Inside the California Hotel Where Jackie Kennedy Spent Her Honeymoon and Sabrina Carpenter Celebrated Her Birthday

      Before Meghan Markle rebranded her lifestyle brand to As Ever, it was originally named American Riviera Orchard. While this may have seemed whimsical to some, American Riviera is actually a traditional nickname for her adopted home in Santa Barbara, California. Known for its stunning coastline, mild climate, terracotta roofs, and high property values, this Southern California location truly embodies its Mediterranean-inspired name. If you're considering a visit, I strongly recommend heading to Montecito, an unincorporated area in Santa Barbara County. There, you'll discover San Ysidro Ranch (and potentially the Duchess of Sussex herself, a frequent visitor). Established in 1893, this historic retreat is nestled between the Santa Ynez Mountains and the Pacific Ocean. Located less than 100 miles from Los Angeles, it offers a feeling of complete seclusion. It provides an undeniably luxurious, five-star experience that many reserve for special celebrations like honeymoons and milestone birthdays. While it is undoubtedly pricey, it's worth noting that the nightly rates starting at $2495 include complimentary breakfast, lunch, and dinner. Read on for my candid impressions of the hotel’s accommodations, grounds, activities, and dining offerings, all of which I had the fortune to enjoy firsthand this summer. Additionally, I’ll share some insights about its most notable guests throughout its 132-year history.

      Accommodations

      If you appreciate the Nancy Meyers style of interior design, the décor at San Ysidro Ranch will certainly appeal to you. The delightful cottages seem to invite the soundtrack of a romantic comedy, reminiscent of films like The Holiday, It’s Complicated, or Something’s Gotta Give. Features such as clawfoot tubs, four-poster beds, Persian rugs, eclectic antique furnishings, and stone fireplaces are just a few aspects that make these hotel rooms feel homely. One delightful surprise I particularly enjoyed was the floral wallpaper, which had 3D “petals” made from soft, fringed fabric that came to life upon closer inspection. I was also quite taken with the personalized block-letter sign outside my door—there was just enough space for “Fitzpatrick” on the wooden shelf. Most of the 38 cottages are named after flowers or trees, with some notable exceptions such as the Kennedy Cottage, where Jacqueline and John F. Kennedy spent their honeymoon in 1953, and the Churchill Cottage, which offered Winston Churchill a respite during Britain’s 1912 winter. I stayed in the Gardenia Cottage (as shown in the images), and I was truly impressed by the private hot tub, outdoor shower, and deck offering ocean views.

      The Grounds

      At this resort, “stop and smell the roses” is not merely a suggestion but rather an expectation. The significant investment in landscaping is perhaps most evident in the rose garden, home to nearly every color imaginable. Beyond the stunning roses, the property features sycamore, oak, olive, and lemon trees; wisteria, jasmine, and bougainvillea vines; and tranquil water lilies and papyrus plants in a serene pond. And let's not forget the lavender that warmly welcomes you upon driving onto the property. It was a sight reminiscent of my travels in Provence, where I first encountered such a large display of lavender.

      If your understanding of flora is limited, don’t worry—staff members decided to label the resort's flowers, trees, and vegetables with charming, subtle signs due to frequent inquiries about them. Overall, the grounds are like a landscape version of an antidepressant. The only thing lacking? The resort has yet to bottle its unique aroma, but if they do, I’d be first in line at the gift shop to purchase the perfume. (Can I earn royalties for suggesting this?)

      Famous Guests

      Some hotels provide celebrities the chance to see and be seen. In contrast, San Ysidro Ranch is where they go to remain incognito—unless, of course, they decide to post photos or videos of their stays on Instagram, as Sabrina Carpenter and Kourtney Kardashian did! Carpenter celebrated her 26th birthday in May 2025 in the Lilac Cottage, which features an extensive, private backyard with a vibrantly green lawn. I instantly recognized the hotel’s floral wallpaper designed by Colefax and Fowler when she shared photos online (my cottage had the same wallpaper, just in a different hue). Another celebrity who chose San Ysidro Ranch for her birthday was Kourtney Kardashian, who celebrated at the hotel's Stonehouse restaurant in April 2023. The venue also hosted the wedding of Hailee Steinfeld and Josh Allen in May 2025.

      Long before reality shows became a norm, San Ysidro Ranch was the chosen destination for the 1940 wedding of Vivien Leigh and Laurence Olivier, as well as the honeymoon of Jacqueline and John F. Kennedy in 1953 (featured in a photo above). Other renowned guests have included Lucille Ball, Audrey Hepburn, Groucho Marx, Winston Churchill, and