Ritz-Carlton has announced the newest addition to its collection of luxurious global properties, The Ritz-Carlton Bacara, Santa Barbara.

Recently acquired by Carey Watermark Investors Incorporated and Carey Watermark Investors 2 Incorporated, the former Bacara Resort & Spa has undergone a multi-million-dollar renovation which included all 358 guest rooms and suites as well as enhancements to the resort’s six culinary venues.

The Ritz-Carlton Bacara, Santa Barbara will provide the legendary personalized service and luxury facilities guests of The Ritz-Carlton brand have come to know worldwide.

“We are delighted to welcome this iconic property into The Ritz-Carlton portfolio of nearly 100 hotels around the globe,” said Hervé Humler, president, The Ritz-Carlton Hotel Company.

“The Ritz-Carlton’s world class service, led by the resort’s fantastic Ladies and Gentlemen, together with the Bacara’s history, will make The Ritz-Carlton Bacara, Santa Barbara a standout on this part of the California coast.”

Located on 78 acres of exclusive California coastline, The Ritz-Carlton Bacara, Santa Barbara will immerse guests in the destination while inspiring them to discover the best of coastal living.

The oceanfront resort offers direct beach access and three salt-water swimming pools, a 42,000-square foot luxury spa with 36 treatment rooms, a salon and a fitness centre, as well as abundant indoor and outdoor event space.

Six culinary venues, including Angel Oak, the resort’s signature restaurant, will give guests a taste of Santa Barbara.

Just minutes from the centre of charming and historic Santa Barbara, the resort is nestled between the Pacific Ocean and the Santa Ynez Mountain, with close proximity to the region’s best vineyards.

Michael Medzigian, chief executive, Carey Watermark Investors, added: “We believe that the extensive, recently completed renovations and the Ritz-Carlton rebranding, in combination with our further investment in strategic property improvements and implementation of value-add operational enhancements, will increase overall profitability and reposition the property at the top of its competitive set within both the Santa Barbara and the luxury Southern California oceanfront resort markets.

“In conjunction with the acquisition we are extremely pleased to continue to expand on our already important relationship with The Ritz-Carlton and Marriott International and to work in partnership with them in the conversion of the property to a best-in-class Ritz-Carlton resort that will continue to serve as an integral part of the local community.”

As a part of this conversion, significant additional investments are planned for resort enhancements to a wide variety of guest spaces, including meeting and event venues, the main lobby, food and beverage outlets, the fitness centre, pools and spa, making it an ideal destination for events or a relaxing getaway.

The work will also include the construction of a new Ritz-Carlton Club Lounge, a communal space where guests can connect and experience unique and highly personalized services and amenities, including dedicated check-in, check-out and concierge service, and daily culinary presentations.