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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

Nestled in the foothills of the Santa Ynez Mountains above the Pacific Ocean, this iconic hideaway offers the best views of the American Riviera. Spread across seven acres of secluded gardens, El Encanto, a Belmond Hotel 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. Featuring ninety-two rooms, suites, and Spanish Revival bungalows, many with fireplaces and rainforest showers; lush gardens dotted with towering trees, gorgeous flowers, and a beautiful lily pond with wisteria blooming overhead; and onsite events including painting masterclasses, alfresco movies, wine tastings, and luncheons with bestselling authors, this Belmond property is truly an iconic retreat.

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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
  • Stylish El Encanto bag
  • 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 Revival meets Californian glamour.

El Encanto celebrates Santa Barbara’s early architecture. Fusing California Craftsman cottages and Spanish Revival bungalows, this iconic retreat reflects a 1920s style coupled with splashes of modern artistry. Work from local artist Charles Arnoldi adds extra drama to your stay, with many of the bungalows and suites featuring cozy fireplaces, soaking tubs, oak floors, and rainforest showers. Brick-laid paths wind through pomegranate trees and bird of paradise flowers on the property, showcasing Southern California's indoor-outdoor lifestyle.
Pool + Gym

From heart-pumping cardio to sound bathing.

Gaze out across the Pacific while soaking up the sun in the hotel's lavish horizon-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 the 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 including heart-pumping cardio, classic sun salutations, yoga, breath work, sound bathing, and boxing. Personal training is also available on request.
Spa

One of Beverly Hills' most sought-after treaments.

Inspired by coastal elements, The Spa at El Encanto is the ultimate wellness escape. The spa has seven spacious treatment rooms, a couple's massage suite, and a wet treatment room, in addition to a spa terrace and lounges with eucalyptus steam rooms. We recommend the El Encanto, A Belmond Hotel Signature Facial that features the skincare line of Linda Ross, one of Beverly Hills' most sought-after facialists. After your treatment, enjoy majestic views of Santa Barbara — detoxifying tea or juice in hand — on the Dining Room terrace.
Restaurant + Bar

Fresh seafood is caught daily from the shores below.

The hotel offers seasonal California cuisine, paying homage to the region's culinary abundance. An ocean-facing garden supplies fresh herbs for the chef to use, and 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 hotel's two signature bars; Negroni Blanco is popular choice.
  • Who's it for?
    This hotel welcomes wellness, enthusiasts, adventure seekers, families, and anyone yearning for a serene California experience. 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
    El Encanto, A Belmond Hotel is located on the hillside, overlooking the town below. It is nestled in one of Santa Barbara's most exclusive neighborhoods, moments away from art galleries, brightly painted murals, diverse restaurants, and wine trails.
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