Santa Barbara, found on a picturesque part of the California coastline and not far from the metropolis of Los Angeles, is the perfect place for a relaxing retreat from the rest of the world. And whether your retreat focuses on wellness, creativity, or workplace bonding, Giggster has the ideal venue.
When you picture your retreat center space in Santa Barbara, is it a charming oceanfront cottage in Montecito, a modern office/boardroom, or an organic farm and vineyard? If so, we have great options for you. Restaurants, downtown homes, meeting spaces, and ocean-front estates are all a possibility with Giggster.
A positive retreat experience starts with the perfect location and really sets the tone for the event. Make your retreat something the guests talk about for years to come, and select from our many available options. Download the app, and your unforgettable escape's venue can be booked in as little as five minutes!
To save time, you don't just want to scour online for retreat space ideas. That's why we've curated all the top spots in the city in one place. Here are just some of the special types of spaces you can book:
Need something that will accommodate large numbers? We have entire estates that can hold 150+ people comfortably. Spacious courtyards and tap rooms are also big enough for a grand event.
If you want something a little unconventional, opt for a 1920s-themed space with a stage for speeches or music, a downtown sanctuary with pews and amazing acoustics, or an open and airy warehouse that's totally versatile.
If open space is the name of the game, there are warehouses and studios that work great for yoga retreats. Sparsely furnished art galleries inspire your own creative endeavors.
When it's a work retreat you're planning, large penthouse boardrooms and smaller offices might fit the bill. Or, combine workspace with activity space and rent out a creative venue with desks, chairs, a kitchen, and other flexible open areas with bench seating.
Check out our smaller tranquil cottages by the ocean, a mid-century garden oasis complete with a relaxing hot tub, or a fun and colorful downtown courtyard with two attached studios for meditation or exercise.
Exceptional Variety & Quality: At Giggster, your retreat venue can be whatever you want it to be. Typical or unconventional, we've thought of it all. We've already done the heavy lifting and assembled all the best options that are easily searched and filtered within the app.
Hassle-Free Booking: Getting an entire retreat to come together takes a lot of time, but you can get one with other important things (or just your life) when you book in minutes with Giggster. Everything is organized by event type and the price, availability, and amenities are all clearly stated.
24-Hour Free Cancellation Policy: Did you book your venue too hastily and need to make an adjustment or cancel altogether? That's no problem. You have 24 hours from the time of the reservation confirmation to change your mind. Canceling is free for a full day as long as you're at least 48 hours out from the retreat itself.
Platform Protections: If 24 hours isn't long enough to weigh your options, you can extend the cancellation period with optional coverage. It's also simple to add on damage and liability protection for even more peace of mind when you rent a space like East Beach Meeting Room.
It's hard to beat the "American Riviera" of Santa Barbara when planning any type of retreat. The surroundings and smaller-town vibes lend themselves to relaxation, focus, and creative spirit.
Advantages
There are outdoor activities aplenty. When your retreat needs a nature element (or two), Santa Barbara is paradise. Team-building while kayaking in the Pacific or rejuvenating on a hike in the Santa Ynez mountains are close by.
It's the ideal climate. Even if you're not planning to explore outside, venues with some type of outdoor area in Santa Barbara can be used year-round and will add an extra collaboration or relaxation space to the mix.
It's beautiful. It's almost impossible not to feel inspired and tranquil when you're set among mountains, ocean, and sunshine, and Santa Barbara has these in spades.
Disadvantages
It may be pricier than further out. Being this close to LA has a cost, and so everything from services to venues to food can cost that little bit more.
It's a little out of the way. Although close to Los Angeles, where traffic is known for being awful, it can take a bit of time to reach Santa Barbara. And because Santa Barbara's airport is small, anyone flying in will most likely transit through LAX.
It's heavily touristed. While you might be going for tranquility and relaxation, in the summer and during national holidays, the area gets crowded. The same thing that draws you to want to hold a lovely retreat here also draws tourists.
Retreats are varied, so the type of event you're planning will dictate which venue option suits your needs best. But rest assured that we have the ultimate retreat space available from 51 different options.
Art Galleries – Funky Retreats. Rent an art gallery right in the Santa Barbara Fun Zone for collaboration and creativity. And why not have it themed as a speakeasy? Other galleries include conventional and modern spaces where other people's art might get the creative juices flowing.
Farms and Expansive Estates – Immerse Yourself in Nature. When many people picture a wellness retreat, they imagine a sprawling vineyard located in the foothills with plenty of space and plants for resting their awareness, gentle strolls, and overall renewal. Choose an organic farm and this image can be a reality. On the other hand, large estates and even a more modest house with a larger backyard area can achieve the same vision but on a smaller scale.
Light and Airy Warehouses – Practice Yoga in Style. For any type of class or guided event, a warehouse is ideal due to the open space just waiting for the guests to spread out their mats.
Office Spaces – Meeting for Training and Collaboration. For retreats that are geared toward the workplace, select a boardroom that meets your team's needs in terms of size and amenities. Go for style with a penthouse spot or focus on training with large rooms that cater to group learning.
Sanctuaries, Tap Rooms, and Lounges - Be Unique. Want to buck the trends and pick a space that's somewhat unconventional? Book a Spanish-style sanctuary to explore spirituality in silence or lead guided meditation. Go for colorful tap rooms with ample seating that are prepared for celebration. Or, choose an elegantly decorated lounge to promote connection and shared experiences.
Once you select an appropriate venue, it's much easier for your vision to come together. But don't forget to consider these factors for a well-run (and fun) event.
Budget Setting – Don't get carried away thinking about all the great things you can include in your retreat without also thinking about your budget. Set it at the beginning, divvy it up, and stick to it.
Get the Amenities You Need – Obviously, needs will differ depending on your retreat type. Consider whether or not you need a kitchen, different areas for varying activities, outdoor access, or screens for presentations. Also, note the furniture that's included at the venue carefully.
Extra Considerations for Overnight Retreats – Remember to consider the accommodate options if you plan to have more than a day-long event. Will the venue also house the attendees, or will they go off-site to sleep? If off-site is the choice, how will they get there?
Check Noise Levels – Don't forget to consider the general busyness of the area you're choosing. If you're aiming for peace and serenity, an apartment right downtown may not suit your purposes.
Because of its proximity to LA and the general priciness of California as a whole, hosting a Santa Barbara retreat can push your budget to the limit.
Consider off-season retreats.
Summer is a popular time to visit the area as people tend to take vacations at this time, and kids are off school. That translates to higher prices. Think about planning your retreat in the winter (don't worry, the weather is still good) or in the early spring for discounted rates.
Avoid weekends.
If you can, book a retreat during the week. You'll usually find that there's a better selection of available venues, staff, caterers, and experts outside of the weekends. It's also often cheaper to avoid premium weekend rates.
Can you share the space?
If your retreat is an overnight one, can guests share rooms? If so, you'll require a smaller space and can usually bring venue costs down. Also, consider using rooms in a hotel where you're not the only guests for overnight stays.
The ideal site for your next retreat in Santa Barbara starts with a visit to the Giggster app. Find the perfect atmosphere, vibe, and setting by scrolling through the many images. Add in some health, creative, or team-building elements, some good food, and a few takeaways or teachings and you have the makings of an unforgettable experience.
