The Ultimate Guide to the Best Day Spas in Santa Barbara

Santa Barbara, often called the "American Riviera," is a haven for luxury wellness experiences. Whether you’re a local seeking a reset or a visitor indulging in the coastline's charm, these handpicked spas deliver exceptional service, calming spaces, and indulgent treatments.

1. The Spa at El Encanto, A Belmond Hotel Tucked into the Riviera hills, this elegant spa offers treatments inspired by California’s coast and the hotel's own gardens. Expect peaceful views, personalized massages, and luxurious facials designed with results in mind. It’s the ideal place for a serene half-day escape above the city.belmond.com

2. The Ritz-Carlton Spa, Bacara Set on a bluff above the ocean, this expansive spa features 42,000 square feet of relaxation—think eucalyptus steam rooms, redwood saunas, and rooftop lounges. Treatments range from classic deep tissue massages to full-body rituals with coastal ingredients. Perfect for a full day of rest and ocean air.ritzcarlton.com

3. San Ysidro Ranch Spa Historic, secluded, and wildly romantic, the San Ysidro Ranch spa is hidden in the Montecito foothills. Its garden-forward setting and personalized services (like custom massages and rose oil facials) create a spa experience that feels both indulgent and intimate. Great for solo quiet time or couples' retreats.sanysidroranch.com

4. Float Luxury Spa Beachfront When looking for the ultimate Santa Barbara spa experience, look no further than Float Luxury Day Spa. Offering massages, facials, body treatments and more. Just steps away from the beautiful East Beach, take some time to meander by the sea. Stay all day so you can truly FLOAT. floatluxuryspabeachfront.com

5. The Spa at Four Seasons Resort The Biltmore Santa Barbara A Montecito icon, this oceanfront spa brings together Mediterranean elegance and coastal calm. Known for its holistic therapies, the spa offers everything from sea stone massages to energy-balancing rituals. The ambiance—lush gardens, Spanish tile, and sea breeze—only adds to the indulgence.fourseasons.com

6. The Spa at Rosewood Miramar Beach This Montecito beachfront spa blends modern luxury with traditional wellness. Treatments use natural ingredients and can be tailored to your skin, mood, or energy needs. The setting—steps from the ocean—is as rejuvenating as the services themselves.rosewoodhotels.com

7. Ojai Valley Inn Spa — Ojai (Worth the Short Drive) Though it’s about 45 minutes from Santa Barbara, the Spa at Ojai Valley Inn is a destination unto itself. This award-winning spa spans 31,000 square feet and includes luxury treatment rooms, an apothecary blending bar, adult-only pools, and a spa cafe. Experiences like the Kuyam clay detox ritual and customized facials rooted in local botanicals make it well worth the drive. ojaivalleyinn.com

Final Thoughts Whether you’re after a quick facial with ocean views or a full-day retreat in the hills, Santa Barbara and Montecito deliver spa experiences that are refined, personal, and deeply relaxing. Treat yourself—you’ve earned it.