Alisal Guest Ranch
March 2025
March 2025
Alisal Guest Ranch - March 2025
A quick 30 minute drive north of Santa Barbara, CA lies Alisal Guest Ranch and Resort. A secluded 10,000-acre jewel tucked into California’s famed Santa Ynez Valley surrounded by horse ranches and vineyards.
In 2018 we spent two nights at Alisal on a combination site inspection / birthday trip for Michele, creating great memories and making it a spot that we wanted to return to.
This is: Birthday 2025 - The Return.
A Return to Alisal Guest Ranch
Our first visit to Alisal Guest Ranch was a two night stay for a site inspection in 2018. Ultimately the client chose another resort for their program. And while I understood the clients reasoning behind their selection, I couldn’t help but feel that it was a missed opportunity.
Almost 7 years to the day, we returned for a four night visit. I was right, it was a missed opportunity.
Alisal Guest Ranch & Resort melds the spirit of the Old West with the seductive charm of one of today’s most relaxing resorts with 50 miles of riding trails, a 100-acre spring-fed lake, two 18-hole championship golf courses, tennis courts, pool, spa, horseback riding, electric bikes, western-themed accommodations, fine dining, and endless ways to unplug and unwind.
And while this trip offered a big serving of unplug and unwind, its purpose was to celebrate Michele’s birthday.
Alisal stood out as a place that I, or should is say we, wanted to return to.
This is about our return.
The return was even more special than the first visit. This wasn’t a site inspection. It was an intentional return to a place that we felt the need to revisit and build on our previous stay.
We weren’t disappointed.
But first a quick history lesson -
Its 1810 and the 10,000 acre Alisal Guest Ranch and Resort began its life as a free range cattle ranch nestled in the Santa Ynez Valley between the Santa Ynez River and the coastal mountains.
127 years later, and the ranch, now under its fifth owner, had, in addition to cattle, begun to focus on becoming a thoroughbred horse ranch, and was the home of Kentucky Derby winner, Flying Ebony.
In 1943, the sixth and current owners, The Jackson Family, became the owners and took the ranch in a new direction - Hospitality.
In July of 1946, Alisal Guest Ranch opened for the summer season with a maximum capacity of 30 guests.
Today the accommodation number has grown to 73 cabins/bungalows around the property, from the smallest Studio Rooms -- to the largest Deluxe Suites. All with fireplaces, and free firewood delivered to your front porch.
Nothing is more than an easy 10 minute walk from your cabin. And if it's not, there’s always transportation standing by to get you there.
Today there are daily breakfast hayrides, a petting corral, firepits with seating scattered around the property, horseback riding, two 18 hole golf courses, guided mountain e-bike tours, UTV ranch tours, tennis and pickleball courts, a private hiking trail and more - for a potential total of 43 different activities.
I say potential, because I can’t imagine anyone having the time and energy to do all 43.
And Why I love it…
As you turn up the drive you can feel the outside world and pressures taking a backseat to the relaxation and infinite hospitality that lay ahead for the next four nights.
As is often the case with our trips, part of our stay was with a certificate I had purchased at a silent auction at an event.
My sales person, Brooks Garcia, offered an additional two nights at an industry rate and I quickly took him up on his offer.
Quick side note - connecting with Brooks is like spending time with an old friend you haven’t seen in years. Some folks have that gift, and Brooks is one of those guys. He’s someone you look forward to having a conversation with. One that you will enjoy. One that when you walk away, you know that you received more than you gave.
To be honest, that’s a feeling you not only get from Brooks, but from the staff in general.
A few examples -
Emma at the animal barn. A young woman with a smile that doesn’t stop and an expression of profound joy that she conveys with her smile and voice as she talks about her job and the animals she works with.
Or Mike, a guy that seems to be everywhere at once. Always friendly with a quick answer for any question. Need a quick cart ride most anywhere on property? About the time the thought enters your head, Mike seems to magically appear to meet your need.
And there’s Maria, our server at several meals. And for the times when she wasn’t our server, she made a point of stopping by the table just to say hello and praise the individual that had us for the meal. And she was sincere.
The list goes on as every point of contact gives you the sense that you might have just won the lottery.
It’s my kind of win.
Day Tripping...
With so much on offer at the resort, you might find it hard to make time to go off property.
You really don’t want to make that mistake.
Less than 20 minutes away is the wine centric town of Los Olivos. Make the most of your day with lunch and an easy afternoon of wine tasting, gift shopping and artisanal eats. It’s all here.
If 20 minutes sounds like a long way to go, try the five minute drive to Solvang. With an area history dating back to 1776 and the arrival of Spanish Missionaries, today's Solvang is a danish inspired community that dates back to 1911 and three danish immigrants that wanted to create a little bit of home in their new land.
Transition Screen
So Much To Say, So Little time…
I could go on and on about the resort, the staff, its activities and the area.
And this video only scratches the surface.
But don’t take my word for it.
If you need a special location for a board meeting, board retreat, or exclusive incentive group that thinks they’ve seen and done it all, Alisal Guest Ranch should be on your radar.
As for me - When can I return to Alisal Guest Ranch and Resort?
It’s not a question of if, but when.
If you’ve enjoyed what you’ve seen and heard, please take a minute to subscribe, like, and share.
Feel free to leave a comment below.
I’m Wayne Wallgren And This is my Incentive Life.
Want to know more about Alisal Guest Ranch and the Santa Barbara area or other destinations in California? Or anywhere, for that matter? I'm always happy to share my experiences, so don't hesitate to contact me with questions.
And don't forget that the team at GlobauxSource, and our partners, stand ready to help you make an informed decision, and ensure your and your group's satisfaction. Let's talk.
If you’ve enjoyed reading this blog, hop over to my Youtube channel (https://www.youtube.com/@myincentivelife) to have a look, listen, subscribe, like, and share.
A quick 30 minute drive north of Santa Barbara, CA lies Alisal Guest Ranch and Resort. A secluded 10,000-acre jewel tucked into California’s famed Santa Ynez Valley surrounded by horse ranches and vineyards.
In 2018 we spent two nights at Alisal on a combination site inspection / birthday trip for Michele, creating great memories and making it a spot that we wanted to return to.
This is: Birthday 2025 - The Return.
A Return to Alisal Guest Ranch
Our first visit to Alisal Guest Ranch was a two night stay for a site inspection in 2018. Ultimately the client chose another resort for their program. And while I understood the clients reasoning behind their selection, I couldn’t help but feel that it was a missed opportunity.
Almost 7 years to the day, we returned for a four night visit. I was right, it was a missed opportunity.
Alisal Guest Ranch & Resort melds the spirit of the Old West with the seductive charm of one of today’s most relaxing resorts with 50 miles of riding trails, a 100-acre spring-fed lake, two 18-hole championship golf courses, tennis courts, pool, spa, horseback riding, electric bikes, western-themed accommodations, fine dining, and endless ways to unplug and unwind.
And while this trip offered a big serving of unplug and unwind, its purpose was to celebrate Michele’s birthday.
Alisal stood out as a place that I, or should is say we, wanted to return to.
This is about our return.
The return was even more special than the first visit. This wasn’t a site inspection. It was an intentional return to a place that we felt the need to revisit and build on our previous stay.
We weren’t disappointed.
But first a quick history lesson -
Its 1810 and the 10,000 acre Alisal Guest Ranch and Resort began its life as a free range cattle ranch nestled in the Santa Ynez Valley between the Santa Ynez River and the coastal mountains.
127 years later, and the ranch, now under its fifth owner, had, in addition to cattle, begun to focus on becoming a thoroughbred horse ranch, and was the home of Kentucky Derby winner, Flying Ebony.
In 1943, the sixth and current owners, The Jackson Family, became the owners and took the ranch in a new direction - Hospitality.
In July of 1946, Alisal Guest Ranch opened for the summer season with a maximum capacity of 30 guests.
Today the accommodation number has grown to 73 cabins/bungalows around the property, from the smallest Studio Rooms -- to the largest Deluxe Suites. All with fireplaces, and free firewood delivered to your front porch.
Nothing is more than an easy 10 minute walk from your cabin. And if it's not, there’s always transportation standing by to get you there.
Today there are daily breakfast hayrides, a petting corral, firepits with seating scattered around the property, horseback riding, two 18 hole golf courses, guided mountain e-bike tours, UTV ranch tours, tennis and pickleball courts, a private hiking trail and more - for a potential total of 43 different activities.
I say potential, because I can’t imagine anyone having the time and energy to do all 43.
And Why I love it…
As you turn up the drive you can feel the outside world and pressures taking a backseat to the relaxation and infinite hospitality that lay ahead for the next four nights.
As is often the case with our trips, part of our stay was with a certificate I had purchased at a silent auction at an event.
My sales person, Brooks Garcia, offered an additional two nights at an industry rate and I quickly took him up on his offer.
Quick side note - connecting with Brooks is like spending time with an old friend you haven’t seen in years. Some folks have that gift, and Brooks is one of those guys. He’s someone you look forward to having a conversation with. One that you will enjoy. One that when you walk away, you know that you received more than you gave.
To be honest, that’s a feeling you not only get from Brooks, but from the staff in general.
A few examples -
Emma at the animal barn. A young woman with a smile that doesn’t stop and an expression of profound joy that she conveys with her smile and voice as she talks about her job and the animals she works with.
Or Mike, a guy that seems to be everywhere at once. Always friendly with a quick answer for any question. Need a quick cart ride most anywhere on property? About the time the thought enters your head, Mike seems to magically appear to meet your need.
And there’s Maria, our server at several meals. And for the times when she wasn’t our server, she made a point of stopping by the table just to say hello and praise the individual that had us for the meal. And she was sincere.
The list goes on as every point of contact gives you the sense that you might have just won the lottery.
It’s my kind of win.
Day Tripping...
With so much on offer at the resort, you might find it hard to make time to go off property.
You really don’t want to make that mistake.
Less than 20 minutes away is the wine centric town of Los Olivos. Make the most of your day with lunch and an easy afternoon of wine tasting, gift shopping and artisanal eats. It’s all here.
If 20 minutes sounds like a long way to go, try the five minute drive to Solvang. With an area history dating back to 1776 and the arrival of Spanish Missionaries, today's Solvang is a danish inspired community that dates back to 1911 and three danish immigrants that wanted to create a little bit of home in their new land.
Transition Screen
So Much To Say, So Little time…
I could go on and on about the resort, the staff, its activities and the area.
And this video only scratches the surface.
But don’t take my word for it.
If you need a special location for a board meeting, board retreat, or exclusive incentive group that thinks they’ve seen and done it all, Alisal Guest Ranch should be on your radar.
As for me - When can I return to Alisal Guest Ranch and Resort?
It’s not a question of if, but when.
If you’ve enjoyed what you’ve seen and heard, please take a minute to subscribe, like, and share.
Feel free to leave a comment below.
I’m Wayne Wallgren And This is my Incentive Life.
Want to know more about Alisal Guest Ranch and the Santa Barbara area or other destinations in California? Or anywhere, for that matter? I'm always happy to share my experiences, so don't hesitate to contact me with questions.
And don't forget that the team at GlobauxSource, and our partners, stand ready to help you make an informed decision, and ensure your and your group's satisfaction. Let's talk.
If you’ve enjoyed reading this blog, hop over to my Youtube channel (https://www.youtube.com/@myincentivelife) to have a look, listen, subscribe, like, and share.
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