The Steward is a spectacular new Santa Barbara hideaway hotel rooted in horticulture and sustainability. It is a delightful 87-suite haven on 4.7 acres devoted to refined and relaxed living with spacious accommodations and a commitment to excellence in the dining room.  All in a natural setting of verdant plants and trees just a few miles from the ocean and wine country. 

The history of The Steward site is worth recalling. In the late 1860s, Joseph Sexton opened one of the area’s first plant nurseries and built his handsome house here which now proudly stand in the middle of the Steward acreage.  Sexton planted more than 40 tree species and exotic plants on the land, many imported from overseas. They are tenderly looked after today by the hotel’s gardeners. The star of the gardens is the two-story-tall bird of paradise plant, one of the oldest in California.  Avocado trees flourish and legend has it avocado toast was invented here in the 19th century. They create many delicious versions for guests at The Steward in a tribute to an antique recipe found at the old Sexton house.  

Accommodations are all suites and done in soothing neutrals, white shitters and green fauna-printed fabrics that mimic the gardens.  Sheets and towels are of high caliber. 

We recently dined by the pool and under the trees at Terra, the hotel’s Cal-Mediterranean restaurant. As the sun dipped over the horizon, tiki torches and candles became alive and we marveled at the gardens, the fields of wildflowers and the hint of sea breezes. We ordered a special Sexton margarita and espresso martini from the lively lobby bar, then a bottle of local Sauvignon Blanc. The menu is ambitious, and we give full credit to Executive Chef Augusto Caudillo who graduated from Le Cordon Bleu College of Culinary Arts. We knew him from his stint at Lucky’s, Montecito’s premier steakhouse. Chef Caudillo is passionate about both aesthetics and flavorful nutrition and he crafts seasonally-driven dishes that celebrate the Central Coast’s bounty.

We indulged in appetizers like tiger prawn aguachile, local crispy brussels sprouts, and white anchovy charcoal flatbread. A little gems Caesar  salad was a refreshing intermezzo. We then dug into wild Scottish salmon with sweet creamed corn and rice, Terra pappardelle pasta with mushroom Bolognese and pasture-raised double cut pork chop drizzled with roasted black garlic-brown butter. All of the dishes were perfectly cooked and beautifully served with smiles.   Sweets followed and The Steward does not disappoint: a tangy lemon bar, gelatos, and hummingbird cake with creme fraiche. Caudillo is clearly a masterful talent in full command of his craft.

Lunch is equally inviting and The Steward also hosts a joyous happy hour every day from, 3 pm-5 pm and we recommend you try the hibiscus tacos. And say hello to Silvio, the charming Italian food and beverage manager who we remember from his days at the highly rated Olio e Limone in Santa Barbara.  He truly cares about all guests happiness and it shows.  

The Steward has a marvelous full modern fitness center which is housed in the renovated old Sexton barn and a lobby shop stocked with sustainable local goodies like scented candles, coffee and chocolates. A sparkling pool awaits those who like a quiet swim. Hot tub, too. Bikes can be rented if you feel energetic.

There is nothing quite like The Steward in and around Santa Barbara where a healthy respect for the land is expressed everywhere one turns. A night or two here is a true escape from reality: it is a world unto itself, a world of peace, nature and uncompromising quality.  Bring along your pet; they are welcome, too. The Steward, Santa Barbara, A Tribute Portfolio Hotel, operated with precision by Marriott. Visit https://thestewardsb.com; rates start at $299, a bargain for such a superior experience.