EL ENCANTO, SANTA BARBARA, Santa Barbara

El Encanto, A Belmond Hotel, Santa Barbara - A 1920s hilltop sanctuary with seven acres of gardens, Pacific Ocean views, and farm-to-table dining

Perched on a Santa Barbara hilltop, this 5-star sanctuary features 90 rooms, bungalows and suites spread across seven acres of landscaped gardens offering Pacific Ocean vistas. El Encanto's 1920s Spanish-colonial and California craftsman architecture has been meticulously preserved, while incorporating modern amenities including a zero-edge pool and boutique spa with seven treatment rooms. The Santa Barbara hotel's dining venues include a restaurant with indoor and outdoor terrace seating, where sustainable seafood pairs with herbs from the on-site garden and cheese made from the hotel's own cow's milk. The Belmond Hotel provides a well-equipped fitness studio offering cardio equipment and strength-training stations. A centuries-old lily pond lined with wisteria serves as a serene spot for turtle watching, while winter brings migrating Monarch butterflies. Located just 0.5 miles from the Santa Barbara Mission, the property offers complimentary local transportation within a five-mile radius.

Pros

Seven treatment room spa offering signature therapies with citrus, basil and mint essential oils

Complimentary electric bicycles for exploring the local area

Live music performances in the restaurant most evenings

Gourmet picnic baskets available for outdoor dining experiences

Custom-blended botanical teas and locally-sourced ingredients in afternoon tea service

Cons

Located 2.5 miles from Santa Barbara Amtrak station requiring transportation

12.5 miles distance from Santa Barbara Airport