALTH MANAGEMENT 21 E. CARRILLO STREET, SUITE 100 SANTA BARBARA, CA 93101 (805) 456-2400 INFO@SAIGEPWM.COM *Securities offered through Sanctuary Securities, Inc., Member FINRA, SIPC. Advisory services offered through Sanctuary Advisors,LLC., an SEC Registered Investment Adviser. Saige Private Wealth is a DBA of Sanctuary Securities, Inc. and Sanctuary Advisors, LLC.

contents VOLUME 14. ISSUE 1

IN EVERY ISSUE FOR THE LOVE OF BEAUTIFUL THINGS A treat for Valentine’s, or any day.

PROFILES 13

READY, SET…RESET! 14

The aesthetic side of wellness.

BEAUTY AND INTENTION

4 8 HOURS

Prioritizing self care and community.

Local addresses to fuel a life well lived.

LIFE IN COLOR

BEAUTY IN THE BECOMING

SBMA Director Amada Cruz opens up about her vision for the museum and the path that brought her here.

Debuting at The Post, Salon Providence introduces an elevated sanctuary built around comfort, convenience, and community.

FASHION S ALT AIR

Throw on some athleisure because you’ll want to spend all day lounging at home at this Hope Ranch property.

DINING BISTRO AMAS A 22

The historic Upham Hotel’s new restaurant transforms nostalgic American classics into inventive plates.

THE MOUNTAINS ARE CALLING

MANUFACTURED FROM SCRATCH

Little Mountain fuses the best of Montecito: fresh ingredients, elegant design, and quiet luxury. If you like burrata and homemade pasta, you’re in luck.

WHERE GREEN HUGS FEED THE SPIRIT

Touching grass, with guidance from Palma Colectiva.

THE SUPERFOOD OF SKINCARE

Hike your way to wellness at The Ranch Malibu.

FLOATING ON

MONTECITO’S LITTLE SLICE OF PARADISE

WHAT TO PACK

Post holidays, a staycation is in order.

Dress like a local.

CAREYES 92 Relaxation and creativity are integral parts of the lifestyle in this bohemian community.

BEAUTY The sisters of Le Prunier infuse plums and family legacy into their products.

TRAVEL

A journey through the Greek Isles, woven with local gastronomy and chance encounters.

MANIFESTING YOUR DREAM REALITY

Jessie De Lowe shares her secrets for stepping into who you’re meant to be.

CLEAN SL ATE 70

Take the workout to the beach.

PEAKING

WELLNESS

@ S B L I F E A N D S T Y L E | 11

ON VIEW THROUGH JAN 25 Visit SBMA.net for tickets.

Generous support provided by The Dana and Albert R. Broccoli Charitable Foundation, Manitou Fund — Nora McNeely Hurley and Michael Hurley, SBMA Ambassadors, and Geof and Laura Wyatt. Above: Paul Signac, Mont Saint-Michel, Setting Sun, 1897. Paul Signac. Oil on canvas. Dallas Museum of Art, The Eugene and Margaret McDermott Art Fund, Inc., bequest of Mrs. Eugene McDermott in honor of Bill Booziotis, 2019.67.25.McD.

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SBLS spotlight

for the love of beautiful things WRITER Alexandra Lee

MORE CARATS

David Webb has opened its doors at Rosewood Miramar Beach, unveiling a world of bold artistry and rare gems within The Manor House. Explore sculptural silhouettes, vivid stones, and meticulously crafted pieces that honor the brand’s legendary design heritage.

A FRENCH CLASSIC

CHANEL has officially debuted at Rosewood Miramar Beach, taking over the space formerly home to James Perse. Featuring curated collections in ready-to-wear, handbags, watches, and fine jewelry, the boutique brings the storied house’s signature elegance to the American Riviera.

ROMANCE REDEFINED

San Ysidro Ranch, known as the world’s most romantic hotel, enchants guests with its historic gardens, intimate cottages, and exquisite seasonal celebrations. From Valentine’s Day to Easter brunch, savor special moments with loved ones at this serene Montecito escape.

IN FULL BLOOM

Small-batch and hand-poured, these stunningly realistic candle blossoms by local Ukrainian-owned brand OatDreams are made from 100% organic beeswax and free from toxins, paraffins, or synthetic fragrances, making them the perfect hostess gift or spring decor piece.

Follow @sblifeandstyle for daily behind the scenes content, new restaurants, events, getaways, and more.

@ S B L I F E A N D S T Y L E | 13

SBLS covet & crave

ready, set… reset! Tools, treats, and tiny indulgences for a super-charged year ahead

WRITER Alexandra Lee

HERMÉS LEADER SNEAKER

ERNEST LEOTY HEAVY KNIT LONG SLEEVE CROP TOP & HIGH WAISTED MINI SHORTS

Crafted in Italy from technical twill, supple calfskin, and suede goatskin, the Hermès Leader Sneaker reimagines urban performance with a light, graphic sole and punchy accents of color. Finished with plush lambskin lining, these trainers balance technical precision with standout style.

This heavy-knit set melds corset-inspired structure with movement-ready stretch, creating a silhouette that’s as refined as it is functional. The long-sleeve crop top and highwaisted mini shorts bring quiet luxury to both the studio and the street, ideal for on-duty training and off-duty elegance alike.

MIKUNA CHOCHO PLANT PROTEIN

Skip the chalky, filler-packed protein powders and tap into the natural power of the chocho bean, a superfood of the Andes Mountains. Naturally protein-rich, easily digestible, and delicious, Santa Barbara-based MIKUNA’s Cinnamon Horchata flavor delivers 20 grams of clean, plant-based protein per serving.

GELÉE LE CADEAU DE GELÉE

Jell-O, but make it functional. Gelée blends all-natural brain- and gut-supporting ingredients with sunny flavors like passionfruit and guava, accompanied by sculptural molds so you can slice, shape, sip, or serve your creations however you like.

GOOP BEAUTY EXOSOME HYDRATION THERAPY SERUM

This cocooning, exosome-packed gel-serum drenches skin in lasting hydration, calming irritation and reinforcing the barrier for a plumper, more luminous complexion. Powered by over three million cica leaf exosomes plus antioxidants and moisture-binding acids, it acts like a shot of hydration to the skin.

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YOUR REFORMER THE ORIGINAL

Ditch the pricey membership and bring the invigorating flow of your favorite Pilates studio home with this plush, user-friendly, and aesthetically beautiful reformer—no class credits required.

Soothe and revitalize Personalized wellness at your fingertips

Majorelle 36 State Street, Santa Barbara | (805) 882-0103 majorellespa.com | @hotelcalifornian

SBLS this season

beauty and intention Welcome wellness with the New Year. WRITER Sophie Jetzer

ENHANCED FITNESS

WIND AND WILLOW

A 20-minute workout with exceptional results? Sign us up. Founded by locals Colleen Ferguson and Andy Maser, Santa Barbara welcomes its first Electrical Muscle Stimulation studio—the EMS Body Atelier. The novel EMS fitness technology delivers a highly efficient and low-impact full-body workout in just 20 minutes, making it the perfect time-saving yet still effective answer to probably a few of your resolutions. Their specialized EMS suit delivers controlled electrical stimulation that triggers deeper and more intense muscle contractions, resulting in benefits such as significant muscle fiber activation, low joint stress, and enhanced recovery, just in time for building your 2026 fitness goals.

Locally-based hair care brand Ivy & Elder is devoted to sustainability and ecological beauty. Their clean hair care duo is composed of mindfully sourced plant-based ingredients—nourishing your hair and your conscience. The Wear the Wind Wave Spray and Willow Talk Leave-in Hair Mask are volumizing, smoothing, and enhancing, all while maintaining a healthy relationship with the environment. From recyclable glass packaging and compostable labels to entirely recycled shipping materials, sustainability has been at the core of Ivy & Elder’s philosophy from the start. They are also a member of 1% for the Planet, a global organization engaging thousands of brands who have committed to donating 1% or more of annual sales to environmental organizations. Not only is their hair care healing and Earth-focused, but so are their hopes for our ecosystems.

A RITUAL OF BEAUTY

EMS BODY ATELIER FOUNDERS COLLEEN FERGUSON & ANDY MASER

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“If you see beauty in what you use daily, you’ll use it daily,” says Marcin Raczek, founder of wellness atelier, PENT. Utilizing natural materials like walnut, leather, and brushed steel, Raczek has created gym equipment that goes far beyond the utilitarian matte black. His sleek, elegant and functional designs double as decor, they’re that beautiful. From free weights and benches to Pilates reformers, stretching rollers, and even bespoke audio equipment, Raczek curates a gorgeous space for fitness that you will want to engage with every day. Designed upon the pillars of quality, aesthetics, and utility, Raczek’s philosophy emphasizes an environment that is just as disciplined as your routine.

A GARDEN OF TIME Santa Barbara Botanic Garden’s resolutions have stayed the same despite the passing of decades. This year they celebrate 100 years of commitment to conservation and education. Nestled at the base of the Santa Ynez Mountains, just minutes from downtown, the Garden is rooted in collaboration with world class scientists and architects. From its vibrant meadow of California Poppies to its grove of vast Redwoods, it continues to flourish despite wildfireinduced cycles of destruction and renewal. As their devotion to conserving Santa Barbara’s native flora celebrates its centennial in 2026, so does the Garden’s longstanding tradition of special events and community activations. They’re kicking the year off with their Annual Conservation Symposium on January 31st, followed by the March 14th Beer Garden fundraiser—hosting local food and beverage vendors, and live music, then April’s Home Garden tour, and year round rotating art exhibits. If your New Year’s resolution is to spend a little more time outdoors, the Santa Barbara Botanic Garden is the perfect place to breathe in history and fresh air.

SERVING SANTA BARBARA Step on court with Santa Barbara’s newest take on tennis— Opencourt—a refined tennis club focused on accessibility, innovation, and mindfulness. Since moving to Santa Barbara three years ago, founder Alaina Patton has been reconceptualizing racquet sports along with her pro coach husband, Garrett. A lover of group fitness, Alaina draws inspiration from the low commitment of a Pilates class and has curated a flexible experience on the court. From clinic packages to drop in passes, Opencourt is completely customizable to your needs and skill level. It’s also more than just a hot, new take on a classic sport; Alaina is committed to building something “that feels fresh, social, and connected.” Their tennis collective provides a space for people of all levels and ages to tap into the overarching idea of wellness. Their clinics are hosted at Santa Barbara Tennis Club, and Opencourt also offers bimonthly events ranging from mat pilates on the court followed by an open clinic, to Oat Bakery pop-ups—providing the perfect atmosphere to enhance your relationship with racquet sports.

OPENCOURT FOUNDERS ALAINA & GARRETT PATTON

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SBLS this season

KATE CAMPBELL

PINK TOMATO KITCHEN Kate Campbell has always been driven by two things: finding excuses to get people together in real life and feeding the people she loves. As the creator behind Pink Tomato Kitchen and a mother of three, she’s made it her mission to create those “pull up a chair and stay awhile” moments that turn neighbors into friends and friends into family. Her gatherings aren’t about fuss or formality—they’re about delicious food, good company, and the kind of connection that only happens when people are actually sitting around a table together. Her new book, PinkTomatoKitchen: The Secret Sauce to Entertaining, is a year of dinner parties designed to be shared. Each month offers its own menu: one cocktail and three shareable recipes designed to spark a gathering. Inspired by life in the Santa Ynez Valley, the recipes reflect a fresh, bright, produce-forward approach that feels like California cuisine at its finest. Every chapter has its own personality, a small story, and the sense that a good party is often just a well-curated menu away. Readers can cook each menu as a complete celebration and host a full year of parties, or they can treat the dishes as building blocks and mix and match across chapters. A cocktail borrowed from spring can pair beautifully with a winter pasta; a summer salad can brighten a fall dinner. The recipes stand

18 FEB MAR APR 2026

alone, but together they form a calendar of moments meant to be shared. Kate’s guiding idea—spread joy, feed the people you love— threads through every page. Her signature pantry Pomodoro and her summer angel hair tomato basil pasta sit alongside playful dishes like lamb lollipops with mint chimichurri and zesty handfolded duck and pork wontons, which are surprisingly simple and packed with flavor. And she shakes a mean cocktail too—from a bright, citrus-kissed spritz to an amped-up espresso martini that tends to disappear the moment it hits the table. Local life is a constant source of inspiration. The Campbell household leans on favorites like Solvang Bakery, Finley Farm Stand, and El Rancho Market, and that love for seasonal, local ingredients shapes the menus throughout the book. PinkTomatoKitchen: The Secret Sauce to Entertaining is available at Plenty Boutique, El Rancho Market, Barnes & Noble, and Amazon. Follow @PinkTomatoKitchen on Instagram and TikTok to keep up with the latest recipes, gatherings, and happenings. pinktomatokitchen.com

Los Arroyos Mexican Restaurant & Take Out SANTA BARBARA | MONTECITO | GOLETA | INDIANA

www.losarroyos.net

YOGA + PILATES FOR STRENGTH, BALANCE, AND INTENTIONAL LIVING. oladalife.com

@oladalife

info@oladalife.com

5010 7th Street •Carpinteria, CA 93013 20 FEB MAR APR 2026

SBLS this season

FRESH FACED Dr. Elizabeth Grossman steps into the treatment room radiating with a glowing complexion, calm confidence, and a delightful hint of nerdiness, all qualities that immediately earn my trust. I’ve come to her De La Vina Street practice, Cal Dermatology, for MultiFrax, the newest generation of resurfacing lasers. Having never touched my skin with more than a facial, it’s the perfect introduction to resurfacing treatments. It reduces fine lines, wrinkles, sun damage, melasma, and acne scars, all while stimulating collagen production for long-term skin renewal and tightening. The treatment is quick and virtually painless—no numbing necessary, just a wand that blows cold air. Post treatment, I sit there with my face looking like a dripping candle from a Co2 mask (which stays on for an hour to reduce healing time to just a couple days). Dr. Grossman notes the after-effects of MultiFrax will feel and look like a sunburn for a couple days—nothing that can’t be masked by tinted sunscreen, which she recommends anyway to protect from UV rays and environmental light from screens and blue light. Out of curiosity, I ask Dr. Grossman what she personally uses for her skin. She sketches a pyramid of skincare essentials. At the base: sunscreen. Just above it: retinol, noting every dermatologist she knows uses it. Next comes vitamin C, and at the peak sits your products that work yet aren’t doing the heavy lifting—hylauronic acid, salmon sperm, etc. The treatments are a bonus. Cal Dermatology also offers Microneedling, Sofwave and SaltFacial (beloved by women whose skin I envy), along with Botox and medical dermatology services. Dr. Grossman’s standard appointments last half an hour, so even if you come in for a skin exam you could get filler the same day. In our brief conversation she imparts a surprising amount of useful knowledge sprinkled with approachable scientific insight. I book my follow up treatment and leave to run errands (yes, you can do that right after MultiFrax). After just the first two treatments MultiFrax has diminished the evidence of a lifetime of summers spent on Butterfly Beach. My melasma is unnoticeable, acne scars are reduced, and my skin texture is smoother. Dr. Grossmann has not only given me a second chance at youthful skin, yet also the motivation and knowledge to keep my complexion looking as radiant as possible moving forward. calderm.co

DR. ELIZABETH GROSSMAN

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SBLS dining bistro amasa

Julian Martinez and Jesse Gaddy bring their fine-dining expertise to the historic Upham Hotel with Bistro Amasa, where classic American dishes are given a contemporary twist.

WRITER Maddy Sims PHOTOGRAPHER Erin Feinblatt

Julian Martinez and Jesse Gaddy, the duo behind Santa Barbara’s Michelinrecognized Barbareño, thought their next act would be a tri-tip sandwich shop. That was the plan, at least, until a storied inn changed everything. Opened in 1871, The Upham Hotel is one of the oldest hotels in Southern California, first run by Amasa Lincoln (Abraham Lincoln’s cousin) and his family. Standing proudly on the corner of De La Vina and Sola, it remains a Victorian structure with a wraparound porch, manicured gardens, and the lived-in charm of a place that has hosted generations. Chef Martinez says the building itself suggested a new direction for the restaurant: something nostalgic and refined. Tri-tip sandwiches wouldn’t do here. Martinez and Gaddy partnered with Hearth Homes and Hearth Hospitality to create an entirely different concept, a modern bistro celebrating American

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classics reimagined with contemporary techniques and impeccable ingredients. Bistro Amasa took shape, opening its doors on November 14, 2025. By 5 p.m., dusk has already settled over Santa Barbara. Outside it’s cloudy and cool, but inside, Bistro Amasa radiates warmth. Stepping through the door feels like stepping slightly back in time—not into a period piece, but into a space that feels familiar. Soft light bathes a burgundy-and-cream palette. An ornate glass chandelier anchors the room, and marble tabletops gleam. Through an open window into the kitchen, Chef de Cuisine Rigo Tapia orchestrates the evening. A door opens to the wraparound porch, where heaters warm tables overlooking the gardens. Classic rock hums softly in the background. The blend of Victorian and modern touches feels eclectic yet intentional, an early hint at the food to come.

EXECUTIVE CHEF JULIAN MARTINEZ

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MEATLOAF

CARROT CAKE

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BISTRO AMASA TEAM

We settle into a cozy corner and order drinks. The service stands out immediately, unsurprising given that much of the team came from Barbareño. The staff is attentive and polished yet still laid-back and friendly. The bar, situated at the front of the room, feels like a speakeasy, with glossy countertops, gleaming gold shelves, and a lineup of thoughtfully updated classics. My Boring Negroni is anything but—strawberry adds a light, unexpected sweetness. My dining partner’s Margarita carries a delicious hint of ginger. Our server insists we begin with the olives. I admit I’m not usually drawn to olives, but he’s confident I’ll enjoy these. He’s right. Warm Castelvetranos mingle with sun-dried black olives from the farmers market, all marinated in orange balsamic with confit garlic and feta. They vanish quickly.

a luxurious riff on mac and cheese—pillowy pasta coated in four cheeses, topped with garlic breadcrumbs and chives. The twice-baked potato is crisp outside, creamy within, finished with herb crème fraîche, pickled shallots, and lardons. We pace ourselves only out of necessity. Then comes a surprise from the kitchen: the steak tartare. Instead of a traditional egg yolk, the dish features a mustard “yolk” that adds brightness and heat. The Snake River Farms wagyu is exceptionally fresh, paired with dry-aged tallow, pickled cabbage, and crisp crostini. It hasn’t even been an hour since the restaurant opened, and it’s already full. The room hums with conversation and laughter. Larger groups settle into wallpapered alcoves that feel like private dining rooms. Bistro Amasa is the kind of place where you could spend hours with loved ones, tucked away from the pace and noise of modern life. There’s a special sense of connection here, the kind only dining out can offer.

The roasted baby carrots arrive next, a true standout. Caramelized from a brown-butter miso glaze yet tender within, they deliver layers: sweetness and umami from the miso, earthiness from a silky parsnip purée, richness The roast chicken, a surprise hit, is exceptionally juicy, from hazelnuts, a burst of tartness from cherry-vinegar- accompanied by warm vadouvan labneh and a refreshing soaked raisins. It’s a bite-size masterclass in balance. cucumber–mint salad. The steak frites feature Snake River Farms beef dry-aged for 30 days, cooked perfectly Next come the Caesar croquettes. They’re crispy, warm, and served with a black garlic chimichurri that’s bold yet and instantly familiar yet delightfully playful. Nestled on slightly sweet. The spiced fries come with a citrusy yuzu a romaine purée and topped with swirls of creamy aioli. It’s a revelatory take on a classic and worth the trip dressing, they transform a classic into something to Bistro Amasa on its own. unexpected. We pair them with another round of drinks—a local Pinot Noir from Fiddlestix Farm and Dessert items range from an affogato to an “apple a clarified Jungle Bird, which leans into tiki tradition but something-something.” We choose the s’mores, which lands unusually smooth and refined. is a perfectly toasted marshmallow dome topped with graham crackers. But inside is a cacao–avocado Chef Julian Martinez emerges from the kitchen and mousse—a sophisticated counterpoint to the sweet moves through the dining room, greeting guests and koji marshmallow. Nostalgic and inventive, it evokes offering recommendations. It’s rare to see a chef spend so a childlike sense of joy. much of the night in the dining room, but it’s what makes Bistro Amasa so special. It feels like being welcomed into We linger long after the plates are cleared. Conversation a friend’s (very well-decorated) home. When he stops by drifts to our favorite bites, what we almost ordered, and our table, he speaks about the journey to opening Amasa. what we’ll try next time. Thirty minutes pass unnoticed. Despite his calm, reserved demeanor, his eyes brighten In the soft glow of its vintage interior, Bistro Amasa as he shares his favorite dishes: the steak tartare, the baby invites you to be fully present. Dinner slows, phones stay carrots, and the steak frites. tucked away, and for a moment, you can savor a simpler time, even amid the restaurant’s modern, inventive What the team has achieved is spectacular: taking flavors. If Martinez and Gaddy ever open that tri-tip shop, old-school comfort foods and transforming them into I’ll be first in line. Until then, you’ll find me tucked into exciting, eccentric dishes. The gnocchi ‘n’ cheese is one of Bistro Amasa’s cozy booths.*

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the mountains are calling

Little Mountain arrives on the Montecito scene fusing local bounty with the neighborhood’s sophistication.

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WRITER Maddy Sims PHOTOGRAPHER Kort Havens

Tucked beside the iconic Pierre Lafond market, Little Mountain has quickly become Montecito’s newest hot spot—and not only for the fire-kissed dishes coming out of its hearth. The address carries history (it once housed the Pierre Lafond Wine Bistro) and everything about the restaurant, down to its name, feels like a love letter to Montecito. Step inside and it’s like entering a friend’s sprawling estate, one with impeccable taste and an effortless sense of hospitality. In the two airy dining rooms high ceilings, cozy tables, and beautiful art create a setting that’s both elevated and inviting; the bar has the charm and sophistication of local favorites like Honor Bar and The Manor Bar; there’s a private dining room ideal for intimate gatherings and a serene outdoor patio perched above the river. At the center of it all sits a custom wood-fired hearth, the glowing anchor of the open kitchen. It’s more than a showpiece, the kitchen’s rhythm revolves around it. In every way, Little Mountain reflects its surroundings: sophisticated yet grounded in nature. That sensibility extends to the food, which pays its own tribute to the mountain community. Chilean-born Chef Diego Moya, who comes to Montecito by way of New York, embraces the region’s extraordinary agricultural abundance with a sense of passion that shines through in every dish. He works closely with local farmers, building the menu around what’s tasting best at any given moment. His preparations are focused and thoughtful, highlighting vegetables at their peak. Many dishes bear the touch of the hearth: aromatic, smoky, and layered. We begin with sourdough and house-cultured butter infused with hoja santa—a small but telling sign of Moya’s plant-driven sensibility. The hiramasa with manzano pepper and pineapple-guava aguachile is bright and balanced, its herbal notes adding nuance. Market greens follow, crisp and lightly citrusy, with just enough parmesan to enhance rather than obscure.

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CAFE DE OLLA CHEESECAKE

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30 FEB MAR APR 2026

RAINBOW TROUT WITH WILD MUSHROOMS

A surprise course of Santa Barbara sea urchin arrives next: snap peas and roe adding crunch to the soft, custardy uni, finished with marigold. It’s one of the night’s most memorable bites. The badger flame beets, presented in a romesco-style preparation, are another highlight.

leaf-infused cream, it reads as an homage to Montecito’s mountain trails. I find it fascinatingly delicious, though those craving something sweeter may prefer the chocolate mousse with cacao nibs.

In a year filled with notable openings, Little Mountain At our server’s suggestion, we order the Santa Barbara stands out as one of the most compelling. The concept— halibut. The fish is expertly cooked—crisp-edged and California coastal cooking—may appear understated, pillowy soft inside—and served with a rich beurre but it’s executed with meticulous care. Moya’s plantblanc, wild mushrooms, and charred peppers. A side of forward approach celebrates what makes this region koshihikari rice with sesame butter, simple yet satisfying, so special: its year-round natural abundance. The completes the dish. The roast chicken, glazed with open-fire cooking pays homage not only to the mountain turmeric and cooked over coals, is equally impressive: landscape, but also to the area’s Mexican heritage. Still, aromatic, lightly smoky, and surprisingly light. We enjoy the restaurant maintains that ineffable Montecito allure. it alongside the patatas bravas, a can’t-miss dish. The menu is pared down, but the dining experience itself is expansive. The building appears unassuming, Dessert brings a variety of thoughtful finales. The café but the inside is gorgeously designed. A-listers casually de olla cheesecake is luxuriously rich without leaning walk through the space. It’s a Sunday night, and Little overly sweet. We also try the wild California bay cream Mountain is totally full. The restaurant may be brand new, with fennel caramel, a dessert made for non-dessert but it feels as though it’s been here forever.* lovers. With amber fennel caramel suspended over bay

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manufactured from scratch

Newly opened Manifattura wows with house-made pasta and dishes inspired by Italy’s culinary traditions.

WRITER Andrea Manokian PHOTOGRAPHER Silas Fallstich

If you’re a fan of Aperitivo—a charming wine bar quaintly situated on Santa Barbara’s Haley Street—then you’ll absolutely adore its new sister restaurant, Manifattura. And if you’ve not yet had the pleasure of visiting either, you now have two incredible spots to add to your must-try list. It’s a cold and rainy day in Santa Barbara as I approach Manifattura, but when I step inside, the warmth is palpable. It feels like one of those restaurants that you have the pleasure of stumbling upon by sheer happenstance and are immediately glad you did. As any avid restaurant goer knows, the lighting sets the tone for your evening and is arguably just as important as the first bite of food. The lighting inside Manifattura does not disappoint—muted and moody with dimly lit gold lamps adorning each table—it’s just low-key enough for a first date and just lively enough for an evening spent with dear friends over shared wine.

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The interior of the restaurant immediately strikes me as Manhattan-esque. In fact, after a few drinks, you’d likely be able to convince me that I was sitting inside a swanky joint in the Big Apple itself. Perhaps the design is an intentional ode to Manifattura's executive chef and coowner, Brian Dodero—a Santa Barbara local who matured his culinary craft in Italian restaurants throughout Manhattan. Brian teamed up with Rebecca Fox of Fox & Fields Interior Design and Miramar Building Co. to craft a space where walnut, brass and terrazzo mesh together to achieve a harmonious blend of midcentury and vintage design. Brian met Manifattura’s sommelier and co-owner, Andrea Girardello, when the two were working together at the Coral Casino at Four Seasons Santa Barbara. They bonded over their mutual love for food, wine and all things Italy, and today own and operate both Aperitivo and Manifattura.

TAGLIATELLE DEGLI UMARELLES

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EXECUTIVE CHEF BRIAN DODERO

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BURRATA PUGLIESE, MELANZANE IN AGRODOLCE, "PIZZA" BIANCA

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I had the pleasure of meeting Andrea when dining at Manifattura. You can immediately tell he’s passionate about what he does. His enthusiasm radiates as he makes his way up and down the restaurant, chatting with guests and offering suggestions. I ask him about the meaning behind the name of the restaurant, and he takes his time to explain the true nature behind the Italian expression. He points to my blouse and explains that manifattura is an Italian term used to describe the true quality and essence of something. He paints a picture: imagine it’s the ’50s and you walk into a tailor shop and start selecting the fabric for your next blouse. You’ll likely glide your hands across each fabric to assess its quality. Well, if the fabric is to your liking, it’s safe to say you’re pleased with its manifattura. I come to understand the expression to mean the entire makeup of something—not just its separate parts. He also explains the word directly translates to “manufacturing” in English and that “mani” means hand. The name is fitting, as the restaurant makes pasta by hand daily and they pay mind to the entire makeup of each dish.

I can still hear the satisfying crunch the crust makes when split open. The burrata arrives nestled in a shallow bath of olive oil and adorned only with sea salt. It tastes of fresh cream and the daydreams of Italian vacations past.

The menu is petite and uncomplicated, and all of the entrées consist of the restaurant’s house-made pasta, so come hungry for carbs. We decide on the Gnudi al Pesto Vibrante and Tagliatelle degli Umarelles. The gnudi features delicate ricotta dumplings doused in pesto and topped with breadcrumbs. It’s unique and pleasantly different from traditional pesto pastas. The pesto sauce is vibrant, fragrant and the star of the dish. The ricotta dumplings hiding underneath are tender and delicious. As for the tagliatelle, it’s slow-cooked to perfection. In fact, Andrea tells us that the process takes about six hours from start to finish, which is ironic, as it only takes us a few minutes to devour. The best way to describe this dish would be Bolognese sauce without the tomato paste. It’s rich but not heavy, creamy and rustic, and gets better with each bite. It’s an absolute must. And although Andrea modestly shares that “we’re not trying to reinvent the wheel; we’re just trying to make really good Italian When our drinks arrive, I’m immediately impressed. food,” I beg to differ. I think aside from Manifattura I sample the Hugo Spritzer with house-made elderflower crafting exceptionally delicious Italian food, they’re also syrup and prosecco. My plus one, Atticus, has what’s crafting unique pasta dishes that are far from standard. listed as the Manifattura Negroni with juniper-infused agave wine and vermouth. The Hugo Spritzer is light, If you take away one tip after reading this article, let it be refreshing and tastes almost identical to sweet-and-sour this: do not skip dessert. The Gelato al Limoncello may candy—the kind I enjoyed as a kid. I find myself appear unassuming, but don’t indulge in those “we have reaching over the table multiple times to sneak another ice cream at home” thoughts. Instead, indulge in this sip of the negroni, as it’s the first of its kind that I’m able lemon gelato. Topped with bits of limoncello confection to enjoy without recoiling at its bitterness. This negroni and a lemon curd center, this gelato instantly reminds is different; it’s sweet and mimics the flavor of cherries. me of the limoncello-flavored almonds I ate religiously in Italy. If you’re not particularly a fan of lemon-flavored Up next, we devour our selected spuntini—Pizza Bianca desserts, perhaps you’ll hit the pan on the Baba al and Burrata Pugliese. Don’t let the name fool you: the Rum—a boozy, rum-soaked Napoletano sponge cake Pizza Bianca is the name for their house-made focaccia and a dish I plan on ordering during my next visit, bread, which mimics that of pizza dough, and their because I’ll absolutely be going back. burrata is freshly flown in from Puglia. I’m pleasantly surprised to encounter the simplicity of each dish. They Picturesque in nature, intimate in setting and impressive arrive without an overreliance on excess garnishes—just in culinary prowess, Manifattura is more than just another quality ingredients married together to provide quality Italian spot. It’s a community gathering space that feels taste. The focaccia is crispy, airy and salted to perfection. swanky yet familial, and it’s your next favorite restaurant.*

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SBLS wellness manifesting your dream reality

Montecito-based manifestation coach Jessie De Lowe on unlocking your true potential.

WRITER Andrea Manokian PHOTOGRAPHER Arna Behar HAIR & MAKEUP Whitney Destiny LOCATION Santa Barbara Botanic Gardens

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“Today is the Lions Gate Portal,” Jessie exclaims. “It’s an exceptionally potent day for manifestation, which I thought was so poetic.” She’s referencing the fact that we had planned to speak on this day—August 8—months in advance, without realizing we’d chosen such a significant day for spiritual awakening. She’s right, the timing is special. You may be new to the term manifesting. Maybe you’ve loosely heard it used in mainstream media—especially in recent years—but didn’t think it applied to you. Jessie will be the first to tell you that manifestation applies to all of us, whether we realize it or not. “The first misconception is that you're either manifesting or you’re not. Everybody is manifesting,” she explains. And if we’re all manifesting our own realities, wouldn’t it be better if we learned how to tap into this power? That’s where Jessie comes in.

“I always wanted to help people feel good and learn about themselves,” says Jessie. She credits her diverse career with giving her the means, education and platform to connect with people on a deeper level. From a young age she had an inkling she’d pursue something creative and peoplecentric. “In college, I studied both art and psychology. And even before that, I was interested in the books that my mom had around the house, which were all about taking responsibility for your life— essentially manifestation books,” she says. A master-of-many type of individual, she received a Master’s Degree in Art Therapy from New York University, and she’s skilled in a multitude of healing practices such as aromatherapy, reiki and meditation. Jessie has been an art therapist and yoga instructor, and she’s even worked in various treatment centers. “I worked in a psychiatric hospital in New York City, helping adolescents and adults who had a lot of mental and emotional challenges,” she shares.

JESSIE DE LOWE

Dress J MARIE jmarieonline.com

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When Jessie had her first daughter—Amelie, now eight—she shifted her focus to being a manifestation coach. Today, Jessie and her family reside in Montecito, where she helps people lead better lives through skillful manifestation. She offers one-on-one sessions, and an online course that can be taken on its own or alongside her sessions. “My online course called the Dream Catcher is a huge database of workshops,” she says. “There’s three years’ worth of workshops from myself and other amazing guests like Marianne Williamson, Mimi Bouchard, Cathy Heller and more powerhouse experts.” Jessie even partners with other coaches and practitioners to co-lead workshops at her home, the most recent focusing on creativity. Jessie especially enjoys leading couples' sessions. “I think every couple should manifest together and get on the same page so that both their individual and shared vision can be amplified,” she says. I ask her about a success story she feels comfortable sharing from one of her recent sessions, and what she divulges gives me visible goosebumps. She tells me about a husband and wife who recently came to her. The husband was initially disillusioned with his career and sought Jessie’s expertise to advance professionally. However, after a few sessions, he realized that what was holding him back wasn’t his skills or experience, but how he felt about himself physically and mentally. “He tapped into a version of himself that was the true him—the real him,” says Jessie. Discovering this source of discontent fueled him to lead a healthier lifestyle, and he lost 50 pounds. The kicker? A healthier approach to life helped his career, as identifying his true roadblock boosted his confidence. “He needed to plug into this version of his true self that was not running the show at that moment,” she says For Jessie, raising vibrations is a mindset and daily practice that shapes the life you want to create. As part of that ethos, she offers her clients what she calls “high vibe gifting,” where she hand-picks items she knows will inspire and uplift them. “I have a lot of favorite products and brands that I feel elevate someone’s life, so I gift my one-on-one clients and course members every month,” she says. “Yet, manifestation is about more than just money and things,” she says. “Manifestation is about releasing limiting beliefs that are blocking you from what’s available to you in your reality.” We’ve partnered with Jessie to provide a checklist of 10 things you can strive for each day to enhance your life and become more magnetic.

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Create before you consume. Don’t start your morning with social media, the news or other people’s voices in your head. Begin instead with cultivating gratitude, visualizing your day ahead, and creating something, whether it’s a cup of joe or a journal entry. Lean into simple pleasures. Each day brings small joys that should be savored. Don’t brush off small wins and the little things that make life sweet. Connect with yourself. Prioritizing some alone time, away from others, allows you to hear your intuition and connect with powers greater than yourself. Connect with other people. Alone time is important, yet so is connecting with others. The flow and exchange of energy among neighbors, friends, family, and community is healthy. Share your gifts with the world. The more you share your unique offerings to the world— the more you are living your authentic purpose, and aligned opportunities will arise to help you reach your full potential.

Reach outside of your comfort zone. Find ways throughout the day to challenge yourself. Try something you’ve never done—whether it’s a new workout class, a cold plunge, or making a phone call that gives you butterflies. Adopt a beginner's mindset. Instead of assuming you have all the answers, let life surprise you by seeing things as if you’re discovering them for the first time. Allow yourself to experience awe. Recognize the beauty of our world and understand that we are all connected to this magic in some way. Help someone. Find a way to make someone’s day better every day, whether it’s helping one person or contributing to your community. Tend to your basic needs. Spiritual awakening can’t happen without taking care of your physical vessel. Make sure you’re drinking enough water, exercising, spending time in nature, eating foods that raise your vibrations and getting enough sleep.

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Dress J MARIE jmarieonline.com

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“Manifestation is about releasing limiting beliefs that are blocking you from what’s available to you in your reality.” Mastering skillful manifestation takes time and can be achieved when you take ownership of your focus and route your energy toward healthy goals and aspirations. This starts with how you speak to and about yourself. Something as simple as replacing “I need” and “I want” with “I am” and “I love” can bring you one step closer to becoming a skillful manifester. “If you say ‘I need’ and ‘I want,’ you’re putting yourself in a state of lack because you're implying that that thing is separate from you and that you don't have it. Whereas ‘I love’ and ‘I am’ is a recognition that this thing is already yours,” explains Jessie. The next step is learning to manifest from the soul rather than the ego. “Manifesting from the ego is all about external appearance. It’s about people applauding you and giving you praise,” says Jessie. Manifesting from the soul doesn’t mean you can’t desire material things, it only means you do it for yourself, rather than to seek validation from others. You focus on manifesting things because you sense they will bring you a feeling that aligns with your truth or authentic self. As a final piece of guidance, in a world full of noise, don’t let it deter your attention from what truly matters. “Where you place your attention—that's what's going to be magnified in your reality,” notes Jessie. Direct your energy and thoughts toward what you appreciate—the people, moments and sensations that spark genuine joy—and life naturally offers you more of it. *

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where green hugs feed the spirit

Finding peace and vulnerability in a tree bathing ritual led by Palma Colectiva.

WRITER Danaë Petsimeris PHOTOGRAPHER Jacqueline Pilar

Santa Barbara has grown on me. When I first moved here from Paris, I was easily dismissive of unfamiliar trends. Lavender in coffee, sparkling water in every imaginable flavor, and the “get in touch with your inner self ” approach to yoga were all things I thought best left to the locals. As my year in Santa Barbara now draws to a close, I find that I’m going to miss these very things and the ways in which they have become part of my daily life here. While I have to admit that some of my French reserve remains, I am happy that I can reflect on how I’ve become more open to new experiences. As you can imagine, when I first heard of tree bathing I immediately classified

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the activity under “hippie Santa Barbara things.” Although I resisted the urge to Google the term, I did ask around, curious to find out if any of my friends knew more about it, and no one did. On a picture perfect afternoon in a garden on the Riviera, the tree bathing ritual began, in a circle where sheepskin rugs were laid out for each participant. The experience, organized by Palma Colectiva, started with a short introduction to the practice. To my relief, we were all first timers. Also called forest bathing and known as shirin yoky in Japanese, this practice began in the 1980s in Japan. It invites people to immerse themselves in nature, to slow down and reconnect with the natural world.

The ritual was divided into three parts and was led by Giuliana Motin with Palma Colectiva. First, we wandered alone through the garden, in search of a being that captured our attention. We observed nature in silence until Giuliana called us back to the circle with a bird sound. I was afraid I wouldn’t hear it, but it worked well. Like Orpheus’s lyre, the sound drew us all back. We then shared what we had noticed, and what these beings conveyed to us. Many of us had been drawn to a bumblebee, which seemed to be following our path. It was refreshing to thoughtfully describe our surroundings, to feel calm, and to share our perceptions and emotions. Next, we were invited to find a place in the garden to sit in silence and welcome whatever thoughts or sensations came. As a novice at meditation, this was not easy for me. I had to let go, observe, and not plan. I noticed small things I usually overlook, such as the feeling of the ocean breeze contrasted by the sun’s beating rays and the different thoughts that dance around my mind when I’m learning how to be present. What started as the most uncomfortable part ended up being the most calming. I now want to leave my headphones behind more often, and listen to what nature is saying. For the final part, we had to find a tree—not one we chose, but one that chose us. Not surprisingly, as someone who loves olive oil and considering my Mediterranean roots, I was drawn to the olive tree at the edge of the garden, and I like to believe that it called me. I touched the trunk, noticed the green and silver in the leaves, and, to my own surprise, even hugged it, which felt really good. We closed the circle by sipping herbal tea from wooden cups. This activity taught me how to be vulnerable in front of strangers, how to welcome others’ experiences, and how to feel safe in a space without judgment. I laughed at myself for hesitating. I’ll now be more attentive to my surroundings and to the conversations nature is always having with itself. Green hugs truly nourish the spirit.*

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SBLS beauty

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LE PRUNIER

the superfood of skincare

Le Prunier, rooted in over a century of family history, is transforming how we view the plum, from summer snack to skin saving ingredient. @ S B L I F E A N D S T Y L E | 47

WRITER Sophie Jetzer

Although all brides are glowing on their wedding day, Allison Taylor, co-founder of Le Prunier, looked a little extra radiant at her recent nuptials at San Ysidro Ranch. The secret? Le Prunier’s Plum Beauty Oil, we can only imagine. A decade ago, Allison, alongside her sisters Jacqueline and Elaine, discovered that the benefits of plums extend far beyond the palate. Their family farm in Sutter County has been producing organic plums since their grandfather founded it in 1916, and in 2014, the sisters created their skincare line Le Prunier, infused with both plums and heritage. From a young age, the sisters accompanied their father on business trips overseas, and it was in skincare meccas across Europe and Asia that they caught on to how highly the prune is regarded as a skin superfood. They’re packed with antioxidants, essential fatty acids, and vitamins, aiding in restoring radiance and maintaining the skin’s natural barrier. In Japanese and Korean skincare circles, the plum is seen as a powerhouse of skin-saving benefits, and it was with this inspiration that Le Prunier was founded. When Jacqueline first approached her father with the idea of recycling the unused plum pits into a skincare product, she knew it was something revolutionary. After getting their father on board, Jacqueline bought the pits from him and paid for research out of her own pocket. Partnering with world renowned labs, the sisters worked to develop their viral Plum Beauty Oil, which launched in 2017. Throughout 2018 and 2019, the Taylors focused on expanding Le Prunier’s reach from Neiman Marcus

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in the States, to Europe and South Korea. In the midst of championing their heritage, as well as pioneering in the skincare world, Le Prunier went viral in 2020 when Chrissy Teigen posted about it being part of her nighttime routine. It sold out around the globe. “Le Prunier is not only focused on innovation, it’s rooted in generations of organic and sustainable farming,” says Allison. They are committed to clean, effective ingredients, as well as what Allison calls, “an innate family story of lineage and heritage.” The Taylors have since added a mineral sunscreen, Plumscreen, and their sought-after body cream, Plumbody, to the collection. Their ethos is sustained in Le Prunier’s latest creation, launching this January: the Plum Cleanse. This new addition is the sixth product in their tightly curated line. It conveys Le Prunier’s hero product, the Plum Beauty Oil, in a cleanser, complete with a unique oil to lather consistency. The Plum Cleanse is a pH balancing peptide as well as a probiotic, functioning as a two-in-one and eliminating the need to double cleanse. Allison, Jacqueline, and Elaine have blended legacy, heritage, and fresh ideas into a skincare line that simultaneously pays homage to their family’s generations of sustainable and organic farming, as well as making a name for itself as an effective skin superfood. Whether in Santa Barbara or Seoul, their plum-powered results are both preserving their roots and blooming into new possibilities in the skincare industry.*

LE PRUNIER FARM

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SBLS profiles life in color

Director of the Santa Barbara Museum of Art, Amada Cruz, brings a lifetime of resilience and curiosity to her work. In her home office, she reflects on the moments and mentors that shaped her path.

WRITER Maddy Sims PHOTOGRAPHER Silas Fallstich

Most museum directors chase polish: quiet rooms, white walls, a kind of reverent perfection. Amada Cruz does not. “We tend to strive for perfection in museums,” she says. “But life isn’t perfect.” Her mission as the Eichholz Foundation Director and CEO of the Santa Barbara Museum of Art is simple: to make the museum feel more approachable, more alive, more human. To Cruz, success is measured in energy— children squealing, friends laughing, bursts of color and texture at every turn. “I want everyone to feel welcome at the museum,” she says. “I want everyone to feel like the SBMA is for them.” It’s an unusual approach, but Cruz’s path is far from typical. She arrived at NYU intending to pursue law. But after working in law firms, she realized it wasn’t her path and pivoted to art history. “When I mentor young people, I tell them it’s just as important to find out what you don’t like,” she says. “It’s not a failure.” Switching from law to art, especially as the child of immigrants, was a leap. “I feel really lucky that I was supported in this decision,” she says. “But working was

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always important in my family. You had to be committed. There was no slacking off, even if I was going into the arts.” Her upbringing not only instilled a fierce work ethic, but also a natural embrace of change. “For some people, it’s jarring,” she says. “But for me, change is part of life. Growing up, we moved around. Coming from an immigrant family, you take opportunities where you find them.” Her first foray into the art world was an unpaid internship at the Guggenheim, where she did everything from drafting letters to giving public tours. “I was working for free, but I loved it,” she says. “I did whatever the curator asked.” Across her career—from Chicago to Phoenix to Seattle—Cruz’s hallmark has been adaptability. She’s collaborated closely with living artists, reimagined programming, expanded outreach to diverse communities, and even led the Seattle Art Museum through a global pandemic. Advising on artist grants taught her about fundraising. Moving across the country opened her eyes to all kinds of art. “When faced with a challenge, I have so many reference points,” she says. “It’s a gift.”

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“It’s been fun thinking about how to make a space active and energized, especially in galleries that are typically still.”

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One of the most formative reference points arrived early: her friendship with Félix González-Torres. As a young curator, Cruz admired minimalism, but González-Torres gave it an unexpected emotional charge. “He would take reduced forms in simple geometric shapes and infuse them with life, with content about the human experience,” she says. She recalls one work in particular: two stacks of white paper, one labeled “Somewhere better than this place,” the other “Nowhere better than this place.” “It was elegant and pure, but it was about content, about life, about making choices,” she says. “It was participatory. It was very human. That work was revelatory to me.”

Even the classical sculpture galleries have begun to shift. Traditionally presented as pristine marble, these works were once vividly painted. Cruz wants visitors to see them as the ancient Greeks and Romans did: animated and intertwined with everyday life. And then there is the unmistakable magnetism of originals. “We have four Monet paintings,” she says. “If you want to see them, you have to come. They just don’t reproduce the same way on a screen.” This winter’s major Impressionist exhibition (on display through January 22) feels like the purest expression of Cruz’s ethos. The Impressionists, she says, were once considered rebellious—too loose, too raw, too unfinished. Their work pushed back against academic perfection, making art feel immediate and alive. “I would love for people to understand how revolutionary that work was at the time,” she says. “This idea of artists expressing themselves the way they want—we still live in that world. And it started with the Impressionists.”

The lessons extended far beyond aesthetics. “Because he was sick with AIDS, I think about the things I learned from him in terms of being rigorous and trying to do the best all the time,” she says. “He taught me to take advantage of the now and to spend time with friends and family, because we don’t know what tomorrow will bring.” A black-and-white photograph of his hangs above her Cruz has infused SBMA with that same spirit. Real life fireplace. “I see it every day,” she says, her eyes softening. belongs in the museum: families, students, neighbors. The community, she believes, should shape the institution Her home office is an intimate collage of her own history. as much as the art on its walls. With Santa Barbara’s Warm and densely layered, it feels more like a lived-in population nearly half Latinx, one of her early decisions studio than a workspace. Shelves overflow with art, was reinstating bilingual signage. “It’s like a welcome mat. travel, and fiction books. Small mementos—souvenirs, It says, ‘We know you’re here, and this place is for you,’” photographs, artworks—are scattered about, each with she says. its own story. One framed newspaper clipping captures her mother scolding Andy Warhol at a book signing. Having spent her childhood in museums, Cruz is also Nearby sits the signed book itself, complete with Warhol’s passionate about helping children discover art. One humorously long inscription. The room, like its occupant, example is a partnership with local schools where radiates life. teachers who are practicing artists guide students in seeing and making art. 25,000 students and teachers When Santa Barbara called, they wanted transformation. participated last year. She plans to grow the number. At Cruz has delivered. “It’s been fun thinking about how to the museum, the new Art Learning Lab invites visitors of make a space active and energized, especially in galleries all ages to create work inspired by the galleries. that are typically still,” she says. Color has become one of her favorite tools. “There are some paintings that really Reflecting on her journey, Cruz shares what she wishes pop when they’re against intense blues and greens,” she she could tell her younger self: “Everything is going to says. She and her team have also been mixing media— be fine,” she says. “Take it one day at a time. Do your best. paintings beside photographs, sculptures beside posters. Love your family and friends. Don’t lose sight of being “People expect easel-size paintings on white walls,” she present with the people around you.” It’s advice that says. “We want surprises.” echoes her philosophy for the museum itself: slow down, embrace imperfection, make room for connection.*

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BEAUTY IN THE BECOMING

LINDSAY ECKARDT

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Creative visionary Lindsay Eckardt shares a behindthe-scenes look at the journey to opening Salon Providence, a creative hub redefining the Santa Barbara salon experience.

WRITER Maddy Sims PHOTOGRAPHER Ryan Mayo

It’s a stormy Monday morning in Montecito. Rain pours down, pooling in the courtyards at The Post and softening the edges of the landscape. The air is fresh, rinsed clean and fragrant with wet cedar. I climb the stairs to a long balcony that feels like a private treehouse suspended in green. Lindsay Eckardt arrives carrying a latte from Little King, bringing with her a brightness that cuts through the gray. She’s wrapped in a floral coat trimmed with a fur collar and greets me with a hug before settling beside me on a bench outside her in-progress Salon Providence. The rain drums on the roof above us. Behind us, saws buzz and hammers pound. But the commotion doesn't rattle Eckardt in the slightest. What stands out first is how she listens. When I speak, she meets me with warm, steady eyes—a presence that gently

disarms. As she begins sharing her story, I recognize the unmistakable composure of an eldest daughter in a big family. “I think that’s why I do what I do,” she says with a laugh. “Taking care of people is just in me.” Behind that calm exterior is a career shaped by grit, courage, and reinvention. Now, in one of California’s most coveted enclaves, she’s creating what she calls her dream space: nearly 4,000 square feet dedicated to artistry, hospitality, and community. Long before she imagined this, Eckardt found sanctuary in a salon. At fifteen, navigating her parents’ divorce, she took a job at a small wig shop, working with clients whose needs were as emotional as they were aesthetic—individuals exploring new identities or grappling with illness. “That job taught me everything,” she says. “It taught me what this work really is. It’s not vanity.”

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After cosmetology school at Paul Mitchell, she moved into high-end environments, building her skill and absorbing the energy of the entrepreneurs who sat in her chair. “Being around so many entrepreneurs made me realize I could do it too,” she says. Eventually, she and her husband, Austin, opened their first Bay Area salon. They tiled the floors themselves, assembled stations, and unloaded deliveries. “It showed us exactly what we were capable of,” Lindsay says. It grew quickly, and additional locations followed shortly after.

she has faced. Through it all, she kept going. “You don’t wait until you feel brave,” she says. “You move scared.” Inside, Providence reads less like a salon and more like a boutique hotel lobby: soaring ceilings, clean lines, and lots of natural light. Beyond the aesthetic, she’s building a genuine creative hub. In a town where waitlists stretch for months, she knows people crave spontaneity—a blowout before dinner, an updo on a whim, or a quick trim. Providence will offer that ease without compromising luxury, a combination surprisingly rare here.

Then came their first son, Leland, and with him, a pull Being part of The Post amplifies the experience. Clients toward Santa Barbara. They planned to open another can enjoy a coffee from Little King in the chair, a dish from salon just as the pandemic upended everything. “We had Ospi delivered mid-appointment, or a little shopping for a newborn and no playbook, so we pivoted,” she says. She an upcoming event. She wants a visit to the salon to feel transformed a tiny lingerie shop in Montecito’s Upper like a day well spent, not another task to check off. Village into Kismet, a boutique offering luxury lingerie, accessories, clothing, and gifts in a space that makes you The retail area reflects her instinct for community. feel oh so feminine. It was a manifestation of Lindsay’s She’ll bring select pieces from Kismet—silky pajamas, creative talents—from branding to design. It became her fragrant candles, shimmery lip gloss—but the shelves introduction to the community. won’t be hers alone. She imagines collaborations with local, women-led beauty and wellness brands. In an She listened closely to what locals craved in a salon yet industry that can be insular, her inclusivity is refreshing. couldn’t find: room for stylists to grow, space for clients Providence isn’t designed to stand apart; it’s designed to linger before or after an appointment, and last- to gather. minute availability without sacrificing luxury. A creative ecosystem that felt polished, warm, and open simply But perhaps its deepest purpose is for the artists didn’t exist at the scale Santa Barbara needed. Slowly, the themselves. Eckardt envisions a space where stylists at idea for Salon Providence took shape. every stage can evolve by shadowing, collaborating, and refining their craft. She remembers the hunger she felt When Eckardt first stepped into the future Providence early in her career and wants Providence to offer the space at The Post, she knew instantly it was right. mentorship she once searched for. “Talent grows when it Everything after that was less certain. “I don’t have has room,” she says. “I want to create room.” investors,” she says. “No silent partners. It’s just me.” She and Austin approached the buildout with the same Outside, the storm continues. Rain thrums against the scrappiness as before, though the stakes were higher roof as workers move through the unfinished salon, their and the challenges more complex. Construction stalled. tools echoing the weather. Eckardt looks around the Budgets shifted. Each week delivered something new space, her bright eyes glowing with pride and excitement. to solve. “Everyone wants to skip to the reveal, but this is where everything important happens” she says, glancing She’s remarkably open about the difficult parts of the toward the half-built room. “It hasn’t been easy, but it’s journey. Where most entrepreneurs tend to gloss over worth fighting for.” There is beauty here in the noise of the challenges of starting a business, Eckardt shares them construction, the smell of wet paint, the determination in without hesitation. Sitting straighter, hands wrapped Eckardt’s eyes. There is beauty in the becoming.* around her latte, she recounts the setbacks and the doubts salonprovinence.com

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SBLS fashion

SALT AIR

PHOTOGRAPHER Alex Feggi | MODEL Lilly Moreau with The Industry STYLIST Ottocina Ryan | HAIR & MAKEUP Ja’Nice Ramos | VIDEOGRAPHER Jesse Hovey PROPERTY 4335 Marina Drive in Hope Ranch listed with Cristal Clarke, Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices, montecito-estate.com

Shirt LOEWE The Webster Jewelry PETITE FRITES

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Sweater LOULOU STUDIO The Webster Shorts NAGNATA Snack Shoes APL Socks CALVIN KLEIN Jewelry PETITE FRITES

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Shirt LOEWE The Webster Sweatshirt JACQUEMUS The Webster Neoprene Shorts ABYSSE Snack Exercise Mat BETTERME Jewelry PETITE FRITES Shoes APL

WATCH BEHIND THE SCENES

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Rain Jacket VARLEY Sports Bra & Leggings NAGNATA Snack Shoes APL Jewelry PETITE FRITES Beoplay H100 Headphones BANG & OLUFSEN

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Sports Bra & Pants BETTERME Jacket CELINE The Webster Shoes APL Jewelry PETITE FRITES

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Catsuit BETTERME Earrings PETITE FRITES

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Sweater & Leggings VARLEY Hiking Boots APL Jewelry PETITE FRITES

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Coat GUCCI The Webster Bodysuit ABYSSE Snack Jewelry PETITE FRITES Shoes APL

CLEAN

SLATE 70 FEB MAR APR 2026

PHOTOGRAPHER Jon Premosch | STYLIST Hannah Canon MODEL Bianca Ruiz with The Industry | HAIR & MAKEUP Nicole Maguire

Shirt & leggings DAILY DRILLS Socks & shoes APL

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Bra & shorts DAILY DRILLS 72 FEB MAR APR 2026

Onesie 437 Weights YOUR REFORMER

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SBLS travel peaking

A week at The Ranch Malibu invites you to step away from distraction, embrace restorative routines, and discover the luxury of aligning with what truly matters.

WRITER Maddy Sims

I’ve never been a fan of the idea of a “reset.” With a birthday on New Year’s Eve, our cultural obsession with reinvention has always hit a little too close to home. The annual pressure to overhaul your life—to make sweeping resolutions, take harsh inventory, and set unrealistic expectations—has always felt mildly unproductive. And the habits that will change your life aren’t exactly secrets: move more, eat real food, go outside, put down your phone, stress less. Knowing them is easy. Doing them isn’t. That’s the appeal of The Ranch Malibu. It creates a world where doing the healthy thing is the default, not the exception. A week without processed foods, screens, or office chairs. A week where your only job is to show up. The magic begins before you reach the grounds. As the Pacific Coast Highway drops away, the signal bars on my phone vanish. The noise of traffic dims. I drive through an unassuming gate and suddenly

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I’m inside a sprawling working ranch that looks like a perfectly staged showroom. Only here, the rustic-chic venue hums with life. Dogs bound across pathways to greet newcomers, birds chirp from the trees, and the on-site garden bursts with color. Staff members—tanned, toned, and impossibly energetic—welcome me as though I’m returning home, even though it’s my first visit. A staff member leads me to my casita, which feels like my own mini beach house. Light pours through the windows. The walk-in shower is nearly as big as the bedroom itself. It’s bright, airy, and minimalistic. Everything is intentionally unfussy, designed to draw your eye outward rather than keep you cocooned inside. The first instruction is simple: turn off your phone and set aside your watch. From now on, time is measured by chimes and walkie-talkies. I expect anxiety—checking my calendar has become a reflex—but as the day unfolds, my body eases into the pace of The Ranch.

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The initial communal dinner sets the tone. Every meal here is shared, a nod to the research linking connection and longevity. I brace for forced small talk, yet instead find a table of warm, curious, and accomplished people. There’s an easy energy in the room, a shared anticipation for the week ahead. The guides outline the routine: four hours of hiking each day, a 1,400-calorie plant-based menu sourced primarily from the garden, afternoon fitness classes, daily deep-tissue massages, and nightly restorative yoga. It’s undeniably daunting, but it feels like a much-needed nudge in the right direction. At 5 a.m., chimes ring outside my door. After a quiet stretch at sunrise, the group gathers at the vans, outfitted with poles, walkie-talkies, and sunscreen. The team’s enthusiasm is infectious—even before the sun has risen. The first hike follows Backbone Trail, climbing from sea level via sun-drenched switchbacks. The group spreads out naturally, each of us settling into our own pace. The sun is relentless and my legs are burning, but something inside me steadies. Things are simple up in the mountains: all you have to do is put one foot in front of the other. When we reach the end, the guides hand out ice-cold lavender-scented towels. Lunch is a farm-fresh salad with two glorious slices of bread. A massage and a water aerobics class beneath the oak trees follow. By 8:00 p.m., I collapse into bed, blissfully exhausted. The next morning begins with chimes and a piece of fresh seed loaf topped with avocado. Our hike starts on a fog-wrapped Zuma Beach trail. As we climb, the sun slices through the mist like a spotlight, revealing a panorama of the deep blue ocean and mountains glowing gold. The incline is brutal. It’s the kind of trail that demands a little bit more from you with every step you take. At the summit, surrounded by wildflowers, sweeping ridgelines, and the endless Pacific, pride blooms quietly in my chest. Standing there, catching my breath, I realize how small my daily worries feel from this height. Perspective sharpens at altitude. Health, loved ones, the ground beneath our feet—these are the only things that really matter. Back at The Ranch, lunch is a refreshing watermelon poke bowl. Afternoon classes blur in a haze of movement and endorphins. Dinner is black bean tacos with guacamole and a tomato-peach salsa I would happily eat straight from the jar. I fall asleep instantly.

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Routine takes root. Waking at 5 a.m. feels natural. I eat my oatmeal and berries before we set off for our next hike. Sunlight streams through a canopy of oak trees like liquid gold. It feels as if we’re walking through an enchanted forest. Eventually, the trees open into a sprawling meadow that makes me stop mid-step. My skin is drenched in sweat and my heartbeat is pounding in my ears, but I don’t mind at all. I feel alive. Point Mugu is breathtaking: coastal cliffs, deep blue water, and a sunrise that bathes the mountains in warm light. But what stays with me is a conversation with one of the guides—about work, family, and the expectations we rarely voice aloud. Without phones or distractions, honesty comes easily, and the connection feels unexpectedly profound. It strikes me how rarely we experience undiluted connection. Technology gives us constant access but not necessarily closeness. That morning, walking beside someone whose life looks nothing like mine yet overlaps in surprising ways, I feel the heaviness I arrived with begin to lift. Friday’s hike is the toughest: Sandstone Peak. Steep and unyielding, but incredibly stunning. As I climb, gratitude rushes through me. After recovering from knee surgery, I never imagined I’d be able to do this. The climb is grueling, but the summit is transcendent. With the ocean spread out below, I’m struck less by the view and more by the quiet it creates in my head. No epiphany, just a rare absence of mental static. Back at The Ranch, I savor a Cobb salad, a massage, and a full-body workout. With the encouragement of my new friends, I brave the cold plunge one final time and stay in for two full minutes. My body tingles with shock and accomplishment. At dinner, we celebrate one guest’s birthday with raspberry cheesecake and exchange contact information. It feels like summer camp for adults—just with extraordinarily better amenities. Saturday arrives too soon. We gather for a final breakfast, share our proudest moments, and take measurements. I’ve lost six pounds and inches off my waist—not from deprivation, but from movement, rest, and real food. I feel lighter in ways no scale can measure. Driving back down the mountain, my phone signal returns, but something in me stays quiet. I don’t feel transformed so much as recalibrated. If this is a reset, it’s the kind that gently nudges you back into alignment with what you already know matters.*

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SILVERSEA'S S.A.L.T. PROGRAM

80 FEB MAR APR 2026

floating on

Aboard Silversea’s ultra-luxury Silver Muse, world-class cuisine meets exceptional service and off-the-grid exploration through the Greek islands.

WRITER Anna Constantino

I’m a firm believer that there is no such thing as a good experience without a willingness to have a bad one. I mull over this guiding mantra while perched on a balcony overlooking the Aegean Sea, the crash of waves hissing against the ship and breaking the silence of exquisite seclusion. I’ve flown to the middle of the Mediterranean for nine days, alone. Motivated by a restless ache for adventure, introspection, and renewal, I booked my flights with little regard for what uncharted waters might bring. As the sun sets over my suite, golden light draping the crystal shoreline and whitewashed façades fading into the landscape, it becomes instantly clear: I’m exactly where I need to be—aboard the Silver Muse. “Miss Constantino!” I step into the gangway of a 700-foot ship, greeted by an enthusiastic crew ushering in my arrival with bubbles. The Silver Muse is one of twelve ultra-luxury ships in Silversea’s fleet; boasting a 1:1 crew-to-guest ratio, its unwavering attention to detail reveals itself immediately. At my suite, I meet my personal crew, Ruby and Henry, who assure me that every need, no matter how seemingly insignificant (see: drawing a bubble bath), will be taken care of. I drop my bags and venture out for an unguided exploration of the ship, winding through corridors to discover enclaves of restaurants, swanky lounges, and wellness havens tucked into every corner. Alongside eight restaurants on board, Silversea’s exclusive S.A.L.T. (Sea and Land Taste) program offers a multifaceted immersion into the cultural identity of each destination, from cooking classes and farm visits to mixology sessions and wine tastings.

After amply covering the ship’s grounds (and a few wrong turns), I return to my suite to find my suitcase unpacked, a plate of freshly baked cookies, and a fully stocked fridge glimmering with ice-cold Stella Artois, champagne, and San Pellegrino (my holy trinity). My jet lag is accompanied by room service, a plush robe and slippers serving as my dinner attire as I unwind for the evening’s sail. Ruby hands me the week’s meticulously curated agenda, outlining an immersive exploration of the Greek islands, each day revealing a new coastline and innumerable possibilities. As quickly as the gentle rocking of the ship lulls me to sleep, I awaken to the subtle rumble of our anchor dropping. I pull back the curtains and step onto the balcony, greeted by fresh, salty air. First stop: Mykonos. The morning begins with an herby omelette and fruit platter, then a quick hop aboard a tender boat to deliver me ashore. My first S.A.L.T. excursion brings me to Mykonos Farmers, a family-owned dairy farm producing fresh sheep’s and cow’s milk cheeses and yogurts. We’re greeted by Yiorgos and his wife, who lead us through a tasting—the creamy synotyro becoming my favorite—and teach us about fermentation. Between stuffing our faces and sipping wine, we prepare yogurt tzatziki, kremydopita (onion pie), and phyllo for Yiorgos’ grandmother’s coveted baklava recipe. A cheese-induced haze leads to a walk through town with new friends, weaving through white-and-blue corridors, pit-stopping for Greek coffee and seaside views.

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NAFPLION

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By late afternoon, I’m back aboard the Silver Muse, indulging in a catnap before donning formal attire. A watercolor sunset accompanies a hugo spritz in the eleventh-deck Observation Library, its panoramic view setting the tone for cocktail hour. Dinner at Kaiseki— the ship’s omakase and hibachi-style restaurant— miraculously aligns with my new friends’ reservation time, and we enjoy wagyu, tuna, and a passionfruit crème brûlée before a nightcap at the Art Bar. As if teleported, I wake to the natural beauty of Syros, an island in the Cyclades. A smooth sail readies me for a solo day exploring the colorful town of Ermoupoli and its neighboring medieval village, Ano Syros. The town renders the Greece of my imagination: buildings dripping with bougainvillea, bustling sidewalks, and crystal beaches teeming with laughter. A hilltop hike works up an appetite for Greek yogurt and pistachio gelato, a walk through the marbled streets leading me seaside. Down a quiet corridor, the gap between two buildings frames a perfect window to the water, revealing a wooden dock big enough for one. A swim with minnows and a sugar crash bring on a beach nap, followed by dinner at La Dame. One of the ship’s two premier dining enclaves, La Dame specializes in French cuisine, offering a prix-fixe menu of classics, from bouillabaisse and escargot to langoustine and filet mignon. The standout, aside from an ounce of Oscietra caviar on ice, is a creamy mushroom velouté with herbs and truffle oil, perfectly paired with a glass (or three) of chenin blanc. I cap the meal with cognac and soufflé before slipping next door to Silver Note to hear the jazz band play. My week settles into a ritual of eating, adventuring, swimming, and repeating, the ship feeling more like home with each passing day. Mornings greet me with a new shoreline and my usual breakfast (which Ruby has somehow memorized to a tee) and evenings conclude with a cold drink under a new sky. Despite embracing my seclusion, familiar faces bring comfort: a smile in passing, a shared conversation between pool chaises, and my favorite bartender bestowing the nickname I’ve apparently earned around the ship: “Miss Hugo” (spritz). With bottomless Duval-Leroy at my disposal, who could blame them? It’s the little things. Our Greek Island extravaganza breaks briefly for an interlude in Kusadasi, Turkey, where I trade one vessel for a slightly smaller version. The day begins in the spice markets, collecting locally grown saffron, pomegranate tea, and wild oregano for my pantry back home,

before heading to the marina. I board a wooden gulet—a traditional Turkish sailing vessel—with five strangers from the ship. What starts as polite small talk quickly dissolves into cackling laughter and swan dives into the ocean, with a bottomless supply of Turkish wine to blame. We snack on feta, olives, and baklava before returning aboard for a well-deserved steam in the Zagara Spa and an afternoon by the pool. Dinner finds me noshing on spanakopita, tabouli, and grilled prawns, then retreating to my private balcony for my nightly sacrament of champagne and caviar overlooking the water. My suite awaits with turndown service—and, tonight, an offer to draw a bubble bath paired with chocolate truffles. In my spoiled-rotten state, I select whichever bath salt screams “vacation” and soak until my fingers prune. Morning brings Nafplion, a coastal town in the Peloponnese. A smooth eight-hour sail readies me for yet another S.A.L.T adventure, this time wine tasting (naturally, a morning activity for the Greeks). At Domaine Skouras in Nemea, we tour the cellar and taste six wines, the pours generous, the Mediterranean sun even more so. We finish with Labyrinth 9922, their most renowned bottle, created using a fractional blending technique of sequential vintages of the Megas Oenos label, matured together in a special barrel. I stroll around town in a wine-buzzed haze, stopping at a corner store for prosciutto, dolma, and a beer, then perch on a rocky cliff at Arvanitia Beach. Hours of swimming, reading Patti Smith, and bronzing put me in an ethereal state of relaxation, until a nearby voice pulls me back. “Where are you from?” A Greek man and his wife take a seat near me, offering chips with a smile. “California,” I share. “Miss California!” they exclaim (my second nickname of the week). They insist their English is awful; I assure them my Greek is worse. Somehow, we manage, chatting about life for an hour. They tell me they’ve sat on this very rock every day for the past twenty years. And here I am—once to be found, then never again. “Why are you here?” they ask. I pause, unable to articulate the answer. “That’s a good question!” I laugh. We say our goodbyes, the couple blessing my safe passage as the tender ferries me back to the ship. The orange sun warms my face. The meeting already feels like a fleeting, precious memory. Why am I here? A meal shared with strangers. Breaking bread on a beach. A smile from a passerby. We’re all just travelers. Sometimes you land on the same path for a moment; sometimes that moment is the “why.”*

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SBLS wellness

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montecito’s little slice of paradise

Inside The Paraíso Collection’s Villa Magnolia: a retreat of refined elegance.

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WRITER Andrea Manokian PHOTOGRAPHER Blake Bronstad

They say real luxury is never loud; it’s whispered. If so, consider Montecito’s latest space for relaxation, celebration and connection, The Paraíso Collection, the epitome of quiet luxury. Paraíso is a collective of six private residences that are exclusively available to book through Wanderlust Luxury Rentals. Before it became known as Paraíso, the property belonged to an architect named William Painter, who utilized the space as a family compound. Today, the couple behind Paraíso, Michael Hurst and Ian Harrison, have transformed the space into a lush retreat that pays homage to the property’s Spanish-Andalusian architectural heritage. Michael describes the collection as “meticulously restored and thoughtfully reimagined to honor its storied past.” Tucked away discreetly at the end of a charming road and just moments from Miramar Beach, and the elevated boutiques

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and lively restaurants of Coast Village Road, the collection is designed with serenity, privacy and grandeur in mind. “At Paraíso, we sought to create more than a place to stay—we envisioned a sanctuary where design, history and refined indulgence converge,” shares Michael. Of Paraíso’s six private villas, the following three are one-bedroom casitas: Casa del Olivo, Terraza del Sol and Casita Pintor. Then there are Cabana de Laurel and Cabana de Playa, which contain twobedroom casitas. And finally, Paraíso’s crown jewel—Villa Magnolia, a grand four-bedroom, four-bathroom villa with all the fixings of a proper home. It's the perfect setting for a romantic getaway, elegant event, or even a wellness retreat. Having stayed at Villa Magnolia for a couple of nights, I can attest to the beautiful views, meticulous finishes and naturally calming atmosphere. It’s time I tell you about it.

VILLA MAGNOLIA LIVING ROOM

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VILLA MAGNOLIA MASTER BATHROOM

VILLA MAGNOLIA MASTER BEDROOM

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Upon entering the iron gates of Paraíso, you’re transported to a space that evokes relaxation and awe. Villa Magnolia’s sheer size is enough to take you aback, and that’s just the beginning. Once you step inside its courtyard oasis, which consists of a fountain, towering magnolia trees and the double doors that serve as the main entrance to the residence, you know you’re never going to want to check-out. Inside, it’s not just about the luxuries that take your breath away; it’s about the luxuries that you notice after you’ve admired the ones that promptly stand out. For example, the bottle of rosé that’s delicately placed on the dining room table, patiently awaiting your arrival. Or the beautiful flower arrangements curated by EmmaRose Floral, thoughtfully displayed around each corner of the villa. And one would be remiss not to notice the hot tub in the backyard, which even includes a “discotech” light setting. However, as you gradually unpack and unwind and start making your way up the stairs, you begin to notice some of the space’s more unsung, thoughtful luxuries, like the master bathroom, which has a shower that doubles as a steamer; the fact that there’s a television in each bedroom; and the irresistibly smooth bed sheets that give you a warm embrace after your relaxing bubble bath in the Victoria + Albert bathtub. The list goes on—like the many, many drawers, credenzas and dressers that make an overpacker such as myself beam with joy and indulge in peace of mind. And the blackout blinds that allow for a peaceful night’s rest and seamlessly slide up with the touch of a button to let in the next day’s light. When you wake up in the morning and make your way downstairs for some coffee, you’re met with a conventional coffee maker and a Nespresso machine that comes fully stocked with multi-colored pods. Choosing how you like your morning coffee will likely be your most difficult decision during your stay at Paraíso, as the space has an effortless way of relaxing its guests. You’ll then ponder breakfast. The multitude of restaurants just down the road in the heart of Montecito makes for a great option, but each villa comes with a kitchen that’s stocked with every kitchenware item and utensil imaginable, making home cooking as seamless as possible. And if you happen to stain your shirt after a clumsy sip of coffee or a hearty bite of pancakes with syrup, there’s no need to worry. In fact, there’s never a need to worry at Paraíso—the team has thought of it all. Like the other residences, Villa Magnolia is equipped with a washer and dryer, so that pesky stain of yours will be an afterthought by lunch.

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VILLA MAGNOLIA BACKYARD

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As you enjoy an evening soak in the heavenly hot tub or cozy up by the outdoor fire pit, your day will quietly slip away. Before you know it, it’s 5 o’clock—time for a cocktail. And what do you know—you’re in luck. Villa Magnolia has a cocktail bar stocked with glassware, and if you look closely, you’ll even find a box of cocktail recipes neatly tucked in an unassuming drawer. During your stay, the Paraíso team offers a dedicated concierge with local knowledge who will ensure your experience is as enjoyable as possible. Additional concierge services are available to help curate your perfect stay—from arranging pre-arrival provisions to in-residence wellness experiences, and even dinner reservations at the most coveted restaurants. What’s more, those who book a stay in Villa Magnolia have the option to indulge in a wine-tasting experience at Montecito’s only vineyard—Villa sul Mare. Owned and operated by the Hurst family, Villa sul Mare specializes in Syrah, Grenache and Viognier wine varieties, and this add-on experience offers stunning ocean views, a tour of the vines, a charcuterie board picnic and, of course, tastings of the vineyard’s finest wines. Villa sul Mare has been years in the making, with Doug Margerum, a winemaker with decades-long contributions to the Santa Barbara wine industry, being one of the driving forces in importing the vineyard’s vines from France. While the vineyard maintains an intimate, private feel, its growing popularity is undeniable. Its 2020 rosé, Anita—named after Michael’s mother— sold out in a short period of time, a success Michael humbly credits to winemaker Matt Brady of SAMsARA Wine Co. and to the vineyard’s manager, Jeff Newton, who was recognized by Into Wine as one of the “Top 100 Most Influential People in the U.S. Wine Industry.” When it comes time for a much-needed getaway, it should feel like just that—a getaway. At Paraíso, each element of your stay has been meticulously planned, so there’s no need for you to dwell on any of the heavy lifting; simply let your worries fade as soon as you reach its iron gates. Paradise awaits behind them.*

what to pack

VILLA MAGNOLIA AT THE PARAÍSO COLLECTION

T R U E B O TA N I C A L S C H E B U L A M U LT I C O R R E C T I V E E Y E PAT C H E S

Every lavish getaway needs lavish skincare. Transform your under-eyes in just 15 minutes with True Botanicals’ golden-hued eye patches—the same amount of time it takes you to enjoy your morning coffee. Powered by chebula, a cascading antioxidant clinically proven to optimize your skin’s natural collagen levels, these eye patches firm, brighten, depuff, hydrate, and plump.

M E R L ETT E ÉLIANE DRESS I N C E DA R ST R I P E

Merlette’s Éliane dress is the perfect ensemble for lounging by Villa Magnolia's fire pit or grabbing lunch at one of the many restaurants just moments away on Montecito’s Coast Village Road. Pair its timeless pinstripe pattern with sophisticated sneakers or ballet flats and voilà—you’re ready for whatever the day brings.

OLIVIA VON HALLE VA N D E R B I LT C A S H M E R E PA J A M A S E T I N O F F-W H I T E Cozy up in Villa Magnolia’s ultra-soft bed sheets in this 100% cashmere pajama set from Olivia Von Halle. Intended for a relaxed fit and adorned with mother-of-pearl buttons, it’s the most luxurious way to unwind before a good night’s rest.

ZIMMERMANN WA N D E R L US T S C A L L O P B AT H I N G S U I T I N D US T Y B L U E

Enjoy a dip inside Villa Magnolia’s heavenly hot tub sporting this dreamy one-piece from Zimmermann. With a shiny finish, delicate scalloped neckline and a waist tie with tassel ends, this suit is sure to sparkle, day or night.

WRITER Andrea Manokian

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CAREYES

TIGRE DE MAR VILLA

92 FEB MAR APR 2026

Discovering the magnetic community of Careyes.

WRITER Ottocina Ryan

Remember during the pandemic, when so many of us made life-changing moves? Starting businesses, relocating, many from LA to Santa Barbara. Well, my friend Kim took it a step further and traded Southern California for Careyes, Mexico. For years, she spoke highly of the town and even visited 20 times the year prior to moving. I was impressed that she moved to a different country, and intrigued by the community that drew her in. Careyes isn’t one of the well-known Mexican hot spots, yet I knew of a handful of Santa Barbara residents who owned homes there. It was a place that seemed both elusive and magnetic. When I finally visited, everything made sense. Careyes is a paradox—cosmopolitan yet bohemian, wild yet luxurious. It was founded in 1968 by Italian visionary Gianfranco Brignone, who bought the land from the air when it was nothing but dense jungle. That free-thinking, imaginative spirit still defines the place. Unlike Cabo, Tulum and Punta Mita, Careyes hasn’t succumbed to overtourism. Only two percent of the land is currently developed (the most it will ever be developed is seven percent) and much of the land is protected, with about 2,500 acres dedicated to the Chamela-Cuixmala Biosphere Reserve. You won’t find a golf course or streets lined with shops. Jet skis aren’t allowed. That’s not what you go there for anyway. Careyes is about architecture, nature, and community.

“The most important aspect of Careyes is friendship,” shares resident Luisa Rossi over tuna tostadas at Playa Rosa Restaurant & Bar. Kim chimes in that age is irrelevant here, and her social circle spans people in their twenties to people in their seventies. I look around the hot pink beachfront restaurant—tables are filled with multigenerational families and friends, interacting like equals. It’s a community of people bonded by their common interests and passion for a life well lived. The next morning we visit Casa Mi Ojo, the first home ever built in Careyes in 1975, now inhabited by Gianfranco’s son Giorgio. Standing on his rooftop overlooking the Pacific, he explains, “What’s special here is the lifestyle—it’s Mexico, with its colors and architecture, but also the Mediterranean, this terrace could be in Greece.” Taking a seat on the ledge, straight above the waves crashing on the cliffs, he continues, “Careyes is difficult to describe, that's why the logo has both a question mark and an exclamation point. The best thing to do is to come. The people that are exposed to Careyes, it marks them. Especially the children, they are so happy here—they can run anywhere.” As if on que, my daughter playing with Giorgio’s dog at the opposite end of the terrace squeals with joy. “People think we’re all hippies. There are no hippies here, it’s just simple,” Giorgio says. While it’s clear how people draw that conclusion, Careyes is more akin to a European village. The pace is slow, but for residents it’s perfect.

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Back in Kim’s Jeep, we drive the cobblestone roads, butterflies flitting around the surrounding dense foliage. She points out structures behind gates and palms, “That’s my friend's place, they split time between Ibiza and Monaco. That’s where I do yoga. This week’s resident teacher is joining us for dinner tonight.” When visiting, as it’s not a town built for tourists, you easily get incorporated into the local rhythm. We reach our destination, one of the many villas that are available as vacation rentals. Each property offers breathtaking ocean views and a masterclass in indoor-outdoor living. Grand palapas shade open air living rooms, which allows for natural ventilation—a reflection of the emphasis on sustainability, while terraces made for entertaining reflect the community values. From Casa Parisol with its pale pink walls lined by agave plants and a koi pond, to Sol de Oriente where bedroom doors open straight into the wrap-around pool, each brightly hued home exhibits the creativity and worldly influence synonymous with Careyes. Casa La Huerta’s circular archway symbolizes entering a portal. One where the chimes of sound healing are ever present, palo santo sticks are branded, the DJ booth overlooks the pool, and gold Burning Man-inspired sculptures punctuate the patios. A major plus: villas typically come with staff, making the experience carefree. In addition to the villas and primary colored casitas nestled into the hillside, if you prefer hotel lodging, El Careyes Club & Residences offers suites, five infinity pools, and La Duna Restaurant & Bar. Days in Careyes are spent on Playa Rosa Beach, at the polo fields (the season runs November through May), or immersed in wellness experiences. Nights bring wood-fired pizzas and fresh seafood at lilo Beach Club and villa cocktail parties. One evening, after an authentic Italian dinner at Punto Como restaurant, we wander across the main square to an art opening at The Careyes Foundation, which funds education for local children and turtle conservation. At the exhibit I meet couples with primary residences in Montecito and Toro Canyon. There are almost 50 nationalities and several languages represented in Careyes, yet the crossover in residents and values between the two locales is noticeable.

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Before making the three hour drive back to the Puerto Vallarta airport, we head just 20 minutes up the coast to Las Rosadas for a couple days, where Careyes’ saturated hues give way to whitewashed villas accented with shells and copious amounts of art. Maria, the manager, welcomes my daughter and I with a kindness and intuitive helpfulness that shapes our stay. Fresh sliced mango and tostadas with guacamole await in the dining room, which I graze on while Maria plays with my daughter. We swim in the infinity pool looking out on the vast deserted beach below, and wander around admiring the whimsical sculptures to my daughter’s content. When it’s time for dinner, the chefs prepare fresh mahi mahi with grilled zucchini on a bed of romesco. We dine overlooking the fuzzy pink sunset reflecting in the pool, before retreating to one of the six bedrooms of the main house. With a gigantic tub, indoor and outdoor showers, and only the sound of the ocean, it’s truly a sanctuary. In addition to the main house, Las Rosadas also has four casitas—two two-bedroom and two three-bedroom— ideal for families. The next morning Maria drives us by Polaris to Las Rosadas Beach, where thoughtful details elevate the day from relaxing to absolutely idyllic: woven mats cover hot sand, shell-weighted doilies protect pitchers of agua de Jamaica, freshly made lunch is brought to our cabana, and there’s a beach casita, saving us a trip back to the main house to nap or shower. Nearby, a birthday celebration for a Careyes resident is in full swing. The host invites us to join. Despite the fashionable, exclusive vibe, the crowd is kind and welcoming. Conversations flow from European travels to art to music as children splash in the surf without a care in the world. It feels, again, like the Mediterranean. Careyes is shaped by its residents, who lead lives as vibrant as the villas that top the verdant cliffs. They live boldly, connect genuinely, and embrace creativity as a way of life. Outsiders may mistake it for a bohemian cult, or the Burning Man set transplanted to the jungle, but it’s deeper than that. It’s a community bound by friendship and a joie de vivre that's difficult to define. It’s a place that feels so distinct and so magnetic, that while I wouldn’t necessarily recommend uprooting your life to move to Careyes…but I wouldn’t blame you if you did.*

LAS ROSADAS

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SBLS 48 hours

48 hours in santa barbara WRITER Eva Grunburg

Day 1 PRODUCE

Wellness starts from within, and Sweet Wheel Farms nurtures that belief with locally grown, chemical-free produce. Their farmstand within Farm To Paper in Summerland also offers fresh-outof-the-oven baked goods and a variety of artisan products. The Summerland farm also provides produce to local families facing food insecurity. @sweetwheelfarms

SPA

Relax and retreat to Lavender Barn at Mattei’s Tavern for a moment of stillness and reflection before 2026 takes off. A Central Coast wellness sanctuary, Lavender Barn provides a holistic experience of restoration with unparalleled offerings such as Wellness Wednesdays, thermal journeys, a eucalyptus steam room, a vitality pool, and other luxury amenities. @matteistavernauberge

Sisters-in-law Veronica Miele Beard and Veronica Swanson Beard are bonded by more than their taste in men—they share an exquisite sense of style and show it to the world through their eponymous label. A new addition to Coast Village Road, Veronica Beard’s versatile essentials for today’s multifaceted women embody the ideal uniform of 2026. @veronicabeard

HAIR

SOAR

Whether you’re looking for a different perspective, or planning an out-of-the-box Valentine’s date, Sky’s the Limit Ballooning Adventures will take you to new heights. Operating since 1994, the family-owned-and-run business offers morning, evening, and private flights (with complimentary champagne, of course), showing stunning views of Lake Cachuma and the Santa Ynez Valley. @skysthelimitballoonrides

SNACK

Head to DryBar Montecito for a hair refresh and select from their menu of signature blowouts, updos, and intricate braids, or pick up some of their acclaimed products and tools for a good hair day, all year long. @drybarshops_montecito

Bodega Flower Girl, a recently opened chef-curated convenience store on Gutierrez Street, offers beautiful produce-forward prepared foods, seasonal fruits and veggies, flowers, and other delights. If you’re lucky, you can even snag a seat at their 6-seat restaurant. @bogegaflowergirl

Day 2

ORCHIDS

SKIN

With the return of spring comes the 78th annual International Orchid Show, March 20-22 at Earl Warren Showgrounds. This year’s theme, Orchid Escape, promises a kaleidoscope of tropical blooms, fascinating varieties and expert-led demonstrations perfect for enthusiasts and admirers alike. Tickets are available at sborchidshow.com. @sborchidshow

A new year is a chance to reflect and refresh—and no better place to do so than Dr. Erika Klemperer’s regenerative dermatology studio on Coast Village Road, Re Studios. Our favorite offerings include the skincare boutique and the membership-based Re Signature treatment, a ritual that unlocks the body’s capacity for renewal. @re_studios_

STRENGTH

Start the new year strong with Sage Society, a women’s gym bringing strength based classes, personal training, and community to Santa Barbara and Ventura. Take a small group or personalized session under the expert guidance of founder, women’s fitness expert and postpartum corrective exercise specialist Natasha Caleel for a transformative fitness experience. @sage_society

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STYLE

SMILE

Elevate your smile at Peak Hygiene with a spa-like dental experience. Founded by Meghan Webley, a Santa Barbara local and Registered Dental Hygienist in Alternative Practice with 20+ years of experience, Peak Hygiene offers services from whitening to cleaning. @peakhygienesb

SAVOR

With expansive Pacific views, moody lighting and homemade pastas, Marisella opened last summer at The Bacara and has quickly become a staple in our restaurant rotation. The Italian concept by Chef Danny Grant blends the best of Amalfi Coast tradition and Central Coast innovation with timeless favorites like their house-made focaccia, salt-baked branzino, and tableside tiramisu. @marisellarestaurant

Spend the Holidaze with MOM and ride high through the season!

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MEGANSORGANICMARKET.COM @SAYHIGHMOM

5999 HOLLISTER AVE, GOLETA OPEN 8AM-10PM 805.576.9420

280 HIGUERA ST, SAN LUIS OBISPO OPEN 7AM-9PM 805.592.1420

Terms and conditions apply. Visit megansorganicmarket.com/deals for full details. Age and legal limit restrictions apply. License Number C10-0000728-LIC, C10-0001389

“WORLD’S MOST ROMANTIC HOTEL” Boutique Hotel Awards

Tucked away in the foothills of Santa Barbara, San Ysidro Ranch offers thirty-eight ultra-private cottages with individual soaking spas, cottage-side parking, and outdoor showers. Guests enjoy complimentary dining at the Michelin-recognized Stonehouse, a fourteen-year Wine Spectator Grand Award winner, and immerse themselves in a storied legacy graced by icons like JFK, Jackie O. and Winston Churchill.

SAN YSIDRO RANCH A TY WARNER PROPERTY (805) 465-2187

Santa Barbara Life & Style Magazine February/March/April 2026 Issue