Spread across 6.5 acres, The Inn at Mattei’s Tavern has 67 guest rooms and cottages. PHOTO COURTESY OF AUBERGE RESORTS COLLECTION
Mattei’s Tavern, Auberge Resorts Collection, opens in Los Olivos, bringing luxe accommodations and exciting epicurean delights to Santa Barbara Wine Country.
There are five unique food and beverage options at the resort, including The Tavern, the hotel’s signature restaurant that serves elegant-yet-unfussy chef-driven dishes PHOTO COURTESY OF AUBERGE RESORTS COLLECTION
Since the movie Sideways came out in 2004, Santa Barbara Wine Country has been in the spotlight. With countless tasting rooms, excellent restaurants, and an overall charming aesthetic, towns like Solvang, Santa Ynez, Los Olivos and Los Alamos certainly deserve the attention.
meals are made from the freshest ingredients, many of which are grown on-site. PHOTO COURTESY OF AUBERGE RESORTS COLLECTION
While small inns and Airbnb’s are available, no luxury resort has made a mark on the region—until now. Earlier this year, The Inn at Mattei’s Tavern, Auberge Resorts Collection, opened its doors. Located within walking distance of Los Olivos’ 30-plus tasting rooms, boutiques and restaurants, the property is a reborn version of the stagecoach stop Felix Mattei opened in the 1800s, one that welcomed pioneers and weary travelers alike.
guest rooms have a modern farmhouse aesthetic PHOTO COURTESY OF AUBERGE RESORTS COLLECTION
I’ve anticipated the opening of this property ever since I had an unforgettable meal at Mattei’s Tavern years ago and heard rumblings of it becoming a resort. Arriving for a 2-night visit, I’m thrilled to see that the property’s original character shines through, emitting a beautiful balance of soulful heritage and welcoming contemporary amenities. My friend and I explore the lobby area that houses a mini-version of beloved local boutique Santa Ynez General and pore over the goods—hand-thrown California ceramics, baby Alpaca throws, exclusive candles and more.
Next, we wander over to our room—a relaxed space with exposed wood beams, restored wainscoting and plush linens—with a balcony and views out to the pool. We’re immediately comfortable in the well-equipped space, that comes with a roomy bathroom, chic robes and woven sun hats.
After a short walk into town, where we have a bite and some wine at Bar Le Côte and peek into some shops, we head back to our room to get ready for dinner at Bell’s. The popular Los Alamos destination is small, unpretentious and absolutely delicious. After a few hours of indulgence—and a Jesse Williams sighting—we head back to the hotel and rest up for the next day.
Starting with breakfast at the hotel’s European-style Felix Feed & Coffee, we dig into fresh pastries and rich coffee in a sun-drenched room, then take off to Solvang, where we spend time walking around the Danish town. We stock up on spices at Solvang Spice Merchant, peruse the goods at Vanderlie Vintage and drool over the cheese shops and baked goods. We drive to Santa Ynez for a pick-me-up at Pony Espresso, followed by shopping at Santa Ynez General and Brass Tacks. Then, we enjoy a late lunch—uberfresh salads, inventive pizzas—at Nella Kitchen in Los Olivos.
Back at the hotel, I head over to the temporary spa, where I enjoy one of the most relaxing and therapeutic massages of my life. At the time of our visit, The Lavender Barn spa was under construction. Set to open this summer, the spa will offer a seasonal treatment menu and a hand-blended, plant-based product line designed to uplift the senses. Jenni Kayne’s Oak Essentials line will also be utilized in treatments, including the Rejuvenation Facial.
We clean up, then walk to The Tavern for a late dinner. The hotel’s thoughtfully redone dining room is elegant yet comfortable, and the ranch-inspired dishes by executive chef Rhoda Magbitang make our mouths water. We opt for the Apples & Brussels (crispy brussel sprouts, shaved kohlrabi and pistachio); broccolini with roasted garlic, poppy seeds and spigarello; the Heritage Half Chicken with roasted kohlrabi, English pea puree, pea tendrils and natural jus; and the Tavern Strip with creme fraiche marble potatoes, onion rings and smoked tomato butter. We’re convinced to order dessert and do not regret it for a second.
Since the weather isn’t cooperating, we leave early the following day, missing out on some of our planned experiences, including wine tasting at Tyler Winery in Lompoc. There are a multitude of experiences the resort can organize, including self-guided e-Bike tours, floating meditation and much more. I guess that gives me an excuse to return—not that I needed one! aubergeresorts.com/matteistavern
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