Montecito’s Little Slice of Paradise
- 3 days ago
- 5 min read
Updated: 2 days ago
Inside The Paraíso Collection’s Villa Magnolia: a retreat of refined elegance
By Andrea Manokian
Photography Blake Bronstad
They say real luxury is never loud; it’s whispered. If so, consider Montecito’s latest space for relaxation, celebration and connection, The Paraíso Collection, the epitome of quiet luxury.
Paraíso is a collective of six private residences that are exclusively available to book through Wanderlust Luxury Rentals. Before it became known as Paraíso, the property belonged to an architect named William Painter, who utilized the space as a family compound. Today, the couple behind Paraíso, Michael Hurst and Ian Harrison, have transformed the space into a lush retreat that pays homage to the property’s Spanish-Andalusian architectural heritage. Michael describes the collection as “meticulously restored and thoughtfully reimagined to honor its storied past.”
Tucked away discreetly at the end of a charming road and just moments from Miramar Beach, and the elevated boutiques and lively restaurants of Coast Village Road, the collection is designed with serenity, privacy and grandeur in mind. “At Paraíso, we sought to create more than a place to stay—we envisioned a sanctuary where design, history and refined indulgence converge,” shares Michael.
Of Paraíso’s six private villas, the following three are one-bedroom casitas: Casa del Olivo, Terraza del Sol and Casita Pintor. Then there are Cabana de Laurel and Cabana de Playa, which contain two-bedroom casitas. And finally, Paraíso’s crown jewel—and the residence I had the pleasure of staying in—Villa Magnolia, a grand four-bedroom, four-bathroom villa with all the fixings of a proper home. It's the perfect setting for a romantic getaway, elegant event, or even a wellness retreat.
Having stayed at Villa Magnolia for a couple of nights, I can attest to the beautiful views, meticulous finishes and naturally calming atmosphere. It’s time I tell you about it.
Upon entering the iron gates of Paraíso, you’re transported to a space that evokes relaxation and awe. Villa Magnolia’s sheer size is enough to take you aback, and that’s just the beginning. Once you step inside its courtyard oasis, which consists of a fountain, towering magnolia trees and the double doors that serve as the main entrance to the residence, you know you’re never going to want to check-out.
Inside, it’s not just about the luxuries that immediately take your breath away; it’s about the luxuries that you notice after you’ve admired the ones that promptly stand out. For example, the bottle of rosé that’s delicately placed on the dining room table, patiently awaiting your arrival. Or the beautiful flower arrangements curated by EmmaRose Floral, thoughtfully displayed around each corner of the villa. And one would be remiss not to immediately notice the hot tub in the backyard, which even includes a “discotech” light setting.
However, as you gradually unpack and unwind and start making your way up the stairs, you begin to notice some of the space’s more unsung, thoughtful luxuries, like the master bathroom, which has a shower that doubles as a steamer; the fact that there’s a television in each bedroom; and the irresistibly smooth bed sheets that give you a warm embrace after your relaxing bubble bath in the Victoria + Albert bathtub. The list goes on—like the many, many drawers, credenzas and dressers that make an overpacker such as myself beam with joy and indulge in peace of mind. And the blackout blinds that allow for a peaceful night’s rest and seamlessly slide up with the touch of a button to let in the next day’s light.
When you wake up in the morning and make your way downstairs for some coffee, you’re met with a conventional coffee maker and a Nespresso machine that comes fully stocked with multi-colored pods. Choosing how you like your morning coffee will likely be your most difficult decision during your stay at Paraíso, as the space has an effortless way of relaxing its guests. You’ll then ponder breakfast. The multitude of restaurants just down the road in the heart of Montecito makes for a great option, but each villa comes with a kitchen that’s stocked with every kitchenware item and utensil imaginable, making home cooking as seamless as possible. And if you happen to stain your shirt after a clumsy sip of coffee or a hearty bite of pancakes with syrup, there’s no need to worry. In fact, there’s never a need to worry at Paraíso—the team has thought of it all. Like the other residences, Villa Magnolia is equipped with a washer and dryer, so that pesky stain of yours will be an afterthought by lunch.
As you enjoy an evening soak in the heavenly hot tub or cozy up by the outdoor fire pit, your day will quietly slip away. Before you know it, it’s 5 o’clock and time for a cocktail. And what do you know—you’re in luck. Villa Magnolia has a cocktail bar stocked with glassware, and if you look closely, you’ll even find a box of cocktail recipes neatly tucked in an unassuming drawer.
During your stay, the Paraíso team offers a dedicated concierge with local knowledge who will ensure your experience is as enjoyable as possible. Additional concierge services are available to help curate your perfect stay—from arranging pre-arrival provisions to in-residence wellness experiences, and even dinner reservations at the most coveted restaurants.
What’s more, those who book a stay in Villa Magnolia have the option to indulge in a wine-tasting experience at Montecito’s only vineyard—Villa sul Mare. Owned and operated by the Hurst family, Villa sul Mare specializes in Syrah, Grenache and Viognier wine varieties, and this add-on experience offers stunning ocean views, a tour of the vines, a charcuterie board picnic and, of course, tastings of the vineyard’s finest wines. Villa sul Mare has been years in the making, with Doug Margerum, a winemaker with decades-long contributions to the Santa Barbara wine industry, being one of the driving forces in importing the vineyard’s vines from France. While the vineyard maintains an intimate, private feel, its growing popularity is undeniable. Its 2020 rosé, Anita—named after Michael’s mother—sold out in a short period of time, a success Michael humbly credits to winemaker Matt Brady of SAMsARA Wine Co. and to the vineyard’s manager, Jeff Newton, who was recognized by Into Wine as one of the “Top 100 Most Influential People in the U.S. Wine Industry.”
When it comes time for a much-needed getaway, it should feel like just that—a getaway. At Paraíso, each element of your stay has been meticulously planned, so there’s no need for you to dwell on any of the heavy lifting; simply let your worries fade as soon as you reach its iron gates. Paradise awaits behind them.
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