Photo by Karen Villalpando

The storied Miramar hotel on the shores of the Pacific in Montecito has risen from the sand as the impressive new Rosewood Miramar Beach Hotel. Infused with new life by Rick Caruso’s development company, the Miramar resort pays homage to the beloved hotel with small reminders of the beach-side getaway originally built in 1876.

Caruso purchased the property in 2007, and after considerable time, substantial investment and an abundance of dedication, the Rosewood Miramar opened on March 1. Designed by Southern California architect Paul Williams, the 161 room hotel features cottages and suites spread over 16 acres of lush landscaping.

Photo courtesy of Rosewood Miramar Beach Hotel

The majestic Manor House greets guests upon arrival, as if welcoming them to a stately home. Walking through the front door is akin to entering a grand estate, with a sweeping staircase on the left.

Retreat through the terrace doors to the great lawn, where the all-day restaurant, Malibu Farms, offers lovely patio seating. Two pools on the property allow children splash-time fun on one side of the lawn, while adults are invited to take a dip in a quieter setting. On the kids’ side is a quaint ice cream shoppe, while the adults are waited on by cabana attendants serving cocktails.

Beyond the lawn is the “train depot,” as the Pacific Surfliner runs through the property. Sounds of the train whistle alert guests, while a 24-hour depot attendant escorts them across the tracks to the Miramar Beach Bar. The teak deck complete with shuffle board offers comfy couch seating overlooking the water. The Miramar Beach Bar and Caruso’s fine dining restaurant place guests aboard a luxury liner setting, complete with a mast and flags flying. Steps away from the water, the beachfront hotel offers complimentary use of chairs, umbrellas, beach toys and watersports equipment.

Photo courtesy of Rosewood Miramar Beach Hotel

A beach butler service and organized activities make the hotel a family friendly destination. Four-legged friends are welcome here too.

Whether staying in a beachfront suite or a garden room, all accommodations have patios. The well-appointed rooms shower guests with comforts and conveniences, like a well-stocked cocktail cart with crystal stemware. Luxurious robes and slippers, high quality bath products and deep tubs are nice indulgences.

Enjoy breakfast or lunch at the Malibu Farm restaurant serving comforting dishes using locally sourced ingredients. Red pepper hummus, Dungeness crab cakes, or a juicy burger are among lunch items. They also have a plant-based menu. Produce comes from nearby Carpinteria and Ojai.

Photo by Karen Villalpando

For dinner, experience Caruso’s Italian coastal cuisine with fresh fish brought in daily, superb pastas and perfectly grilled steaks and chops. Yellowtail crudo, oysters and sea urchin are delectable raw starters. The spaghetti carbonara with house cured guanciale, is sumptuous. An egg yolk and shaved pecorino will have you twirling every last noodle onto your fork.

San Francisco black cod with Iberico ham consommé, and an abalone tomato sauce marries the delicate fish with bold flavors with exceptional results.

The 8 oz. prime filet comes with a potato pavé that’s nearly as delicious as the steak. Chef Massimo Falsini delivers impressive Italian fare while the attentive staff treats guests like White Star cruise passengers.

The motto of the Rosewood brand is “sense of place” which the Miramar Beach Hotel certainly lives up to. It’s a place of luxury, of service, of beauty and style. With its pristine beachfront location, verdant grounds and impeccable service, it is a place you will feel at home.

Rosewood Miramar Beach. 1759 South Jameson Lane, Montecito (805)900-8388.