The History of Rosewood Miramar Beach: From Seaside Hideaway to Modern Montecito Icon
The Rosewood Miramar Beach Hotel today
Few places capture the spirit of coastal California luxury quite like the Rosewood Miramar Beach. Set along Montecito’s most coveted stretch of coastline, the resort feels at once nostalgic and fresh—equal parts Old Hollywood glamour, East Coast seaside charm, and modern California elegance. But long before it became a world-class destination, the Miramar began as a humble seaside escape built on the promise of salt air, barefoot living, and Montecito’s timeless allure.
Today, it stands as one of the most prestigious oceanfront properties on the West Coast—an anchor of hospitality, design, and slow-living indulgence. Here’s the story of how it came to be.
From Rustic Retreat to Classic California Destination (1880s–1930s)
The hospitality story of the Miramar begins in the 1880s, when British couple Josiah and Emmeline Doulton acquired a stretch of Montecito coastline. At the time, the area was wild—windswept, undeveloped, and mainly known to ranchers.
The Doultons saw something else: a seaside refuge.
They began with tents and simple cottages before gradually expanding into a complete beach resort. By the early 1900s, the Miramar had earned a reputation as a warm, unpretentious hideaway for families who returned summer after summer. Whitewashed cottages, kids racing barefoot between tide pools, picket fences, blooming hydrangeas, and striped beach umbrellas defined its charm—a place where generations returned summer after summer.
It wasn’t glamorous—it was beloved.
That familiarity became the Miramar’s signature, even as ownership changed through the years.
The Miramar Hotel circa 1960s
Changing Hands, Changing Eras (1939–2000s)
In 1939, after more than 50 years of family stewardship, the resort was sold to Paul Gawzner, who operated the Miramar for nearly six decades. Under his leadership, the property maintained its nostalgic charm: no-frills cottages, local seafood, and a friendly, family-oriented atmosphere.
As Montecito evolved, the Miramar remained delightfully unchanged—a sentimental anchor for locals and longtime visitors alike.
But by the late 1990s and early 2000s, redevelopment efforts stalled under different ownership groups. The property closed, fell into disrepair, and sat fenced off and empty for years. For many in the community, its future felt uncertain.
Would the Miramar ever return?
Rick Caruso’s Vision: A Coastal Revival (2007–2019)
Everything shifted in 2007, when Los Angeles developer Rick Caruso purchased the six-acre property with a clear intention: to restore the Miramar—not recreate it, but reimagine it with respect for its history and the elegance of Montecito.
The journey wasn’t quick. Caruso spent more than a decade on architectural planning, community outreach, environmental requirements, and multiple redesigns. But the vision never wavered: a world-class seaside resort built as a timeless coastal village, not a singular hotel complex.
Construction began, and in March 2019, the Miramar reopened as Rosewood Miramar Beach, ushering in a new era of hospitality on the Central Coast.
Designed in collaboration with two internationally renowned designers with extensive experience in the residential space — Diane Johnson and Nancy Corzine — the resort’s interiors blend refined coastal luxury with classic residential warmth — nothing flashy, nothing contrived — just a beautifully balanced palette of soft colors, natural textures, and sunlight.
What Rosewood Miramar Beach Is Today
The Miramar today is everything a Montecito property should be: elegant, airy, relaxed, and deeply tied to the coastline. The resort is organized into cottages and suites rather than a single hotel building, preserving the intimate, beachside feel of the original Miramar colony.
Dining & Culinary Experiences
Caruso’s — The resort’s Michelin-starred, oceanfront Italian restaurant with unparalleled seaside dining.
AMA Sushi — A high-end Japanese omakase experience that blends artistry with local sourcing.
The Revere Room — A California-coastal brasserie open from morning to evening, offering market-driven dishes and relaxed elegance.
Miramar Beach Bar — Steps from the sand, this is Montecito’s quintessential barefoot-luxury bar—ideal for golden hour.
The Scoop Shop — A nostalgic, family-friendly ice cream window serving soft-serve, shakes, and beachside treats.
Cabana Bar — A poolside option with cocktails and light bites (availability varies, primarily for resort guests).
Lifestyle & Amenities
Direct access to one of Montecito’s most serene beaches
Two pools (adult and family) with cabanas and ocean views
On-site luxury boutiques, including Brunello Cucinelli, goop, and other curated retail
The Miramar Club — an exclusive private club offering beachfront dining, wellness, and sophisticated gathering spaces
Pampered Pets: a daily dog walking, afternoon pet trek, customized pet menu, and exclusive pet products and amenities.
Forbes Five-Star Sense, a Rosewood Spa
Shuffleboard, bocce ball, and activities for the kids
The result is a resort that feels meticulously considered yet effortlessly welcoming—very Montecito.
Where Heritage Meets Coastal Living
What sets Rosewood Miramar Beach apart isn’t just its beauty—it’s how deeply the property resonates with Montecito’s values: warmth, history, craftsmanship, privacy, and a distinct ease of living.
It’s a place for sunlit mornings, sandy feet, slow breakfasts, and late evenings under the glow of lantern-lit paths. A place where families gather, couples celebrate, and visitors discover the quiet luxury that defines this stretch of California coastline.
In many ways, the Miramar mirrors the community it sits within: gentle, storied, and elegant in an understated way that grows more meaningful over time.
Experience Montecito’s Coastal Living
If you’re exploring the Montecito lifestyle—or dreaming of coastal living rooted in beauty, history, and ease—the Miramar offers the perfect introduction.
Connect with us directly to explore homes moments from Miramar Beach—where the rhythm of the tides becomes part of daily life, or, for more insider guides, architectural histories, and local recommendations, follow @montecitovalley for curated stories of Montecito, Santa Barbara, and the Central Coast.
