The new Mar Monte Hotel has completed the final phase of its multi-million-dollar reimagination, with the much-anticipated opening of costa Kitchen & Bar, a modern take on coastal Mediterranean cuisine, served with ocean views right on America’s own riviera. As Santa Barbara’s newest lifestyle boutique hotel and part of The Unbound Collection by Hyatt brand, known for experiences that inspire guests to create their own stories and elevated yet unscripted service, Mar Monte is ready to welcome you back to all new guest rooms, and programming that reflects the distinct rhythm of the California coast. The 200-room hotel serves as a gateway to the American Riviera and is situated across the street from East Beach, just minutes from downtown Santa Barbara and the famed Funk Zone.

The costa Kitchen & Bar welcomes guests to a stylish space that reflects the “Cal-Mediterranean” cuisine Executive Chef Nathan Lingle has crafted, expertly melding influences from coastal Italy and the eastern Mediterranean, with emphasis on purveyors from the Central to Southern California region. A seafood-driven menu features sharable plates and signature dishes including whole roasted branzino with green olive salsa verde and brown butter kale; roasted market carrots with garlic chips, Meyer lemon yogurt and coriander pistou; and lamb scallopini with zucchini mint salad, charred feta, smoked chile aioli. Crafted fresh bread, viennoiserie; seasonal plated desserts currently featuring creme fraiche cheesecake with texture of strawberry and Santa Barbara pistachio; and other pastry delights are showcased by pastry talent Alex Loretto. The classically rooted craft cocktail bar juxtaposes lighter, refreshing drinks with more spirited, richer libations. Winemakers from the Central Coast play a starring role in the well-rounded wine menu housed in an 800-bottle glass wine display.

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“We are beyond thrilled to complete the final phase of Mar Monte Hotel’s reimagination with the opening of costa Kitchen & Bar. It gives us great pleasure to welcome back the local community and our guests to a beautiful space that sparks joy and invites celebration,” said Ingrid Braun, general manager, Mar Monte Hotel. “costa is a pivotal part of completing Mar Monte’s transformation. We’ve not only created an inspiring hotel and thought-provoking experiences for the spirited lifestyle traveler, but now also a culinary destination that invites wanderlust and celebrates the bounty of California.”

A whitewashed barrel vault brick ceiling frames the costa Kitchen & Bar space along with floor-to-ceiling windows letting in natural light in and the picturesque ocean view. The interiors were designed to reflect the bright textures of the menu, with vibrant and eclectic wall art, lemon hued velvet chairs and comfortable yet rich leather banquettes offering private respites to dine and reconnect.

Sister restaurant, Café Lido provides a relaxed setting and a soulful all-day dining experience by the pool with light, approachable California-Mediterranean plates including a variety of salads and snacks such as charred shishito peppers, salmon niçoise salad and prosciutto with arugula pesto baquette. The drink menu features local Spearhead Coffee, teas, fresh smoothies and vibrant cocktails perfect for poolside.

A reincarnation of the historic 1930s Vista Mar Monte, Mar Monte Hotel has been transformed with modern amenities and design following an extensive renovation project to establish a style of contemporary Santa Barbara. Mirroring the rise of the tide, the hotel’s spaces effortlessly flow from indoors to outdoors across three acres of Spanish-influenced grounds, from the hotel lobby and living room, to meeting & event spaces, dining concepts and outdoor terraces.  

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With interior design led by Los Angeles-based Beleco, bright white walls create an airy and welcoming atmosphere in the lobby and living room. Exposed beam ceilings and arches are complemented by feature chandeliers, terracotta tiled flooring and a large-scale ceramic tile art installation behind the reception desk, bringing Spanish-style elements into the space in a muted earthy color palette. The library, which opens out onto the courtyard, is the heartbeat of the hotel, and the space where locals and guests can interact through a variety of programming featuring local artists, winemakers and interesting personalities from around the region.

From restoration to exploration, Mar Monte Hotel emphasizes connection with the local culture and community through its guest programming and amenities. Wellbeing at Mar Monte Hotel includes an in-house smoothie program, a variety of yoga classes open to guests and locals; in-room yoga mats; and custom maps for running or walking.

Among other programming that provides you with an unparalleled Santa Barbara experience are rosé and oyster brunch; Mar Monte Moments featuring live music in the lobby and at Café Lido paired with favorite local wines, beers and spirits; live music poolside on Saturdays; access to local tours and activities with the Santa Barbara Sailing Center, Coastal Concierge, the Santa Barbara Botanic Garden, and more; and rotating chef dinners at costa, which will launch later this year.

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