The Steward, a Tribute Portfolio Marriott Hotel, will debut this spring in Goleta at 5490 Hollister Avenue, formerly known as Pacifica Suites, and bring with it a new restaurant named “Terra.” Originally purchased in the late 1860s by pioneer horticulturist Joseph Sexton, the land became home to his family’s estate, known as “The Sexton House,” along with one of the area’s first nurseries.

“There is a certain mystique to this property – our botanical gardens and forest offer the most serene sense of arrival,” said Danielle Granillo, vice president of brand marketing for Twin Bridges Hospitality, Asset Management. “The land holds a special meaning and significance to our team and I’m incredibly proud that we are prioritizing our planet through our sustainability practices.”

The hotel’s signature restaurant, Terra, meaning “of the earth,” will incorporate locally-sourced ingredients that showcase and highlight our area’s agricultural roots. The seasonally-driven menus will offer California and Mediterranean fare. While bringing The Steward to life, the team discovered a journal on-property from the 1930s that features one of the first recorded recipes for avocado toast. The journal is still on property today and guests will be able to try the original recipe. The menu including herbs from the property’s own gardens, a botanical blooming tea service, and organic mocktails in partnership with DrinkTilden for upscale sips sans alcohol. Terra’s pre-packed picnic kit, using sustainable with compostable wood wrapped cutlery, will allow guests to dine on the-go.

The former Pacifica Suites