Brunch at San Ysidro Ranch, Santa Barbara, California

A late landing at LAX and an early start to collect our rental car were followed by a relaxed drive along the coast towards Santa Barbara. It was a pleasure to have swapped the cabin air for the warm climate of Southern California but we were too early to check into our accommodation, so we’d decided in advance that we would visit San Ysidro Ranch for brunch. And what a great decision that proved to be. San Ysidro Ranch has enjoyed many an accolade over the years and sits at the base of the Santa Ynez Mountains, hidden away on the outskirts of Santa Barbara, far removed from the downtown area. Perhaps it’s no wonder that the likes of Winston Churchill, and John and Jackie Kennedy have stayed here, escaping the eyes of the world. When we left the road and followed the lush driveway to San Ysidro Ranch, the fatigue from our flight quickly eased. The valet took our keys and we walked into air scented with jasmine, citrus and lavender. We followed a path, passing a guitarist who played softly under a parasol. We immediately had a sense that we had arrived at a special place. We were led through an airy lounge area to a terrace where diners were alread seated. One of the beauties of the...