Nestled in the rolling hills of the Santa Ynez River Valley, Los Olivos is a rural town known for its rustic charm and vineyards. Only a 45-minute drive from Santa Barbara, the town is home to dozens of wineries and vineyards, resulting in a "wine promenade" of tasting rooms and boutiques. The quintessential Californian town, Los Olivos' historic charm and simplicity are enough to lure in anyone for a weekend getaway of wine, wine, and more wine. Surrounded by horse ranches, scenic hillsides, and vineyards, the rural town was established in 1887 and named after the thousands of olive trees planted there. Today, its a premier destination for wine tasting.
In the heart of Los Olivos is The Inn at Mattei's Tavern. Originally a popular stagecoach stop built in 1886 (and doubling as a secret hangout during the Prohibition era), this sprawling property is now a luxurious destination perfect for a slow stay. The Inn is part of the Auberge Collection of luxurious resorts, which have properties spanning from Fort Lauderdale to Santorini to Florence. This Central Coast resort offers cottage-style houses surrounded by palm trees and vineyards within eye view for the perfect, laid-back stay. A natural spa barn, a historical restaurant, and tasting rooms galore is just what you need for a slower stay at The Inn at Mattei's Tavern.
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With 6.5 acres of suites, guest rooms, and cottages, the modern farmhouse-style resort has more than enough to occupy your entire day. With fine dining, spas, and pools at your disposal, The Inn at Mattei's Tavern will allow you to unwind and take the time to truly enjoy yourself.
The on-site spa, known as the Lavender Barn, is one of the better known wellness centers in the California wine country. Focusing a slow wellbeing, the spa infuses scents and botanicals from the surrounding flora and offers Swedish-style massages, herbal treatments, ancient remedies, and a well-needed restoration. Luxury facials, eucalyptus steam rooms, oak wood saunas, vitality pools, and cold plunges are only some of the thermal spa experiences and treatments awaiting you at the Lavender Barn.
Soak up the sun while lounging in a private, poolside cabana. The Inn's cabanas come equipped with a personal cooler filled with drinks (including wine) and even chips and dip, providing the ideal hideaway. Some nights the pool even offers a cool twist on drive-in theaters: a dive-in theater, with a poolside movie. Not to mention the garden lawns and old-growth palms that'll make your pool experience a dream.
The Inn really does its best to please their guests with a great stay, offering an assortment of different kinds of classes. On Wednesdays you can take part in the weekly Winemaker Takeover, where local winemakers create a fantastic sip and mingle event with live music. On Fridays you can even learn how to preserve fresh sea urchin while Tuesdays and Fridays are reserved for olive oil infusions, a nod to Los Olivos' origins.
What's a luxurious resort without fitness classes? The Inn offers an assortment of yoga classes, including power yoga, slow flow, and restorative yoga, some of which even take place outside on the Hartley Lawn. If you're not a fan of fitness in front of others, you can even take advantage of the private movement classes, consisting of sound bath experiences, stretch and sip flow, and more.
One of the best things about The Inn at Mattei's Tavern is the fine dining it offers. From the namesake Mattei's Tavern to a poolside bar to a neighborhood cafe, The Inn is always read to make sure you're wellfed, while tasting the culinary experience of a lifetime.
Set in the original building from 1886, the Tavern offers a seasonal menu of local California cuisine. Known for its California ranch style, the Tavern offers fresh ingredients, many of which from from Mattei's own garden (also located on site!). The menu offers well-prepared dishes that result in an explosion of flavor and excellence for your tastebuds. And, of course, a wine list to rival even Napa Valley. It's open for breakfast, lunch, and dinner.
Known as the most popular hangout at The Inn, The Bar is renovated roadside bar that offers authentic historically-inspired cocktails, a fantastic wine list, and local craft beers. Open daily for lunch and dinner, The Bar is the historic heart of the property and the perfect spot to order a local wine or beer and just stay awhile.
Named after the original owner of Mattei, Felix Mattei, this neighborhood cafe is perfect for breakfast, brunch, and lunch. Fresh pastries from scratch, outstanding espressos, and the ultimate brunch menu.
The Inn's poolside bar, The Shed, has an air of sophistication that intermingles with relaxation for an exquisite pool experience. Open from 10 to 5, the bar offers everything from light bites to fresh salads from the garden and sandwiches and cheeseburgers.
With 30 intimate tasting rooms, boutiques, and gourmet restaurants, Los Olivos' single main street is lined with galleries, shops, and wineries perfect for a stroll.
The Santa Ynez Valley has more than 280 wineries with Pinot Noir, Syrah, Chardonnay, and Rhône blends. With tasting rooms are a short walk from The Inn, you can simply wander out and take your pick of wineries. Some tasting rooms to consider include Saarloos and Sons and Demetria Winery.
An all-inclusive dude ranch located only a short drive away, Alisal Ranch embraces the spirit of the American West. With 10,500 acres of riding trails, golf courses, tennis courts, a pool, a spa, and a lake, this ranch is great for an adventure. If you want to get into the true spirit of the wild west, go on a group or private horseback ride (or even by wagon!).
A small Danish-inspired village only 8 miles away, transport yourself into a storybook atmosphere with amazing pastries and wine. Gingerbread architecture, twirling windmills, and friendly folks will create the perfect atmosphere for a quick day trip.
If you want to move your body with a great view, take advantage of The Inn's location in the hillside of the Santa Ynzez Mountains and Valley. Peaks, canyons, streams, meadows, and oak trees are only some of the nature that you'll be privy to on your hike.
And of course, what's a weekend getaway without cute pictures and fits to go with? We've put together the perfect outfit for a winey excursion in the heart of California's wine country or for a calm stroll through the rustic streets of Los Olivos.
