Raised in the Sutherland Shire of Sydney’s Southern Beachside Suburbs, Shaun O’Bryan has found home across the Pacific Ocean amid the stunning surrounds of Santa Barbara.
Now in his 6th year as resident, the proud Australian and Resort Manager of the luxe Belmond Encanto enjoys the coastal way of life, as well as the active outdoors and sports of the ‘American Riviera’.
When asked how he’s come to love this part of the world the answer is clear, “It offers all you could want. I just love that Santa Barbara has world-class golfing options and water activities such as paddle boarding and kayaking the sea caves in the Channel Islands. What’s more is the region’s coastline, surfing beaches and mountains. It’s a playground of amazing vistas which can be enjoyed while hiking or mountain biking the trails.”
Stand up Paddleboarding
Shaun manages to connect with the stunning natural surrounds of Santa Barbara not only in his free time through various outdoor adventure activities, but also in his role as Resort Manager at Belmond Encanto. Of a morning, he enjoys an early walk around the lush gardens and property to breathe in the cool fresh air and take in the breath-taking views over the Pacific coast. “It provides me with the energy of a day’s work”, he shares.
Santa Barbara Mission
When it comes to his favourite place to explore when mates are visiting from Australia, Shaun takes us straight to the vine “You can’t go past Santa Barbara wine country. The diversity and varietals are plentiful with many world class and award winning winemakers.” An ideal evening out in downtown Santa Barbara for Shaun, is a visit to the Santa Barbara bowl where legendary artists perform in the outdoor amphitheatre, “That’s after heading to McConnell’s Fine Ice Cream for a bowl of sweet delights”, he confides.
Hungry for more insider knowledge on Santa Barbara, we asked Shaun to share his thoughts on what makes the best of a Santa Barbara vacation.
From hidden killer brunch spots to the best adventure activities, the Aussie’s got it all figured out.
Where to stay
El Encanto
Belmond El Encanto. Sitting amid 7 acres of lush gardens on a private hillside, the elegant Belmond El Canto offers unrivalled views over the Santa Barbara region.
Best eats in Santa Barbara
The Dining Room at Belmond El Encanto (Terrace is the best view in town)
Wildwood BBQ in the Funk Zone
Jeannine’s Bakery in Montecito for breakfast
Metropulous Deli for lunch (artisan charcuterie and the best Gyros in town)
La Super Rica (authentic Mexican food)
Best spots for an afternoon beverage
Brophy Brothers. Image Source: theculturetrip.com
Our Lounge at Belmond El Encanto
Brophy Brothers overlooking the Harbor
Shoreline Cafe at Shoreline Beach or Boathouse at Hendry’s Beach
Where to shop
Whiskey and Leather. Image Source: sbdigs.com
Boutique at Belmond El Encanto (Porkinson pigs from Casa Sierra Nevada, Talavera Dog Bowls, etc)
Blue Door (Vintage Store in the Funk Zone – 3 stories of unique vintage mid-century furniture finds and vintage luxury clothing)
Whiskey and Leather (Boutique for mens and womens in Montecito)
Wolfs Head (Boutique men’s store on Lower State Street)
How to sweat in Santa Barbara
Hike up Rattlesnake Canyon
Hike up Rattlesnake Canyon
Bike ride through Ojai Trail
Kayaking Sea Caves with Paddle Sports Santa Barbara
One thing not to miss is…
Image Source: www.youtube.com
Hike at Lizards Mouth at Sunset with a Picnic basket of wine, cheese and blanket
Final tips…
Image Source: www.10best.com
Santa Barbara’s Urban Wine trail, if you don’t have time to visit the Santa Ynez Valley then you can visit two dozen of these winery’s that have tasting rooms across downtown Santa Barbara.
Also a fun place I love to visit with my kids is the mini horse and donkey farm in Los Olivos.