[trip style = sun + food + wine + weekend getaway]

What
Ever since The Goodland, a Cali-cool Kimpton Hotel, opened in late 2014, I've had my eye on the property. Because I have a thing for thoughtful hotel updos, a thing for good design and a thing for California, staying here on my recent trip to Santa Barbara seemed like the right thing to do.

The Goodland does hotel'ing right, and then some, celebrating obscure and fabulous fêtes such as "national chocolate-covered raisin day" {when guests can swing by the lobby and fill up a cup of candy}, or offering a nightly social hour fuelled by spiked agua fresca.

Channeling the Pacific Coast's easy-breezy beach vibes in every space—think: rope-adorned lights, driftwood tables, surf art—I'm struck by the '60s-surf-cabin-meets-art-gallery aesthetic, which makes me breathe a sigh of calm, as if I'm walking in the sand at a retro beach club.

This vintage-mod vibe is carried over into the hotel's 154 rooms outfitted with woodsy floors, dark ceiling beams, chic tie-dye chairs, Barrington Blue pillows sourced from vintage rugs and artisan graphic-print tapestries hanging above each bed.

At night, you don't even have to leave to find a bev or a bonfire. The good folks at The Goodland have got you covered with a poolside bar serving the likes of habanero-infused el Jimador tequila and pineapple tipples beside fire pits surrounded by Acapulco chairs.

Trip Styler approved.

Where
Santa Barbara, California. A 10-minute drive from downtown Santa Barbara, or a 7-minute drive from the Santa Barbara Airport.

When
Year-round. The endless summer is alive and well in Santa Barbara, where temperatures hover between 20-30 degrees C. I visited in March, and for a few days, the mercury rose to 26 degrees C.

Who/Why
You surf (or aspire to) and hope to one day have your own beach retreat. Until then, you'll stay here.

Cost
Rates start at approximately $200/night + $25 resort fee. Rooms include WiFi, parking, Crosley record players with a selection of vintage vinyl, in-room yoga mats, daily fitness classes, morning coffee and tea in the lobby and a nightly spiked agua fresca hour. Bark woof—pets are welcome for no charge.

Photos