The team for Ty Warner, owner of the Four Seasons Resort The Biltmore Santa Barbara, will present a focused renovation plan to the Montecito Planning Commission on Oct. 16 following unanimous support (minus one abstention) by the Montecito Association’s Land Use Committee on October 1.
While renovations are underway on guest rooms and common areas at the oceanfront resort at 1260 Channel Drive, the primary item for review includes the introduction of two hotel pool amenities to replace the Olympic-size pool at the Coral Casino Beach & Cabana Club.
The Coral Casino, across the street at 1281 Channel Drive, became restricted to member-only access in 2023.
The proposed hotel amenities include a tranquil pool, lushly landscaped with secluded enclaves and an island respite for private sunbathing and relaxation, as well as a family pool with a sandy entrance that pays homage to the original Coral Casino pool.
Notably, these pools will be designed for privacy and will not be visible to the public.
Three historians have reviewed their locations and provided reports in support of the plan and design.
The overall renovation also calls for a reduction in water usage on the property, even with the new pool amenities, due to fewer guest rooms and improved irrigation technology.
“Coral Casino members and Four Seasons as the hotel operator agreed on the better use of the Coral Casino pool,” noted Sean Lavelle, vice president of development for Ty Warner Hotels & Resorts.
“Luxury hotel guests didn’t want to cross the street and check into a separate facility, and members wanted to enhance the sense of camaraderie on the main level of the club. Pools dedicated to Biltmore guests are essential to future operation of the hotel.”
Other changes as part of Warner’s renovation include reducing the number of guest rooms to 136 from 192, and expanding the size of accommodations to cater to the enduring trends in multigenerational travel while reducing neighborhood impacts.
Enhanced dining amenities will serve the entire community, with NOBU as one of the exciting new restaurant concepts.
“Travelers are looking for immersive experiences that connect to the destination and property in ways that appeal to the whole family,” Lavelle said. “We will have beautifully appointed rooms and suites — some with private yards and spas — and event spaces converted to support special occasions versus large conferences.
“Foodies can rejoice as we will have NOBU and Thomas Keller operating restaurants within a couple hundred feet of each other, creating the ultimate culinary destination for visitors, neighbors, and locals alike.
“Still, traffic reports show a reduction in trips, achieving a rare win-win across the board.”
Once the renovation is approved and completed, the reopening of the Biltmore is expected to significantly benefit the local economy, with projections of $15 million generated annually in transient-occupancy tax (TOT) and sales tax.
Equally important, Four Seasons can welcome back 172 furloughed employees who have elected to return to their positions, along with the 42 staff members currently employed.
Lavelle emphasized the urgency of receiving approval — without appeals — by the fall of 2024 to facilitate a swift opening.
“We are committed to honoring the hotel legacy and enhancing the Biltmore experience while ensuring we remain a responsible neighbor in Montecito,” he said. “This project reflects our dedication to the community and the future of this iconic hotel.
“Everyone involved in this project is local and cares about how the Biltmore thrives into the next century.”