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Belmond El Encanto

A 92-room Belmond hotel in the hills above Santa Barbara overlooking the Channel Islands, opened in 1918, with Spanish Colonial architecture, a zero-edge infinity pool, a seven-treatment-room spa, and dining under Executive Chef Johan Denizot. Around 90 minutes from LA, 10 minutes from Santa Barbara.

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At a glance

Belmond El Encanto is a luxury Belmond hotel in the hills above Santa Barbara, opened in 1918, overlooking the Channel Islands.

The hotel is roughly a 90-minute drive from LA and 10 minutes from Santa Barbara, with the centre of Santa Barbara a short walk away. The Pacific Ocean comes into view as guests step into the lobby. A gym, an infinity pool, and a spa with seven treatment rooms cover the wellness side.

A historic hotel that has welcomed illustrious guests over the years, including FDR and Clark Gable. Its proximity to Hollywood made it an early favourite among the industry elite. The aesthetic combines Spanish Colonial style with a Californian twist, and the property has been a California favourite ever since it opened.

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In detail

Food and Drink

The restaurant holds a large terrace overlooking the American Riviera, with seafood as the speciality. Sweeping ocean views make for a dining experience that few in California can match.

Executive Chef Johan Denizot presides over a tight kitchen, with The Wine Masters Dinner Series hosted periodically featuring food sourced from local producers and wine from a local winery.
Spa and Wellness

The Spa at El Encanto is a boutique full-service spa, with treatments covering deep-tissue massage, facials, aromatherapy, and hydrotherapy.

A 24-hour fitness centre and a separate studio host daily classes including yoga, alongside a sauna. The centrepiece is the zero-edge outdoor pool, which looks out over the Pacific from the hillside, with sun loungers and a staffed poolside bar. Much of the wellness here is simply the garden setting and the quiet.
Activities

The hotel is set less than a mile above downtown Santa Barbara, so the city and coast are close. A fleet of electric bikes is free for guests, with horseback riding, private sailing charters, and whale-watching available through the team.

Santa Barbara’s wine country, from the Urban Wine Trail to the Santa Ynez Valley, is an easy day out, with golf at Sandpiper and Glen Annie, tennis through the Santa Barbara Tennis Club, and hiking from the hills.

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Room Types

Rooms

92 rooms and suites across the manicured gardens. Each bungalow is private, with some opening onto private gardens and others holding direct ocean views.

The decor is timeless in cream, green, and beige tones, with the same Spanish Colonial-Californian style carrying throughout.

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Suites and Bungalows

All suites and bungalows hold king-sized beds and a separate living area with a fireplace.

A natural pick for guests wanting more space than the standard rooms, suited to longer stays in Santa Barbara.

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Our reviews

“Our trip was truly magical and full of core memories that will last us a lifetime.”

Michael • Bora Bora Honeymoon

“We just returned from an incredible journey through Ireland, and we couldn’t have had a better experience”

Brad • Ireland Adventure

“This was a flawless experience right from the beginning, we had so many thoughts and ideas flowing around and they took all of them and perfectly curated the most beautiful honeymoon for us.”

Kris • Sicily Honeymoon

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