Alternative meeting destination spotlight: Santa Barbara masterful meetings occur indoors and out.

When seeking a meeting location with ocean views and sea breezes, where business mastery can occur in a meeting room, a private poolside cabana or an outdoor "living room" overlooking the Pacific Ocean--seek no further than Santa Barbara and Hotel Oceana, the area's newest beachfront boutique hotel located between Stearns Wharf and the Harbor.

Two ocean-view meeting rooms are ideal for groups of five to fifty. The Executive Boardroom is an 800-square-foot library-like intimate setting that comfortably seats up to 25 attendees conference-style. The Boardroom includes built-in color TV monitor, DVD/VCR, high-speed internet access, private restroom and outdoor patio for refreshment breaks, breakout sessions and catering service. The Pacific View Room with 1,300-square-feet is located on the second floor of the historic Veterans Memorial Building, immediately adjacent to Hotel Oceana. The room seats up to 50 attendees conference-style and offers unparalleled views of Stearns Wharf, Channel Islands and Santa Barbara Harbor. The Pacific View Room includes built-in bar area for buffet service and receptions, built-in screen, high-speed internet access and private restroom.

The hotel's ocean view Guest Lounge may be reserved for private receptions and catering events from 11:00am-10pm. The Lounge seats 44 banquet-style and includes a built-in bar, CD system, podium area, adjoining private patio with fountain and private restroom. Hotel Oceana offers full service catering for meetings and dining events as well as state-of-the-art audiovisual equipment. Guests resonate to the availability of WiFI access throughout the entire property--essential for today's busy executives.

Off-site dining is easily arranged since over 30 restaurants are within walking distance. Team Building activities are increasingly popular from beach volleyball tournaments, kayak races, sailboat trials, whale watching, cruises to the Channel Islands National Park or sunset cruise with or without dinner are all available across the street; tours of the wine country may be arranged for departure from the lobby--choose from luxury Jeeps or air-conditioned coaches or limousines. Spouse Events are happily arranged to suit every taste and budget--including Oceana Spa days, shopping (how about a personal shopper at Nordstrom?), touring Montecito mansions, wine tastings, hiking adventures, tours of Santa Barbara Museum of Art, Botanic Gardens, Mission Santa Barbara and much, much more.

Hotel Oceana opened in April 2002 after a complete redesign in beach house "home away from home" chic by internationally recognized interior designer Kathryn Ireland. The guestrooms and common areas feature the ambiance of a small European inn combined with the amenities of an American hotel. Each guestroom features one of four color schemes in blues, yellows, reds or greens, and offers an understated, coastal feel. Once inside and greeted by the California friendly staff, Hotel Oceana guests can check-in to 122 rooms outfitted with king-size beds fitted with crisp Italian linens, down comforters, AvedaTM bath products, CD players, dataports and WiFi access (at no charge). Additional amenities include two heated swimming pools with private cabanas (perfect for poolside meetings), an outdoor Jacuzzi, two acres of gardens and secluded "outdoor living room style" patios (for relaxed breakouts).

Hotel Oceana is within easy walking distance of the Santa Barbara Amtrak station--served by 6 trains daily including the Pacific Surfliner (with convenient stops from Anaheim and Santa Ana), and the classic Coast Starlight (running from Los Angeles to Seattle). Consider the benefits of train travel for conference attendees--no hassles with freeway traffic, sig alerts or parking.

Information for this article was provided by the Hotel Oceana. For more information, access www.hoteloceana.com or call toll free 1-800-965-9776.