The Steward – a Tribute Portfolio Marriott Hotel
The Steward, a Tribute Portfolio Hotel by Marriott, managed by Twenty Four Seven Hotels, has officially opened in Santa Barbara, California.
Sitting on nearly five acres of lavish gardens, The Steward offers travelers a serene retreat with centrally located access to both the nearby beaches and vineyards. Providing an escape with a purpose, The Steward boasts a refreshing take on a sustainable getaway where guests will connect to the mystique of the property by discovering the enchanted forest and gardens, a historic barn repurposed as a fitness and yoga center and thoughtful interiors throughout.
History
Originally purchased in the late 1860s by pioneer horticulturist Joseph Sexton, the land became home to his family’s estate, known as “The Sexton House,” along with one of the area’s first nurseries. Today, the Sexton House serves as a historical landmark in Santa Barbara giving guests the opportunity to explore
many of his signature trees and plants that still grace the grounds. The Steward finds inspiration in Sexton’s desire to grow and nurture the land and emphasizes a passion for bringing the grounds to life with the hotel being a complementary part of the natural surroundings. With deep roots within the Santa Barbara community, The Steward promises to carry on Sexton’s work as a caretaker of the land, nourishing and growing his original nursery while empowering travelers to do the same.
Design
Guests can find a refreshing haven within the refined, yet playful style, focusing on balancing California’s innate elements and vibrant open spaces with a Southern European farmhouse flair. Curated and designed in partnership with Los Angeles-based firm, SANDdesign, The Steward’s natural surroundings make its way throughout the property, both inside and out. The boutique hotel’s suites are reminiscent of historical, residential estate architecture combined with updated, modern touches and distinctive details including water-colored pictures of The Sexton House. Throughout the property, each detail is infused with care — from custom local artwork, a lobby library, an outdoor dining area to a cozy bar, all with a nature-driven aesthetic. With the intent to evoke a “Secret Garden” feel, guests are surrounded by many of Sexton’s original trees and unique plantings, with even the newer elements drawing inspiration from his gardens, such as pampas grass, birds-of-paradise, and palm and citrus trees. As visitors make their way through the garden, they will come upon whimsical touches from a wooden piano to intimate seating areas. The nature-inspired design features a palette of environmental tones with touches of citrus and deep foliage green, as well as interspersed accents of flora and hummingbirds.
Culinary
Continuing to embrace the destination and the property’s commitment to sustainability, the hotel’s signature restaurant, Terra, meaning “of the earth,” incorporates locally-sourced ingredients that showcase and highlight the Central Coast’s agriculture through its connections with local farms and purveyors. In the kitchen, Executive Chef Augusto Caudillo finds inspiration in his rich connection to the community, having grown up in Goleta, Calif., combined with his passion to bring people together through food. His seasonally-driven menus draw inspiration from California and Mediterranean fare, and offer approachable, produce-driven dishes that are both aesthetically pleasing and nourishing.
While bringing The Steward to life, the team discovered a journal on-property from the 1930s that features one of the first recorded recipes for avocado toast. Guests will be able to try the original recipe featured on Terra’s menu. Additional thoughtful touches throughout the menu include herbs from the property’s very own gardens, botanical blooming tea service and organic mocktails in partnership with DrinkTilden for upscale sips sans alcohol. Terra’s pre-packed picnic kit will allow guests to dine al fresco amidst the whimsical grounds or while exploring the destination. A few standout dishes Caudillo has created for Terra include Pampas Grass King Avocado Toast, Santa Barbara Hope Ranch Mussels, Organic Chinook Salmon and Hummingbird Cake.
Programming and Amenities