Ben and I went on a fun road trip to explore a few places in California. Our first stop was in San Luis Obispo:Solo Day in SLO and then Los Angeles, California.

While we were in Los Angeles, Ben surprised me with a planned trip to Santa Barbara for a couple of days before heading to Yosemite. I've never been to Santa Barbara before and have always wanted to visit. So you can imagine how excited I was for the next adventure.

The Ritz Carlton Bacara

Ben knows me very well; he knows that I love charming hotels, laying by a pool, and going to the Spa. The Ritz Carlton Bacara was the perfect hotel that checked every box on my list.






The resort has a large pool area with beach access, restaurants on property, and a wine tasting room. It's one of those places where you can come and stay awhile.




Our room had a Mediterranean rustic feel to it. We had a cute balcony, perfect for relaxing outside with a glass of wine and a fireplace to help you get cozy. I was so happy and relaxed at the resort that developed a habit of taking a midday nap.

The Spa

The Spa at The Ritz Carlton Bacara was my favorite part of the whole stay because I love working out and making my body feel good. Every morning I would join in on the group fitness classes followed by relaxing in the sauna and steam room. After steaming, I would meet Ben in the Spa shared lounge for hot tea.

Oliver's

Finding vegan restaurants is easy nowadays, but finding a high-end vegan restaurant is very rare. Most vegan restaurants are casual or located in a strip mall. Oliver's was another one of Ben's surprises because he knew that I would LOVE this place. Oliver's is a plant-based restaurant located in the town of Montecito. They have the most beautiful outdoor seating under a beautiful tree full of lights.

ARTICHOKE "CRAB CAKES"

KUNG PAO CAULIFLOWER

Everything we ordered was delicious! We paired our dinner with Storm Wines Pinot Noir. The service was attentive and friendly. The evening was perfect.

FARRO BOLOGNESE

TOASTED FARRO RISOTTO

TRUFFLE POTATOES

WHITE SWEET POTATO SOUP

Vegan Green Go

I love Mexican food, especially nachos. You could say I'm a nacho connoisseur because anytime there are nachos on the menu I have to order it. Vegan Green Go had nachos that did not disappoint.




I love the aesthetic at Vegan Green Go, they've turned an old Subway into a vegan Mexican hot spot. There were photos of vegan celebrities in the "vegan club" all over their walls, and I got a picture with my favorite vegan celeb, Miley.






I love Santa Barbara. Thank you, Ben, for taking me to Santa Barbara! I can't wait to go back and do some more relaxing with you.