The Ritz-Carlton Bacara perches atop a bluff overlooking two miles of beach, a little north of Santa Barbara. Architecturally it resembles a Spanish Colonial village, as winding pathways connect low-slung buildings with open balconies and courtyards with fountains. Within its 78 acres are 311 rooms and suites, a 42,000-square-foot spa, a fitness center, 3 rimless swimming pools, and 4 Har-Tru tennis courts. Its connection to a 1,000-acre lemon and avocado ranch adds more dimensions, like horseback riding, hiking and mountain biking. Golfers, meanwhile, have privileges at local courses.
Four courts is a modest number for a hotel this size, but they stand out for their soft surface—a relative rarity in southern California—their location near the ocean, and the expertise of Cliff Drysdale Tennis (CDT), which manages the complex. Galina Bykova directs the programing. Originally from St. Petersburg, Russia, she ranked among that country’s Top 50 juniors. That led to an invitation to join the St. Petersburg tennis team, which went on to win the Russian Team Championship and earn Bykova the prestigious title of Master of Sports of Russia. She then came to the U.S. where she played Division I tennis at the University of Idaho, leading the team to the NCAA Division I Team Championships, before moving on to California State University, Fresno, where she captained the tennis team to its highest national ranking of 20.
At Bacara, she stages a weekly roster of tennis activities, including Cardio tennis, live ball and strategy drill sessions, social round robins, as more, as well as group and private lessons. And several times a year, she joins the Drysdale tennis team to host Tennis and Wine Weekends, supplementing three days of on-court activities with private wine tours and tasting at an award-winning local winery.
Tennis aside, Ritz-Carlton Bacara guests can swim in three pools, surf or sail at the beach, play a round at the adjacent championship golf course, or walk the on-property nature trail. Santa Barbara is also home to a thriving arts community, festival circuit, and wineries, inviting guests to explore beyond the resort to discover more of what the area has to offer.
Four courts is a modest number for a hotel this size, but they stand out for their soft surface—a relative rarity in southern California—their location near the ocean, and the expertise of Cliff Drysdale Tennis (CDT), which manages the complex. Jose Vacabustamante directs the programing. Born and raised in Santa Cruz, Bolivia, Jose brings 18 years of coaching experience in tennis and also has experience coaching padel and pickleball. He played collegiate tennis at Emporia State University and holds a master’s degree in physical education. His professional journey includes working at prestigious academies such as IMG Tennis Academy, where he worked alongside Nick Bollettieri, and the Ferrero Tennis Academy in Spain.
His career has taken him across four countries – the Maldives, the Dominican Republic, New Zealand, and Spain – including positions at the Ritz-Carlton Fari Islands in the Maldives and, most recently, CDT’s Ritz-Carlton Key Biscayne location.
There's a weekly roster of tennis activities, including Cardio tennis, live ball and strategy drill sessions, social round robins, as more, as well as group and private lessons. There are also year-round customized camps. And, several times a year, the Drysdale tennis team hosts Tennis and Wine Weekends, supplementing three days of on-court activities with private wine tours and tasting at an award-winning local winery.
Off Court
Set on 78 acres, the resort offers two-mile natural beach, three zero-edged saline, heated pools with private cabana rentals and watersports including surfing, kayaking and paddle boarding, while the surrounding area adds opportunities for horseback riding, biking, hiking, and more.
Tennis aside, Ritz-Carlton Bacara guests can swim in three pools, enjoy an award-winning Spa, surf or sail at the beach, play a round at the adjacent championship golf course, or walk the on-property nature trail. Santa Barbara is also home to a thriving arts community, festival circuit, and wineries, inviting guests to explore beyond the resort to discover more of what the area has to offer.
Accommodations
311 rooms and suites
Getting there
Seasons: Year-round
Travel Instructions: The nearest major air gateway is Santa Barbara Municipal Airport (SBA), 6 miles to the east.
General Tourist Information: For information about the Santa Barbara, visit the Visit Santa Barbara website.
Galina was great! super consistent and made sure i got the workout i requested.
MD
Galina is fabulous! Always so much fun in her classes and she always makes sure I’m improving my technique.
CS
Fun and competitive tennis drills. Definitely a good choice for a tennis team retreat!!
SC
Fun tennis drills at the Ritz!
JH
Spicey Fun
KW
We had a ladies weekend in Santa Barbara and six of us drilled on two different days. Galina was full of positive energy and a motivating coach! We had a great time and hit lot of balls. She must have ordered the beautiful weather for us too!
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106 Reviews on “The Ritz-Carlton, Bacara”
Galina was great! super consistent and made sure i got the workout i requested.
Galina is fabulous! Always so much fun in her classes and she always makes sure I’m improving my technique.
Fun and competitive tennis drills. Definitely a good choice for a tennis team retreat!!
Fun tennis drills at the Ritz!
Spicey Fun
We had a ladies weekend in Santa Barbara and six of us drilled on two different days. Galina was full of positive energy and a motivating coach! We had a great time and hit lot of balls. She must have ordered the beautiful weather for us too!