The Inn at Mattei’s Tavern Opens in Santa Barbara’s Santa Ynez Valley – The Hollywood Reporter

The Santa Ynez Valley — one of California’s hottest wine regions — now has something new to offer: its first true luxury resort.

The famous The Inn at Mattei’s Tavern in Los Olivos, California, has been meticulously modernized by design firm AvroKO and recently opened under the management of luxury hotel group Auberge Resorts Collection. The new resort strengthens Santa Barbara County’s once-hot wine country destination — where past and current residents include Bernie Taupin, Noah Wylie, Bo Derek and David Crosby — as a vacation spot. vibrant.

Once a carriage stop since the 1800s between San Francisco and Los Angeles providing food and accommodation for travelers in need to recharge, Mattei’s Tavern has reigned as the vibrant social hub of the Santa Ynez Valley. for more than a century. Over the years, the venue has had a series of iterations under various owners, including several vibrant restaurant and bar concepts, while maintaining the Craftsman-style structures. original craftsmanship, including the signature water tower that rises high above the grounds.

After extensive renovations under Auberge, the inn has emerged with its original period character preserved and a pervasive sense of warmth and intimacy. But the clearly low-key vibe at The Inn at Mattei’s Tavern is paired with a wealth of lavish new elements, centered on a Western-appropriate bistro-style bar Clint Eastwood, where the theme embraces the past. included in the cocktail menu. The Old Gus Berg – featuring Russell’s Reserve single-barrel bourbon, Demerara, homemade bitters and pinot noir – is named for a former maître d’. The setting is a cozy Wild West that meets happily without feeling productive, so you’ll be hard-pressed to leave your inviting seat near the crackling fireplace.

Dotted with ancient palm trees, this property immerses you in a luxurious version of the California ranch lifestyle. Tree-lined pathways and fire pits lead to 67 airy, independent guest rooms and 4 original cottages. The interior is light-filled, transitioning into a cozy modern style that still pays homage to the past, featuring a four-poster bed, exposed beamed ceilings, vintage furniture and brass fixtures. feel like at home in the countryside. Guest rooms are complemented by private outdoor patios and verandas — ideal for sipping the region’s award-winning wines. The property also includes a modernized indoor/outdoor warehouse and event space (reserved for weddings and other celebrations as well as corporate retreats).

After a day of exploring the area — whether it’s wine tasting or cycling among sun-drenched vineyards — visit The Lavender Barn spa. It offers guests free yoga, Pilates, meditation, wellness classes and a serene swimming pool surrounded by olive trees, plus facial and body treatments (from $180) with Oak Essentials, designer Jenni Kayne’s skincare collection.

Dining options on the property are numerous. Executive chef Rhoda Magbitang, who has refined her culinary talents while working with stars such as José Andrés, Suzanne Goin and Josiah Citrin, hosted the reception in the open kitchen inside The Tavern restaurant. , where her creative yet unfussy creations complement her charismatic nature. The menu includes delightfully addictive crispy cauliflower enhanced with savory almond dukkah and spiced honey; grilled sea trout with mushrooms and sour onions; and savory but mild dill pickled clams and pork belly, all with ingredients from the on-site garden and local purveyors.

There’s also all-day casual, coffee and delicious baked goods at Felix Feed & Coffee (named in honor of Felix Mattei, the pub’s original owner) and lakeside staples Mediterranean swim at The Shed. Gin’s Tap Bar, which pays homage to Gin Lung Gin, one of the hotel’s top chefs, offers cocktails and farm-raised ham, with live music by local artists. plan for spring. (For other places to eat, as well as wine tastings and stays in the Santa Ynez Valley, check out THR’s 2023 guide to the Santa Barbara wine region.)

The hostel at Mattei’s Tavern (rooms from $950 per night) is located at 2350 Railroad Ave. in Los Olivos, California.

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