A glamorous hideaway perched in the hills overlooking Santa Barbara.

The Atmosphere

Built in 1918, El Encanto is one of the iconic hotels of California. Having reopened in 2013, after a $134 million renovation from Belmond (formerly Orient & Express), it still has a sense of Hollywood glamour and seems purpose built for this stretch of coastline known as the ‘California Riviera’.

Hidden in the hills, far from the bustle of downtown Santa Barbara, this is the perfect place to relax and unwind. Spend your days enjoying the view by the stunning infinity pool or check in for a treatment at the spa. If you can bear to leave, take one of the hotel’s electric bicycles down the hill to explore Santa Barbara.

Your Room

The rooms are a collection of craftsman and spanish colonial style cottages spread throughout the sprawling gardens.

Rooms are light, airy and contemporary. Many have a private patio looking out on to the gardens and others have views of Santa Barbara with glimpses of the ocean in the distance.

In a stylish touch, every guest has a their initials embroidered on the pillowcase in their room.

From The Magazine

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