Tag Archives: alisal

Benefits of Renting the Ranch Exclusively

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Photo Credit: Guest Craig Townsend

Alisal Guest Ranch & Resort can be bought out for corporate events, reunions and much more (Alisal River Terrace does not require a buy-out) to assure not just privacy and exclusivity, but also that the legendary service guests receive on a normal basis is actually personalized for each guest, based on the group’s goals and wishes.  Here are just some highlights of what buying out 10,000 sprawling acres provides: Continue reading Benefits of Renting the Ranch Exclusively

But Don’t Take Our Word For It: Real Guest Stories

alisal guest ranch jakeWe certainly charm our guests with unique outdoor adventures, fine dining, and endless fun, but these stories are theirs alone. We’re proud to share our guests’ reminiscences with you and invite you to create your own cherished memories on your next visit to Alisal Guest Ranch and Resort.

Thanks for the Great Memories!


We just spent 4 wonderful and memorable days at Alisal. My brother and his family have been coming for the past 6 years and have always told us how great it is. They absolutely love it there and thought that it would be a good idea to get our entire family there as a mini reunion. So with their prodding, we were able to get 21 family members (three generations) together for a fabulous time. Four family members actually travelled all the way from Hawaii to share the experience with us! We had so much for riding horses, visiting the petting zoo, fishing for the first time, golfing, playing flag football with other families there, and of course eating the fine cuisine. I must also admit that the hot chocolate is the best I have ever had!

We enjoyed ourselves so much that we will be coming back next year! Such a wonderful and magical place!

Thanks for the great memories,
Melissa Parker

I Look Forward to Many Return Trips


My trip began with a beautiful drive from Oregon down the mountain through the tall pines that reach up to the heavens and the winding roads through the mountain passes. My soul breathed in the excitement of the adventure with my son. We looked in amazement at the scenery as we passed through each territory and new wilderness.

We drove through the scenic picturesque towns of Santa Ynez and Solvang before arriving at the beautiful Alisal Guest Ranch & Resort. The front desk staff was welcoming, efficient, and kind. They went over the grounds and activities and created a wonderful sense of anticipation for the days to follow. On the first night, we enjoyed a lovely dinner of salmon followed by the famous peanut butter pie. The guests names are listed on the menu. It feels intimate, as if one is attending a family reunion.

Our first full day we took advantage of a leisurely morning with coffee and chocolate milk in the room. We attended an early lunch served by the lovely Maria of homemade tortilla soup for me and peanut butter and jelly sandwich for my son. Of course the crust was cut off and served as triangles, just how he likes it.

As the sun reached noon, it was time for Will’s lesson with one of the ranch’s wranglers. He got paired with Bullwinkle, the 30-year-old horse–perfect for Will’s first experience using reins. Hanna, our wrangler was patient and received a rating from Will after his lesson of “awesome.”

The rest of the afternoon was spent playing at the Alisal pool soaking in the California sun. It was a perfect day.

It was a wonderful first time trip for my son and I. The great blue heron and the nesting bald eagle graced us for a moment with their presence on Lake Alisal. We casted with earthworms along the bending lake reeds. I was excited to catch a few myself, and as our time came to a close, our guide, Mitch let Will to drive the boat a bit around the lake to see the wildlife and practice steering.

I look forward to many return trips to this beautiful guest ranch. You have a great staff and are lucky to have them.

Kindest Regards,
Lisa Hornsby-Daws

We Had Such a Great Family Time


My family and I just returned from an incredible vacation at Alisal. It was my first time there, but my wife came as a young girl with her Mom growing up. We had such a great family time doing so many wonderful things, that I can’t wait to try and come back again. Everything was perfect–from the food to the staff to the rooms and the grounds, it was all so nice. I’m sure you have heard it many times, there’s something special about Alisal and I am just so glad I finally got to experience it after hearing about it for so many years.

I should add one more thing: There was one moment when I was fishing on the dock with my five-year-old son Owen, trying to get that elusive worm on the hook. It was a perfect day and only a few people were on the lake. My son and I looked up and a bald eagle swooped down right in front of us and grabbed a fish right out of the water, then flapped its giant wings, up and away into the trees. It was incredible.

– Nate Kuchera Family

 

Fantastic Birthday Weekend – We All Want to Come Back!


It NEVER gets old! I want to thank you all for a fantastic birthday weekend with our friends to celebrate. Everything was handled so well in the preparation. The weekend went so smoothly and everyone (especially the birthday boy) really enjoyed themselves, enjoyed the meals and activities and relaxed a lot. Even our small changes were handled very smoothly and I felt on vacation as well, which is a huge gift to me. The lake staff was so nice and helpful too. A few of our friends had been to Alisal many years ago but most had never been. I think a few of them either booked trips back or are looking at dates to book trips because they enjoyed it so much. Thank you so much!

– Susan Kavanaugh

Continue reading But Don’t Take Our Word For It: Real Guest Stories

Staying Connected With Alisal: Get Social!

Alisal Guest Ranch and Resort‘s legendary reputation did not happen overnight.  Building family memories that last for several lifetimes takes generations to build.  And now with social media, it’s even easier to share the Alisal legacy of relaxed adventure, as well as seek inspiration for your own next trip to the ranch.  Continue reading Staying Connected With Alisal: Get Social!

The New Networking: “Sweatworking”

The traditional way of networking has always been rather formal in

Photo from Victoria Freile
Photo from Victoria Freile

nature.  Entertain through hosting a meal, attending a community event, exchanging a business card .  While the traditional way still applies in many instances, a new trend has been emerging and Alisal Guest Ranch and Resort is the prime destination spot for this new trend called  “sweatworking”. 

The idea is that groups do not gather for passive get-togethers such as drinks, but that they will bond and build relationships better over workouts, followed by snacks, which fosters more conversation post-workout.

2556500_origNo one knows this better than Certified Yoga Instructor Cori Lassahn of Vineyard Yoga Santa Ynez Valley, who began a concept of teaching yoga in beautiful, epic settings where attendees could relax, renew and reconnect with yoga and delicious wine and food samplings after.  Vineyard Yoga has become one of our area’s hottest activities and Lassahn has also brought this concept to Alisal.

team-buildingAlisal Guest Ranch and Resort provides prime networking and “sweatworking” opportunities: from the traditional (lunch or dinner at Alisal River Grill), to golfing, tennis, the ropes course and team workout games, to horseback riding for guests and group workouts that include yoga, the beautiful weight room or even a specially- designed dance fitness session custom-designed for your group.  Alisal specializes in maximizing the networking experience to provide you and your attendees maximum benefits through unique activities designed to inspire and build long-lasting relationships.

 

 

The Art of Doing “Nothing”: 4 Benefits Found at Alisal

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While technology helps us and can bring critical information for progress, health and innovation at lightning speed, it also has another side.  Reports all over the media show how society is attached to their mobile devices and technology more than ever. And more than ever there appears to be a growing correlation between this technological attachment and stress, disease and ironically “detachment” from core values, which are what sustain us as a species to not just survive, but thrive.

Alisal Guest Ranch and Resort has provided an environment that allows guests to unplug and thrive for generations.  While this was not its original intent, the gift is that what started off as a natural way of life at Alisal, has evolved into Continue reading The Art of Doing “Nothing”: 4 Benefits Found at Alisal

Caitlin & Tyler Get Married at Alisal River Terrace

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Photo Credit: Melanie Duerkopp

The following is an excerpt from wedding planner Santa Barbara Wine Country Weddings & Events‘ official “Real Weddings” BLOG.  Continue reading Caitlin & Tyler Get Married at Alisal River Terrace

Looking Back With Appreciation

Guest Photo For BLOG
Ms. Kamashian & Family

Our Alisal family is not just the staff -many of whom have been with us for several generations.  It is also made up of the guests who stay and make lifetime memories as well as the supply partners who help make events and the ranch as a whole roll.  All of these make up Continue reading Looking Back With Appreciation

Real Alisal Guest Stories | A Letter from The Heart

Ms. Kamashian & Family
Ms. Kamashian & Family

Alisal Guest Ranch and Resort legacy is made up of stories as experienced and shared straight from our guests.  So, with no further introduction necessary, we are thrilled to be able to share with you one of the recent letters (and reviews on TripAdvisor) from one of our guests.  Continue reading Real Alisal Guest Stories | A Letter from The Heart

BBQ Bootcamp 2016 Dates

You’ve heard the rumors and they are true.  Every year we tell our followers that BBQ Bootcamp will sell out, and is true to our word, 2015 dates sold out- twice over!  We created additional spaces, and even additional 2015 dates and the reservations exploded (that’s a good “problem” to have)! So here are our 2016 dates . And , as we always say, don’t delay – these are sure to sell out, too! Continue reading BBQ Bootcamp 2016 Dates

Alisal Golf Getaway Package

For the Golf fan in your life, there is no better package than this “all-you-could-want” getaway at world-renowned Alisal Guest Ranch and Resort.

Alisal River Course

This is an all-you-could-want getaway complete with golf privileges. That means you can fill your days with golf on either the secluded, private Ranch Course or the scenic River Course.

Package includes:

  • Studio accommodation
  • Golf green fees
  • Golf carts
  • Range balls
  • Breakfast,  lunch and dinner daily
  • Taxes and service charges

$690.00 per night double occupancy, two night minimum

To book, call:  1-800-4- ALISAL

Visit Alisal’s Website

Packages are available Sunday through Thursday nights, September through May, or any two nights from November through March (excluding summer or holiday periods). Additional per person and suite rates are available upon request. Prices good through 12/31/2015.

Cancellation Policy: If you need to cancel or change your reservation, we will refund your deposit in full up to thirty (30) days prior to check-in. All group reservations are subject to a six-month cancellation policy.

Deposits: An advanced deposit is required to confirm your reservations.To contact Reservations, call 1-800-4-ALISAL.

Frequently Asked Questions: Additional questions might be answered on our FAQ Page under About the Ranch.