SANTA BARBARA, Calif. -- A new resort and spa is coming to the
Pacific Coast next summer, and the Bacara Resort & Spa, set to
open in the summer of 2000, is setting its sights squarely on the
meetings and incentive market.
"The response has been overwhelming. We really feel that there's
a tremendous need for a new luxury product in this area," according
to Randy Gantenbein, a spokesman for Bacara Resort & Spa.
"The Santa Barbara area is so long overdue for this type of
property."
The 78-acre property includes 311 guest room and 49 suites, as
well as a dedicated 25,500 square-foot conference center.
In addition, Bacara will have an 11,000 square-foot ballroom and
a 220-seat screening room for teleconferencing and video
productions.
Gantenbein said the sales staff at the 78-acre property figures
as much of half of its business will be from the group meeting and
incentive market in its first year of operation, zeroing in on the
small association market.
"We really think the group [meetings and incentives] market is
where we'll make our initial impact," Gantenbein said.
"But by the third year, we'd really like to attract an upscale
leisure market as well. It's an ideal property for that
market."
With a 40,000 square-foot spa and the ocean-view Sandpiper Golf
Course, Gantenbein said it won't be hard to attract that additional
upscale leisure business.
The spa will feature a heated lap pool, weight room,
full-service beauty salon, tennis facilities and the Spa Cafe.
In addition, guests of the resort and spa will have priority in
securing tee times for the Sandpiper Golf Course, Gantenbein
said.
Golfers can set up tee times through the concierge at Bacara, he
said.
Gantenbein said the property is aiming for a 30% groups and 70%
leisure split by the year 2003.