The Pool at Four Seasons Resort The Biltmore Santa Barbara

"View the entire 2011 Gold List of the world's best places to stay › Also appeared in the Gold List in 2010, 2009, 2008, 2007, 2006, 2005 Amenities: Beach, Golf, Pool, Spa, Tennis, Water sports"

"Open to club members and guests in higher room categories, it has a huge swimming pool, extensive gym (in addition to the one at the resort itself) and the terrific oceanfront Tydes restaurant serving modern Californian fare"

"Located on the coast of ritzy Montecito, the Biltmore includes endless amenities—a heated 'Jungle Pool' with underwater music, world-class couples’ oceanfront spa suites, fresh-fruit skewers and cooled towels served poolside and a private stairway that leads straight to famous Butterfly Beach"

"The apex of swanky resort style in the area, where the opulent rooms (from $475) boast such amenities as fireplaces and wrought-iron balconies, the suites have two to four bedrooms and the site has a spa, pool and fitness centre"

"A huge living area is its most impressive space, second only to the back patio with a newly built plunge pool, capable of holding 12 people"

"Lounge at the resort's jungle-setting pool (complete with underwater music) or at the historic Coral Casino Beach and Cabana Club across the street"

"The sumptuous 10,000-square-foot spa near the resort's pool and gardens, which includes 11 treatment rooms, is an oasis for rejuvenation"

"Though the on-site pool is lovely, hotel guests can pay a bit extra for access to the members-only Coral Casino Club right across the street, which boasts an Olympic-size swimming pool that’s great for kids"

"The prized Ty Warner Cottage harbors its own pool, though all are plush and provide personalized service with the touch of a button"

"The pool itself—a larger-than-Olympic-size giant in which Esther Williams once performed water ballets—was entirely retiled to return it to its sparkling blue glory"