Tucked away in the Riviera neighborhood, this luxurious hotel blends charming Spanish Colonial architecture with modern comfort, featuring stunning gardens, a serene infinity pool, and exceptional service that makes every stay feel like a tranquil escape.
"This is the original Hollywood hideaway with seven acres of land nestled in the foothills of the American Riviera. At El Encanto, you’ll have ocean views overlooking the Pacific Coast with the rose-colored mountains rising behind you. The property has 90 rooms but it never feels crowded; in fact, it feels private and idyllic. It has a fantastic luxe Spanish colonial charm without being annoying or precious. Whether you’re hiding away in a lush garden suite with a fireplace and a patio or just swanning around on the terrace for an al fresco farmers market lunch, it feels just right: low-key but ultra stylish. Call it what it is: a retreat."
"A five star resort hotel hidden away in the hills above the Mission, with great views of the town and the ocean. Come here for a quiet and serene getaway. Enjoy some time at the pool, have a spa day, walk around the gardens, or just spend the day hidden away in one of their bungalows. Take a complimentary electric bike and make the short ride away to the mission or downtown. Also, heated marble floors in the bathrooms, and pet friendly?! Yes please." - Amanda Proudfit
"Find yourself perched atop Santa Barbara's Riviera with a stay at Belmond El Encanto. The serene retreat is just a quick drive outside the main downtown area, but feels a whole world away thanks to its private seven acres." - Travel + Leisure Editors
"This hideaway in the hills above Santa Barbara opened in 1918. It still maintains the vibe of an old Hollywood escape, with its architectural fusion of California Craftsman and Spanish Colonial styles. But the accommodations and amenities are swanky modern, with access to electric bikes so you can cruise into town, and a zero-edged freshwater pool with sweeping views of the Pacific Ocean. The 92 bungalow-style rooms are spacious and comfortable, some designed in the pristine white Spanish-style and some in the earthy, woody tones of the Craftsmans. The dining room features a menu full of luxe favorites like Royal Kaluga caviar, locally sourced halibut, and lamb loin from Sonoma."
"High in the hills of Montecito is the peaceful oasis that is El Encanto, a Belmond hotel with greenery-covered walkways, ivy-adorned trellises, and a calming infinity pool that seemingly stretches into the horizon. Spacious rooms are adorned in a Spanish-colonial-meets-California-cool aesthetic (think terracotta as well as tilework complemented with crisp white accents), and most feature balconies or patios perfect for a morning coffee—although you may want to enjoy that (or an afternoon tea service) on the property’s idyllic terrace with Pacific Ocean views." - Lilah Ramzi, Elise Taylor
