Brooklyn Peltz Beckham and his wife Nicola have been photographed enjoying a tranquil getaway at the exclusive San Ysidro Ranch in Montecito, California. This luxurious retreat is notably a favourite haunt of Prince Harry and Meghan, the Duke and Duchess of Sussex, drawing immediate comparisons between the two high-profile couples.
A Sanctuary for the Stars
The historic San Ysidro Ranch, nestled in California's picturesque wine country, offers bungalow accommodations with nightly rates ranging from a substantial £2,245 to an eye-watering £9,069. The hotel's clientele reads like a who's who of Hollywood and historical figures, having hosted luminaries from Winston Churchill and John F. Kennedy to contemporary stars like Sandra Bullock, Julia Roberts, and Gwyneth Paltrow.
For Harry and Meghan, the venue has served as a significant backdrop for their public communications. Prince Harry famously conducted his revelatory CNN interview with Anderson Cooper on the grounds ahead of his memoir 'Spare' release. Similarly, Meghan posed for a Variety magazine photoshoot there in October 2022, where she reflected fondly on her relationship with the late Queen Elizabeth II.
Parallel Lives and Public Rifts
The presence of Brooklyn, 26, and Nicola, 31, at this particular location fuels speculation about the striking parallels between their situation and that of the Sussexes. Both men were raised amidst extraordinary privilege and fame—one in the royal spotlight, the other as part of a global football and fashion dynasty. Both subsequently married actresses known for their strong personal brands, Meghan Markle and Nicola Peltz, and have relocated to California, distancing themselves from their UK-based families.
Most notably, both couples have publicly expressed frustrations regarding the constraints and perceived control exerted by their respective families. Brooklyn's stay comes hot on the heels of a dramatic escalation in his long-running feud with parents David and Victoria Beckham, during which he made stunning allegations about them on social media.
Book Deal Speculation Intensifies
The choice of venue has also ignited rumours that Brooklyn may be following in Harry's literary footsteps. Insiders suggest a book deal is "firmly in play," potentially mirroring the style and confessional nature of 'Spare.' The memoir would reportedly delve into the challenges of growing up within the Beckham brand and the details of the family fallout. Sources note that Brooklyn has observed the commercial success of Harry's book, which sold over 3.2 million copies worldwide.
"He's seen how well the book did for Harry… Same publisher. Same idea of finally telling your truth. That's not a coincidence," a source revealed.
A History of Connection and Estrangement
The relationships between these two power couples are complexly intertwined. Harry and Meghan were once close to David and Victoria Beckham before a reported falling out over alleged story leaks. However, in a twist, it was reported last May that the Sussexes had hosted Brooklyn and Nicola for an intimate dinner at their Montecito home, with guests describing Harry and Meghan as "particularly kind, caring and generous."
It remains unclear if the Peltz Beckhams' current hotel stay includes a meet-up with their royal neighbours, whose residence is just minutes away. The couple were seen strolling the hotel's lush gardens, with Brooklyn in casual attire holding a glass of sparkling wine and Nicola with a hand draped over his shoulder.
Luxury and Legacy in Montecito
The San Ysidro Ranch itself is a character in this story. Originally home to Franciscan monks in the 1800s, it became a hotel in the 1930s and is filled with antiques and Persian rugs. Its 38 bungalows feature fireplaces, private patios, and heated bathroom floors. The property boasts 17 miles of hiking trails in the Santa Ynez Mountains and a renowned restaurant, The Stonehouse, favoured by Oprah Winfrey.
The hotel is also a legendary venue for celebrity weddings, having hosted the unions of Laurence Olivier and Vivien Leigh, Chris Martin and Gwyneth Paltrow, and more recently, Katherine Schwarzenegger and Chris Pratt. Meghan herself described it in Variety as a "low-key old luxury resort" and an "unpretentious but protected place."
As Brooklyn and Nicola enjoy this secluded escape, the spotlight also turns to Victoria Beckham, who was recently in Paris receiving a prestigious French cultural honour, surrounded by her husband and other children. The contrasting images—one couple seeking privacy in a historic hideaway, another celebrating a professional milestone—highlight the ongoing, very public narrative of family, fame, and forging one's own path.
