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El Encanto, A Belmond Hotel, Santa Barbara

Santa Barbara, California

El Encanto means "The Charm" in Spanish and the property is certainly full of it!

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Alexandra Stockton

Knoxville

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Property Overview

Perched high in the Santa Barbara hills, this iconic hideaway offers the best views of the American Riviera. Spread across seven acres of secluded gardens, El Encanto opened in 1918 and has been part of Santa Barbara’s social scene ever since. The resort is gleaming and glamorous, yet relaxed and low-key. The kind of place that invites you to recline poolside, breathe in the ocean air, and sip a glass of crisp local wine. This is an iconic Santa Barbara property that reopened in 2013 after a seven-year, multi-million-dollar renovation. The property is tucked into the hills of Santa Barbara and has ninety-two California Craftsman and Spanish-Colonial-Revival bungalows spread over seven acres. The grounds are lush and dotted with towering trees, gorgeous flowers, and a beautiful lily pond with wisteria blooming overhead in the center of the property. The bungalows are perfectly blended with centuries-old charm and modern amenities. If you are looking for a spot for a destination wedding, the hotel is an excellent choice!

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SmartFlyer Exclusives

  • Upgrade on arrival, subject to availability
  • Full breakfast daily for two guests per bedroom
  • Fully flexible Bellini Club hotel or resort credit: 90 USD equivalent per room per stay or 200 USD equivalent per suite per stay
  • Welcome amenity and letter
  • 500 USD equivalent gift voucher when booking a 5,000 USD equivalent or more holiday with Belmond, redeemable on your next Belmond experience
  • Complimentary Wi-Fi

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Agent Tips

  • El Encanto, A Belmond Hotel offers complimentary guest transportation within five miles of the resort to explore Santa Barbara beaches, shopping and restaurants.
  • The hotel has a Mercedes-Benz Sprinter on hand to take you anywhere you want to go within a 5 mile radius of the hotel. Spend a day on Santa Barbara's urban wine trail and enjoy nearby tasting rooms or take a 30 minute drive to Santa Ynez Valley where you will find over 270 wineries.
  • Request a to-go picnic from the hotel & take it down to the beach for a beautiful day by the ocean.
  • The Bellini Brunch is the must-try Sunday Brunch. Indulge in bottomless Bellinis or Moet & Chandon imperial Champagne, coastal cuisine, and live music. Guests can also enjoy afternoon tea with friends at The Lounge.
Rooms + Suites

Spanish-Colonial meets Californian glamour.

El Encanto celebrates Santa Barbara’s early architecture. Fusing California Craftsman and Spanish Colonial, this iconic retreat reflects 1920s style coupled with splashes of modern artistry. Work from local artist Charles Arnoldi adds extra drama to your stay. The bungalows and suites have cozy fireplaces and a deep, soaking tub. The heated stone floors in the bathroom will make sure you stay warm even on a chilly California evening. You'll feel right at home!
Pool + Gym

Heart-pumping cardio to classic sun salutations.

Gaze out across the Pacific while soaking up the sun in their lavish zero-edge swimming pool. It’s the perfect setting to unwind and acclimatize to El Encanto, A Belmond Hotel's easygoing lifestyle. Treat your workout routine to a fresh new scene at El Encanto, A Belmond Hotel's state-of-the-art Fitness Studio. Cardio enthusiasts can choose from an array of Technogym treadmills, exercise bikes, and ellipticals. Or switch to strength-building exercises with Technogym's exciting line of Kinesis Stations. The Fitness Studio offers a wealth of classes, from heart-pumping cardio to classic sun salutations. Personal training is also available on request.
Spa

One of Beverly Hill's most sought-after treaments.

Taking inspiration from coastal elements, The Spa at El Encanto promises a sublime escape. The spa has seven spacious treatment rooms, a couple's massage suite, and a wet treatment room. There is a relaxation lounge, spa terrace, and there are both men's and women's lounges with eucalyptus steam rooms. Try the El Encanto, A Belmond Hotel Signature Facial that features the skincare line of Linda Ross who is one of Beverly Hill's most sought-after facialists. After your treatment, recline with detoxifying teas or juices on the Dining Room terrace – the views of Santa Barbara are enchanting.
Restaurant + Bar

Fresh seafood is caught daily from the shores below.

The hotel restaurant offers seasonal California cuisine, and they have an on-site garden where they grow in-season herbs from their ocean-facing garden for the chef to use. Fresh seafood is caught daily from the shores below. The outdoor terrace is a wonderful spot for morning breakfast or a romantic dinner. Enjoy creative, seasonal cocktails, an extensive wine list featuring local vineyards, and a lively atmosphere at the bar; or come here for a more casual dining experience. The bar and lounge area often have live jazz music.
  • Who's it for?
    Yes! I recommend the Superior Bungalow Suites for families. They have a large separate living room and a sofa bed for two. Kids under 18 stay free in suites with sofa beds. If you want a bit more room- you can request a suite with a private patio in lieu of a fireplace. Travel cribs and baby monitors are free to borrow. The restaurant has high chairs and a kids' menu. The bar is adults-only. The hotel also offers babysitting services.
  • Location
    On the hillside, overlooking the town below. The hotel is located in one of Santa Barbara's most exclusive neighborhoods.
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