Four Seasons Biltmore Santa Barbara

The historic Four Seasons Resort the Biltmore Santa Barbara may be celebrating its 80th birthday this year, but it looks as fresh as the day it first opened back in 1927. That's because the Spanish Colonial-style hotel just underwent a $240-million lavish makeover. And what will a quarter-billion-dollars buy these days? Try hand-painted tile, fine textiles, rare marble, exotic landscaping, uncommon antiques and comfortable but not lavish guest rooms.