For this week's edition of Summer Fridays—a weekly series in which we ask the most interesting, well-traveled people we know about what they're doing this weekend—we spoke to Los Angeles-based designer Rebecca de Ravenel (the woman behind Les Bonsbons, those gorgeous earrings that look like beautiful silk-wrapped and gem-encrusted gum balls) about her trips to Montecito, Santa Barbara. Every visit, she heads out at the crack of dawn with her two dogs, checks into the Biltmore, and leaves after a sun- and sand-filled weekend with a car full of textiles and orchids.
Where are you going this weekend?
Whenever I spend the weekend in Montecito I like to stay at the Four Seasons Resort The Biltmore Santa Barbara. It's nice and quiet, right across the street from the beach with a lovely little restaurant and spa. I have been going sporadically for weekends since I moved to L.A. three years ago.
How would you spend an ideal day there?
I'm an early bird and tend to travel with my two dogs everywhere I go. The best way to beat the traffic is to leave at first light—as much as people say L.A. is an early rising city, there are rarely people on the road early in the morning. I get to the beach bright and early so that the dogs can have a play and a quick swim in the sea. Then, I love visiting the Raoul Textile Library and the Orchid Estate (my car is full of fabrics and orchids by the time I go home), although it's really an escape being there—and having a day to be quiet on my own is my idea of perfect.
Where do you get your coffee in the morning?
Room Service! I drink black coffee while sitting quietly on the patio of my hotel room.
Are there any shops you never miss while you’re there?
William Laman—it is nearly impossible to leave without buying something. I've found the most divine things there, from lamps to vintage chairs and wicker dog beds.
How about restaurants?
Bree'Osh in Santa Barbara is a wonderful little shop to pick up croissants in the morning. The Honor Bar is one of the only restaurants in the actual town of Montecito, they have a to-go shop next to the restaurant where you can buy terrific wine and nibbles to take to the beach. San Ysidro Ranch is great for a quiet dinner.
What’s your go-to summer cocktail?
Dark Rum and a little bit of fresh mint.
What’s your favorite summer activity?
I love to swim—I grew up in the Bahamas with the ocean in my backyard. I love to paddle board too, although its a little more tricky here with the waves.
What's your ideal summer outfit?
I am always in a long dress and sandals—I love to wear pretty, feminine things. I have been wearing a lot of Lisa Marie Fernandez dresses recently, although I bought a few vintage Japanese kimonos on my last trip there that I throw on top of everything—those and a Lolli Basket Bag from my line in natural raffia. Johanna Ortiz just gave me a beautiful swim suit that I can't wait to wear.
What reading material are you bringing?
There is nothing I love more than reading the New York Times on Sundays. Weekends are my chance to catch up, so I will read the news by the pool.
Any beauty products you never leave home without?
Lots of sunscreen! Recently I have been using lots of Joanna Vargas products, the vitamin C face wash and exfoliating mask are two of my favorites. I also love African Botanics products: the Neroli infused Marula oil smells incredible and makes your skin glow. I am quite shy when it comes to makeup and tend not to wear too much, especially in the summer. I dye my eyelashes and brows and use a bit of Nars cream blush if I am going for dinner.
What’s on your summer playlist?
Beres Hammond, always and forever.
Do you have a favorite summer tradition?
I like going back to the Bahamas for at least a week or two every summer. When I'm on the beach, I make my own scrub by mixing coconut oil with sand—nothing makes your skin softer.
What scent brings you right back to summer, even in the middle of January?
Magnolia Oil, it reminds me of being a teenager on the beach.
