Photo Credit: Belmond El Encanto
If you’re an Angeleno looking for a place to just get away from it all in a seriously stunning location, look no further than Santa Barbara’s beautiful and picture-perfect Belmond El Encanto—a local landmark where you can truly forget the outside world exists thanks to its panoramic ocean views, superb service and serene, almost secret ambiance. Here’s what to expect when you stay and play at this haute SoCal hotel.
STAY
Photo Credit: Belmond El Encanto
It’s little things that go a long way at Belmond El Encanto. For example, when you’re shown to your bungalow or luxury suite, you’ll find a monogrammed pillow with your initials lying in wait on the bed. Personalized touches? Check! You’ll also find luxurious touches like a lovely marble bath with a heated stone floor, a rainforest shower or a deep soaking tub, a fireplace and a private terrace. You’ll be able to sit on your front porch and enjoy a glass of wine or stargaze at night which, as many Los Angeles residents know, is a luxury we aren’t often afforded.
Speciality suites here are also great options, including the Camellia Suite—a spacious 1,100 square foot suite nestled amidst Belmond El Encanto’s lush camellias—the 1,100 Oak Tree Suite inspired by the magnificent oak trees that punctuate the grounds with French doors that open to a spacious garden courtyard with its own fountain—or the 900 square foot Wishing Well Suite, a prime place for those seeking a romantic getaway.
PLAY
Photo Credit: Belmond El Encanto
What better way to relax than with an indulgent spa treatment? At the Spa at El Encanto, you’ll find a wide array of treatments which draw inspiration from the local landscape. Whether you’re enjoying a deep tissue massage, the Sky’s the Limit body treatment which utilizes vanilla and citrus oils to relax and energize you in equal parts, or a facial using gorgeous products from Linda Ross, you’ll be in heaven. After your treatment, chill out with tea and fresh fruit in the relaxation lounge or the patio and soak in the natural beauty of the area.
There are other ways to indulge at this haute hotel as well. Gaze out across the Pacific while soaking up the sun in the lavish infinity-edge swimming pool or take a stroll through the seven acres of on-site gardens. You can also get a great workout in at the fitness studio thanks to Technogym treadmills, exercise bikes, ellipticals and Kinesis Stations. There are also great yoga classes in the morning that you definitely don’t want to miss.
DINE
There are many excellent dining options at the hotel, the main of which is the Dining Room and Terrace. Chef Leo Andres Ayala has curated a menu of California Coastal cuisine of locally-sourced, artisanal ingredients including herbs picked directly from the chef’s garden and Belmond El Encanto cheese, each block made from the milk of Ellie, the resort’s cow. You’ll find thoughtfully prepared dishes like Leo’s signature ceviche created with cucumbers and jalapenos, a compressed watermelon salad with lemon basil infused crab meat and “Scallops a la Plancha” with Weiser Family carrots, ginger puree, red wine farro and fava beans.
You can also kick back and relax in The Lounge, an elegant and ideal retreat for light dining, a chic afternoon tea with friends or a sneaky glass of afternoon champagne. Last but not least, the Wine Room is a great place to gather thanks to its intimate setting a personalized menu from Chef Ayala including perfectly paired local Santa Barbara wines.
Belmond El Encanto, 800 Alvarado Place Santa Barbara, (805) 845-5800
Photo Credit: Belmond El Encanto 
Photo Credit: Belmond El Encanto 
Photo Credit: Belmond El Encanto 
Photo Credit: Belmond El Encanto 
Photo Credit: Belmond El Encanto 
Photo Credit: Belmond El Encanto 
