Biltmore Santa Barbara Reopens Beach Club

Four Seasons Resort The Biltmore Santa Barbara announced the reopening of the Coral Casino Beach and Cabana Club, signifying the completion of owner Ty Warner’s three-year, $65 million rehabilitation of the legendary beachfront establishment.

Perched directly on Butterfly Beach, the classic beach club and registered historic landmark is a true haven for leisure and offers one of the most unique and exquisite Four Seasons guest experiences in the world. Registered guests of the Biltmore can take advantage of exclusive access to the “Coral Casino,” a private membership club built in 1937 that has long served as a playground for the area’s elite.

“Between its stunning locale and remarkable cachet, the Coral Casino is a truly unique, special place that embodies the lifestyle of the American Riviera,” said Karen Earp, general manager. “Mr. Warner’s vision, relentless attention to detail and unwavering fortitude in the historic restoration of this luxury club has produced an amazing and authentically glamorous venue. We are proud to be able to share with our guests such an exclusive opportunity to relax and play here in one of the world’s most breathtaking settings.”

The project, led by architect Peter Marino, has meticulously returned the beach club to its original splendor along with notable improvements that include a fashionable new second-story restaurant, Tydes. Its aim was to restore the original theme and purpose of the club while embracing the Coral Casino’s most beloved feature — its spectacular setting.

The Coral Casino’s main focal point is an entirely renovated Olympic-sized pool and deck area, bordered by 31 private cabanas and featuring a whirlpool, children’s wading pool and rooftop sun deck. Historic photos were used in selecting the chaise lounges lining the pool and sun decks. Custom-recreated octagonal umbrellas offer a cool respite from the sun’s rays, while transparent, low-reflectivity glass railing allows for uninterrupted ocean views from every vantage point within the club.

The poolside Coral Cafe and Bar serves up a selection of salads, sandwiches, burgers and other items that can be enjoyed on the cafe patio or pool deck area. Guests can quench their thirst with cocktails like watermelon daiquiris and lemonade caipirinhas while soaking up a glorious sunset, or they can grab something to go from Fins snack bar, which offers smoothies, milkshakes and a variety of snack items. Four Seasons’ service and hourly amenities — such as frozen fresh fruit skewers and Evian spritzes — complete the experience.

For those needing incentive to work out, the amply-sized fitness center offers state-of-the-art equipment, panoramic vistas of the pool deck and ocean, renovated locker rooms, stone-clad steam rooms and red cedar saunas. The renovation also breathed new life into the club’s iconic tower entrance and valet, lobby, loggia and multi-purpose room. The 4,600-square-foot La Pacifica Ballroom, with floor-to-ceiling windows offers one of the West Coast’s most striking settings for weddings and events.

Keeping the original design themes intact, subtle and tasteful upgrades have been made throughout that will allow the soul and character of the Coral Casino to continue for many generations to come. Fully matured palm trees have been imported to frame the pool as they did in the club’s heyday, so that the sounds of gently rustling fronds once again accompany the backdrop of breaking waves. A rebuilt access stairway guides guests to the sand and surf on Butterfly Beach, just steps below.
Initiation fees for new memberships — a limited number of which have been made available by Ty Warner Hotels & Resorts as part of its newly launched Connoisseur Club — begin at $250,000.

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