We looked long and hard to find the perfect location to host our ranch retreat for women. Then we found it at Alisal Ranch!
Alisal Ranch is located in the Santa Ynez Valley, one of the most celebrated wine regions in the world and only a 30-40 minute drive from Santa Barbara.
It is a 10,500-acre working cattle ranch that is also a guest ranch with a herd of 120 horses, a 100-acre lake, and 73 guest cottages.
Beauty Everywhere at our Ranch Retreat for Women
Stepping onto the Alisal Ranch property is like disconnecting from it all as you check into your well-appointed cottage, which is designed to be a rustic haven. Once you are trail riding, you discover the scope and breadth of the natural beauty of the ranch. While riding, you may be lucky enough to see resident wildlife, including a flock of turkeys, bobcats, deer, coyotes or bald eagles with nests overlooking Alisal Lake.
Alisal Ranch Amenities
For those who want to take a break from your horse program, there is lake fishing with rod and bait, kayaks, canoes, stand-up paddle boards and pedal boats available. You can take a free hourly shuttle to the lake from 8 am to 3 pm.
There is also the self-guided “Deer Canyon Hike” available. It’s about a 2.5-mile loop from the base of the lake road. It would be best to hike with a partner because of the possibility of encountering wildlife. There is a large pool at 82 degrees year-round, and a hot tub for soaking after a day of riding.
Retreat Accommodations
The Alisal guest cottages have all been recently renovated in an authentic Western style designed for luxury and comfort. Each cottage has air conditioning, a working wood fireplace, and a small outdoor patio. Sizes of the cottage and layout vary based on the number of women booking together. Amenities inside your cabin include steel water bottles and a bottle of local wine, as well as cold drinks in your mini fridge. On the ranch grounds are ice machines and filtered water stations for your water bottle.
Ranch Retreat Meals
Your package consists of breakfast in the dining room, including a buffet as well as an ala cart selection. Dinner features a three-course culinary experience of a starter, entrée, and dessert with your choice of selections from our specially curated farm-to-table style menu. Beverages include local house wines, well-drinks, beer, coffee, tea, and sodas. You can join us for cocktails in the Oak bar before dinner. Lunch is on your own, so you can drive into town or use a ranch shuttle. Or you can keep it simple and order from the Chuck Wagon Grill on the ranch.
The Horses of Our Ranch Retreat for Women
Alisal Ranch has 50 miles of trails, including the breakfast ride to the historic adobe for the traditional cowboy breakfast on Wednesday morning. Riders will be grouped according to ability for trail rides from beginner (walk only), intermediate (walk and trot), or advanced (walk and lope) riding. You will be assigned a horse on the first day for your first ride. Having the same horse, the length of your stay allows you to connect with your horse while you hone your riding skills. You can sign up for a horsemanship class during your ranch retreat for women and practice for the obstacle course.
Yoga Included in Our Ranch Retreat for Women
Onsite is a spa with four treatment rooms available for facials and massages. Your “Women of the Rancho” package includes a gentle yoga class on Monday and Tuesday mornings for those who want to stretch before breakfast. Please sign up for yoga at check-in.
