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My Spring Break Escape in Santa Barbara, Calif.

by Nicole Dorsey Straff

Bacara resort art classesAs a high schooler, I missed our Spring Break trips to Florida each March. When I was in college, a whole bunch of my girlfriends went to Honolulu for a coed, wild version during Spring Break as well. Still, I was not able to attend; I was always writing and working.

I’m making up for my lack of Spring Break mania as a teenager and a college student. I’m going to break out at Bacara in Santa Barbara, Calif. next month, and I want you to come with me.

The picturesque resort features a four-story spa,  state-of-the-art wellness center, three zero-edge saline swimming pools, four restaurants and the eponymous 12,000-bottle Wine Cellar & Tasting Room.

° My grown-up wine excursions will begin at the foothills of the the Santa Ynez Mountains at Bacara Resort & Spa overlooking the azure Pacific. The heart of one of California’s most exciting wine regions, Bacara guests go for barrel tastings, “soil to bottle” tours and enjoy access to private estate quarters at the Firestone, Foley and Lincourt vineyards.

° Bacara sits on Chumash Native American grounds. Self-guided Chumash Nature Trails on property explain indigenous plants and fauna in the surrounding 78 acres.

° I attended a yoga class on a coastal bluff surrounded by pelicans, native plants and WOW-views. I also enrolled in the Que Syrah art class (photo above right) and drank a plummy, spectacular Pinot Noir rather than painting. Que Syrah…

° Last time I went to Bacara, it was strictly adventure time, including onsite kayaking, stand-up paddle lessons, mountain biking and surfing.I attended the complimentary stargazing classes with the Santa Barbara Astronomical Unit and stayed at one of their 25 pool cabanas.

Catering to family travelers, Bacara offers a fun-filled Monarch kids’ camp and movie nights at the popcorn-fueled 211-seat Screening Room. Overnight rates start at $299; Bacararesort.com.

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