The top 5 Santa Barbara luxury homes for rent for a family or friends retreat
If you are looking for an ultra-luxury retreat to spend some time with your family or friends, you need to look into these gorgeous Santa Barbara luxury homes that I have specially selected on Airbnb for their finest decor and strategic location.
Santa Barbara is considered one of the most glamorous towns in California, for its upscale homes, elegant Spanish-style architecture, and high-end shopping.
However, Santa Barbara is not short of interesting places to visit and things to do either. In fact, the chic town boasts interesting historical buildings, including the Old Franciscan Santa Barbara Mission, one of the 21 Missions of California, and exciting Museums, including the art museum, the museum of natural history, and the museum of exploration and innovation (temporary closed), among others.
Nature lovers will be amazed by the beautiful hiking trails around Santa Ynez Mountains embracing the charming bay. Speaking of which, beach lovers will enjoy the spectacular and tranquil white sand beaches where to bask in the sun while spotting humpback whales passing by.
What about a kayak tour to explore the kelp forest?
As you can see there is plenty to do in Santa Barbara, but I will talk about it in detail in another post.
Or, you might just want to chill in the privacy of one of the gorgeous homes, listed here below, while looking at the spectacular views either over the ocean or in the green valley.
Top 5 Santa Barbara Luxury homes for rent
Modern Serenity Santa Barbara
📍 Santa Barbara – CA- 6 guests · 3 bedrooms · 3 beds · 2.5 baths ⭐⭐⭐ ⭐⭐ 💲💲💲💲💲
Modern Serenity is part of Airbnb Luxe Collection, a cluster of luxury homes especially selected for their special design, the finest decor ultra-luxury amenities and a dedicated “trip designer” to deliver a personalized service.
This gorgeous home is strategically located at a short drive from Santa Babara Harbour and all the restaurants and main attractions, at only 15 minutes drive from Santa Barbara Golf Courses and 5 minutes from Butterfly beach.
It boasts a world-class modern decor with wooden floors, a stone fireplace, a refined living space, and a kitchen that any chef would dream of. The lush and large garden offers a great place to chill and relax and enjoy family (or friends) time and unwind.
Sea Ranch
📍 Montecito CA- 12 guests · 6 bedrooms · 7 beds · 7.5 baths ⭐⭐⭐ ⭐⭐ 💲💲💲💲💲
Sea Ranch is a spectacular home with a pool and all the modern amenities you can think of. The use of wood and stone and pastel-colored decor balanced in the most harmonic way gives a country and yet elegant feeling. Suitable for a cozy family reunion or a friend retreat.
Among the Amenities included you will find:
- Dining area for 10
- hot tub
- indoor fire place
- BBQ grill
- sunloungers
- Pool
- washer/dryer
- ice machine
- dish washer
- iron/iron board
- cable tv
- air/conditioning
The trip designer can also provide for you upon request the following services at an extra cost:
- car rental
- butler service
- housekeeping
- driver
- grocery
- restaurants concierge
- airport transfer
What other guests have to say:
“Unbelievably beautiful property. A truly special place. Exceeded our wildest expectations!”
“We spent a beautiful month relaxing in this most spectacular property. I have to say that after days and days of research, my husband and I were so fortunate to find this location. The home itself is brand new with modern lines and rich finishes (cedar wood, stone, ipe deck). Gigantic sliding doors in most rooms and several spaces have nano wall systems. The pool is sublime – saline water… just the right depth and length.”
Santa Barbara Beach Estate
📍 Santa Barbara – CA- 10 guests · 5 bedrooms · 5 beds · 5.5 baths ⭐⭐⭐ ⭐⭐ 💲💲💲💲💲
I believe these pictures say it all, no description needed.
However, I just would like to share some of the perks that you will get together with this superb luxury rental in Santa Barbara.
You will have access to a private beach just for you, that if the private pool and the hot tub are not enough.
Add the elegant stylish decoration and all the extra service that you can have just by asking your trip designer (the trip designer is included in your rent but some services are at an extra cost )
It’s definitely an elegant retreat for family or a friends reunion, in a secluded tranquil location and yet close to all the attractions in Santa Barbara, restaurants and shopping.
But you will tell me if you dared leave this corner of paradise, anyway!
Among the Amenities included you will find:
INDOOR
- Fully equipped kitchen
- Dishwasher
- Ice maker
- Formal dining area with seating for 6
- Air conditioning
- Television
- Sonos sound system
- Fireplaces
- Wi-Fi
- Heating
- Washer/Dryer
- Iron/Ironing Board
OUTDOOR
- View of Pacific Ocean
- Saline swimming pool – Heating at extra cost
- Saline hot tub – Heating included
- Alfresco dining with seating for 8
- Outdoor fire pits
- Terrace
- Sun loungers
- Outdoor fireplace
- Barbecue
- Parking
- Security cameras – outward facing
The trip designer can also provide for you upon request the following services at an extra cost:
- Villa pre-stocking
- Airport transfer
- Activities and excursions
- Housekeeping
What other guests have to say
“I have rented home around the world and this location and property is spectacular. The amenities are top-notch. My family enjoyed the aromatherapy steam showers, the amazing pool, and the daily views that are just breathtaking. We have already booked for next year!”
Canon View
📍 Santa Barbara – CA- 6 guests · 3 bedrooms · 3 beds · 3.5 baths ⭐⭐⭐ ⭐⭐ 💲💲💲💲💲
From the foothills of the Santa Ynez mountain range, Canon View luxury home offers a private elegant nest for your family getaway or friends retreat.
You will appreciate the sound of silence as you will be immersed in the soothing nature and yet very close to all the attractions of Montecito and Santa Barbara.
Also, golfers can appreciate the strategic location of this fancy retreat at only a few minute’s drive from the golf courses.
The amazing beaches and the vibrant downtown of Santa Barbara are also at an easy reach.
You will have the best of all worlds in this beautiful stylish home boasting the finest American architecture, stylish decor, and expertly manicured gardens, just like the neighboring homes that you will be able to admire if you stroll around.
Among all the fancy and practical amenities that the villa offers, you will especially appreciate the cable television, Wi-Fi, sound system, and exercise room.
Also, you will get each fridge stocked with fuji water, various sodas, juices and two bottles of Santa Barbara’s finest wine.
As an extra thoughtful touch, each suite also has a Hermes’ day bag for use during your stay and hiking day packs. So now you have no excuses for not to explore the running trails near the villa.
Daily Housekeeping service is also included in the price.
Mira Vista
📍 Santa Barbara – CA- 8 guests · 4 bedrooms · 4 beds · 4.5 baths · ⭐⭐⭐ ⭐⭐ · 💲💲💲💲💲
This spectacular home is priceless, literally. If you check on Airbnb there is no price, they will tell you once you send a reservation request. So private and peculiar this property is. If I were you I would check it out though.
The pictures say it all but don’t give it justice. The soothing views from the stone made and flowery terrace are breathtaking and relaxing at the same time. The perfect place to unwind, and enjoy the sound of the silence surrounding your stay.
Be it with your family or friends, or, why not, a team of co-workers, this place is the perfect spot for a retreat.
The nearby Leadbetter Beach will work just fine to spend a day in the sand not far away from your beautiful nest, whereas the city lights will brighten up the horizon every night while enjoying a delicious dinner in the outdoor space.
And if you don’t feel like cooking or dining out you can even hire a chef. Just ask your trip designer, and he/she will make it possible, together with other services (at an extra cost) such as housekeeping, airport transfer,
Top Santa Babara Activities
While you are there, you might want to organize some outdoor trips for you and your family or friends, or you just want to take some time for yourself and explore the surrounding. Here are some ideas of the activities Santa Barbara offers.
- Parasailing with dolphins – offered by Dave
- Kayaking along the coast of Santa Barbara with John
- Take some surf lessons with Thomas
- Horseback riding on the beach with Charlie
- Visit a Californian Cat Cafe with Catalina
- Take and Electric bike tour with Connor
For further reading
The best 7 Airbnb in Monterey, California
The finest 7 Airbnb in Carmel-by-the-Sea California
The coolest Glamping Spots in California
25 unmissable things to do in California
10 days California Road trip
