Belmond El Encanto
You won't want to leave this glamorous, luxurious hideaway nestled in the Santa Barbara hills.
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A glamorous, luxurious hideaway nestled in the hills of Santa Barbara
Cruising along the Santa Barbara hills and soaking in the salt-kissed air, stunning scenery, and invigorating coastal breeze, it’s easy to feel as though you’re in a different world—especially once you arrive at the dreamy Belmond El Encanto. Perched atop a hill overlooking the American Riviera, this iconic hideaway beckons with its ivy-adorned facade, flower-encompassed fountains, lush environs, and spectacular views. You will likely never want to leave this posh, peaceful haven surrounded by nature and steeped in history.
The award-winning, five-star Belmond El Encanto opened in 1918 and has been part of Santa Barbara’s social scene ever since, serving as a sweet escape for the Hollywood elite and discerning travelers. Spread across seven acres of secluded gardens, the resort is gleaming and glamorous in appearance, yet relaxed and low key in ambience. It is the type of place that invites you to lounge by the zero-edge pool overlooking the Pacific, meander through the impeccably manicured grounds, unwind at the serene spa, and savor California cuisine under the stars. Your experience at Belmond El Encanto will leave you wanting for nothing yet yearning to return time and time again.
An Indulgent Overnight Stay
Experience timeless California elegance in each of the 92 guest rooms, suites, and bungalows. Fusing California Craftsman with Spanish Colonial architecture, the luxurious rooms serve as private, sumptuous sanctuaries after spending the day exploring Santa Barbara. All accommodations are distinct, but every one invites coastal-style serenity with a blend of light, airy textures and locally carved furnishings that mirror the tranquility outside. In the cooler months, underfloor heating or fireplaces provide warmth, and in the temperate months, spacious patios and terraces offer opportunities to throw open the doors and relax alfresco. Some suites even boast kitchenettes and spacious living areas, serving as a home away from home.
No matter which type of accommodation you choose, you can enjoy the following amenities:
- Plush, king-size bed or two double beds
- Large writing desk
- Marble bathroom with heated stone floors
- A deep soak or free-standing bathtub
- Widescreen LCD HDTV with premium channels
- iPod dock
- Nespresso coffee machine
- Personalized honor bar (available upon request)
A Pampering Spa
Elevate your stay by indulging in a rejuvenating treatment at The Spa at El Encanto. Drawing inspiration from coastal elements, this sublime oasis provides an impressive assortment of organic, seasonally driven body and facial treatments. While there are numerous options, popular treatments include the restorative Belmond El Encanto Signature Scrub—featuring locally made Himalayan salts infused with basil, citrus, and mint essential oils—and the Aromastone massage, which encourages nothing but utter relaxation with its use of essential oils and heated basalt stones.
Make the most of your spa time by unwinding in the eucalyptus steam room or the relaxation lounge before your treatment begins, and then by reclining beside the zero-edge pool with detoxifying teas or juices on the terrace after your treatment ends—the sweeping views of Santa Barbara will enchant you. And if your treatment leaves you feeling energized, enjoy more rigorous pursuits in the world-class fitness center, which offers daily classes and nearby hikes in addition to exercise equipment, Peloton bikes, and Kinesis Stations.
Indeed, an afternoon at the spa will leave you feeling rested and ready for the evening, especially when you let the salon take care of the primping. Services include manicures, pedicures, waxing, blowouts, and even makeup application.
A California-Cool Dining Experience
Belmond El Encanto also guarantees an unparalleled dining experience, serving up California coast–inspired cuisine crafted from seasonal, artisanal ingredients. Each dish draws from the bounty of Santa Barbara, whether it’s the pristine black cod caught from the shores below or the fragrant herbs plucked from the chef’s on-site garden. The innovative fare is enhanced only by the impeccable service and panoramic views.
Whether you feast in the ambient dining room or out on the ocean-facing terrace, you are bound to enjoy the finest flavors of Southern California. Begin with the West Coast oysters; the Santa Barbara sea urchin adorned with grapefruit, seaweed, and miso flakes; or the California melon salad, featuring sweet melon wrapped in savory slices of Ibérico ham. Then, move on to such decadent main dishes as the yuzu-laced diver scallops with squid-ink fried rice, the juicy Hudson Valley duck breast with duck-fat potatoes, or the comforting kombu shiitake ramen. Regardless of what you decide to order, you will leave feeling satisfied yet looking forward to your next meal.
Luckily, Sunday brunch is also on offer at Belmond El Encanto—and it is not to be missed. Sounds of live jazz surround diners as they take in the ocean vistas and savor everything from Dungeness crab cake eggs Benedict and pulled pork huevos rancheros to seared swordfish and black quinoa risotto. It’s the perfect way to commemorate your stay at this posh resort.
Between the exceptional cuisine, luxurious spa treatments, sumptuous accommodations, gracious hospitality, and stunning location, Belmond El Encanto truly is a coastal getaway unlike any other.
