International Wood Magazine

Restoring and Reimagining an Oceanfront Oasis

The Rosewood Miramar Beach Resort is a destination worth dreaming about, with expansive ocean views and accommodations inviting you to make yourself right at home.

3 min read
Oceanfront rooftop bar with curved tropical hardwood decking, shuffleboard court, bar stools, and string lights at dusk.
A restored oceanfront rooftop lounge features expansive tropical hardwood decking, a curved bar, and a painted shuffleboard court overlooking the sea.

Restoring and Reimagining

an Oceanfront Oasis

The Rosewood Miramar Beach Resort is a destination worth dreaming about, with expansive ocean views and accommodations inviting you to make yourself right at home. The Resort, which occupies sixteen acres of oceanfront property in Montecito, California, marries setting, architecture, and décor into a deep sense of place.

Following devastating wildfires and flooding that leveled the site of the former Miramar by the Sea cottage hotel, renowned developer Rick Caruso led a team who reimagined the property, transforming it into an idyllic coastal retreat. Opened in March 2019, the luxurious world-class 161-room resort was designed with utmost attention to every detail, award-winning design excellence and lavish imagination.

The day-to-night beachfront destination presents a memorable venue for guests to socialize over music and activities including shuffleboard.

Oceanfront Miramar hotel deck with hardwood decking and navy lounge furniture above, and a hardwood-paneled bar with leather stools below.

Caruso’s Bar will beckon for guests to pull up a chair at the distinctive bar. The paneling along the back wall of the bar is made of American Black Walnut. The front of the bar peeking from behind the bar stools is book-matched pieces of quartered and figured Claro Walnut.

“THE COMBINATION OF SPECIES CAREFULLY CHOSEN FOR THE MIRAMAR NOT ONLY PROVIDE THE STRENGTH AND DURABILITY NECESSARY BUT A CERTAIN WARMTH AND NATURAL BEAUTY WHICH COMPLEMENT ITS PICTURESQUE LOCATION.”

GARY SWANER • SWANER HARDWOOD

Oceanfront hardwood deck with white railing, striped upholstered chairs, sofas, and a lattice coffee table overlooking the Pacific.

With sweeping views of the ocean, the outdoor living area of Miramar’s suites is an important part of the overall experience provided to guests. Ipe decking was selected both because of the long lifespan of the wood and because the natural material blends into the natural setting of the Montecito coastline.

Left: Opening up to an outdoor patio with a wall of windows facing the sea, the elegant living room gives guests a common area to entertain or just relax. The room draws a striking contrast between white walls and elegant ceiling mouldings with warm rich white oak flooring. Right: The resort features six restaurants and bars, offering a range of culinary options. The Terrace offers one of the many open-air seating options available at the resort. Guests can eat and then walk right onto the beach.

As the Miramar was being reimagined and designed anew, the use of wood throughout the property was a central theme of many design decisions. The design team used wood and stone throughout the project emphasizing connection to the nature surrounding the property. Natural materials were chosen because they provide an elevated guest experience.

The Rosewood Miramar Beach Resort used an eclectic but harmonious selection of wood species to further promote the relaxed elegance of the resort.

Swaner Hardwood worked with Caruso to supply the most exacting quality of Ipe decking, Ribboned Sapele, and both American Black Walnut and Claro Walnut for this property. Swaner Hardwood is a hardwood lumber manufacturer and distributor based in Los Angeles. They provide custom millwork products, top grade hardwood lumber, a wide range of hardwood plywood, as well as custom hardwood flooring, decking, and more.

Curved covered veranda with wood-paneled ceiling, columns, and fireplace, framed by a rooftop balcony and holiday-lit trees at dusk.

This covered open-air gallery provides the ideal place to sit and enjoy breezes and the smell of the ocean while enjoying protection from the sun. A fire in the stone fireplace will keep the chill of the ocean breeze at bay while guests relax outside. Consistent with the elegant wood features throughout the resort, the Ribboned Sapele ceiling accentuates the juxtaposition between a cozy space and the wide-open expanse of the view.

Rex Lumber Company advertisement showing stacked FSC-certified tropical hardwood millwork profiles over a forest background, with company logos and contact information.

Frequently asked questions

Where is the Rosewood Miramar Beach Resort located?+

The Rosewood Miramar Beach Resort occupies sixteen acres of oceanfront property in Montecito, California. It is a 161-room luxury resort that opened in March 2019.

What happened to the property before the Rosewood Miramar was built?+

The site of the former Miramar by the Sea cottage hotel was leveled by devastating wildfires and flooding. Developer Rick Caruso then led a team that reimagined the property into a luxury coastal retreat.

Why was Ipe decking chosen for the Miramar's outdoor living areas?+

Ipe decking was selected because of the long lifespan of the wood and because the natural material blends into the natural setting of the Montecito coastline. The outdoor living area of the suites is an important part of the overall guest experience.

What wood species were used at Caruso's Bar in the Rosewood Miramar?+

The paneling along the back wall of Caruso's Bar is made of American Black Walnut. The front of the bar features book-matched pieces of quartered and figured Claro Walnut.

What wood was used for the covered open-air gallery ceiling at the Miramar?+

The covered open-air gallery features a Ribboned Sapele ceiling. It accentuates the juxtaposition between the cozy space and the wide-open expanse of the ocean view.

Who supplied the hardwood for the Rosewood Miramar Beach Resort?+

Swaner Hardwood, a Los Angeles–based hardwood lumber manufacturer and distributor, worked with Caruso to supply Ipe decking, Ribboned Sapele, American Black Walnut, and Claro Walnut. The company provides custom millwork, hardwood lumber, plywood, flooring, and decking.