Lotusland
More on the Map | Fully Arranged Short Escapes
WEST
Montecito & Santa Barbara, CA | May 30 - 31, 2026
The completely glorious Lotusland sits on 37 acres in Montecito, and features 3,000 plant species across 25 distinctly designed gardens. It’s one of the ten best botanical gardens in the world.
Full disclosure: the lotuses get going a little later in summer, right now it’s all about aloe and cactus.
As always, your stay, meal and local experience are bookable in a click.
Brisas del Mar is a 31-room Mediterranean-style inn two blocks from West Beach and a short walk from the Funk Zone, the harbor, and Stearns Wharf.
Those bikes leaning over on their kickstands are borrowable.
You have reservations for two on Sat. May 30. Just arrive.
Photo via Brisas Del Mar
Quick Lotusland origin story:
Madame Ganna Walska (a Polish opera singer) purchased a 37-acre Montecito estate in 1941, with plans to turn it into a retreat for Tibetan Buddhist monks. That fell through.
She renamed the place Lotusland, after the sacred Asian lotus she grew in the previous owner's swimming pool, which had developed a leak she declined to repair. Instead she filled it with soil, lowered the waterline, and planted. She spent the next 43 years doing more or less the same thing across the grounds.
The result is 25 distinctly designed gardens and 3,000 plant species, recognized as one of the best botanical gardens in the world.
Tickets for two on Sunday.
The Lark opened in 2013, in the old Santa Barbara Fish Market building, and it’s named for the very sleek overnight Pullman train that serviced Santa Barbara from 1910 to 1968. We love this.
Small plates, locally sourced, everything meant for sharing.
Brunch for two on Sunday morning. We’re including a $125 food and drink credit (inclusive of tax and tip).
Photo via The Lark/Instagram
All arranged, no planning anxiety. Just go.
So how does this work? There’s no need for payment just yet. We’ll double confirm availability with our partners and send you a secure payment link by email. You’ll receive full trip details after booking.
Need to know something specific? We’re taking questions below.
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