One of California’s most indulgent hideaways Popular with the Plein Air School of artists, El Encanto’s former 1920s glory has been lovingly restored to become one of the most celebrated resorts on the West Coast.  The restoration process helped to highlight the original Spanish-colonial and Californian craftsman styles, with modern additions including a zero-edge outdoor pool and sumptuous boutique spa. Here, every sense is heightened. Staying with us turns a trip to Santa Barbara into an unforgettably unique escape. Here are just some of the features that make us stand out from the crowd. Gaze out across the Pacific while soaking up the sun in our lavish zero-edge swimming pool. It’s the perfect setting to unwind and acclimatize to El Encanto’s easygoing lifestyle. Social distancing rules are in place for our swimming pool. Seven acres of gloriously landscaped gardens offer sweeping views of Santa Barbara and the Pacific Ocean. Drift through the rare flora and make the most of the balmy West Coast evenings.

ACCOMMODATION

Experience timeless Californian glamor. Rooms invite coastal-style serenity with a blend of light, airy textures and locally carved furnishings that echo the tranquility outside. Underfloor heating and wood burning stoves warm up the cooler seasons. Marble baths invite truly decadent bathing. Come spring, throw open your ocean-facing patio doors and drink in the breeze from the privacy of your terrace. El Encanto celebrates Santa Barbara’s early architecture. Fusing California Craftsman and Spanish Colonial, this iconic retreat reflects 1920s style coupled with splashes of modern artistry. Work from local artist Charles Arnoldi adds extra drama to your stay.

ROOMS

Escape to the comfort and privacy of your own personal sanctuary, and experience some of the most indulgent spaces Santa Barbara has to offer. Charming interiors are accented with top-of-the-line modern amenities. These elegant rooms offer an intimate retreat for your dreamlike southern California vacation.

SUPERIOR – Every modern convenience is at your fingertips. With garden views, these serene retreats invite you to explore a natural wonderland just outside your door.

DELUXE KING –  Sink into a plush, king-size bed. On the edge of our elevated grounds, these sanctuaries offer a peaceful retreat with every modern convenience at your fingertips.

DELUXE DOUBLE – Brimming with modern comfort and style, these spacious rooms also feature two inviting double beds.

TERRACE KING – Sink into a plush, king-size bed. Step outdoors onto your own furnished patio or balcony to savor the garden views. These well-situated rooms are a personal haven.

PREMIER KING – Treat yourself to true West Coast indulgence and enjoy a charming fireplace to set your evenings aglow.

TERRACE PREMIER KING –  Go all out and enjoy our most desirable non-suite accommodation. All rooms feature a furnished private balcony with gorgeous views and a glowing fireplace.

SUITES & BUNGALOWS

Spacious yet cozy, our suites and bungalows are the perfect retreat after exploring Santa Barbara. Sprawl out on plush king-sized beds, step out and soak up the atmosphere, or curl up in front of the fire with a good book. Each one is an inviting haven, at the heart of one of the top luxury resorts California has to offer.

ONE BEDROOM SUITE – Revel in the comfort of a large separate living space and pamper yourself with a deep soaking bathtub.

TERRACE SUITE – Nestled in a garden setting, these hideaways afford the ultimate in privacy and tranquility. All include; patio or balcony, and a sofa bed to accommodate additional guests.

TERRACE PREMIER SUITE – Unwind in style in some of the best places to stay in Santa Barbara. These suites include an exquisite fireplace and a separate sitting area plus a private patio or balcony.

GARDEN BUNGALOW – Treat yourself to true West Coast indulgence. Enjoy a spacious open-plan living, with an exquisite fireplace and expansive patio nestled in stunning gardens to match.

SPECIALITY SUITES

These beautiful Santa Barbara suites echo the tranquillity of our resort.

VISTA SUITE – This suite boasts a kitchenette, dining room and its own lawn and garden—perfect for alfresco afternoons. On cool evenings, cozy up by the fireplace in your spacious sitting area. Connect this suite with a Deluxe King Room to form your own spacious two-bedroom residence.

CAMELLIA SUITE  – Nestled among a garden of lush camellias, this romantic suite provides a perfectly private sanctuary. You’ll find a charming open fireplace in the living room and stunning Santa Barbara views from the dining room. Connect to a One-bedroom Suite to enhance your space.

WISHING WELL SUITE  – Stretch out on your own private terrace surrounded by cascading bougainvillea. This enchanting suite features a spacious sitting area, exquisite fireplace, kitchenette and dining room. Connect your suite to a Terrace King Room to form a spacious two-bedroom residence.

OAK TREE SUITE Inside this suite you’ll find plenty of sophisticated space, including a full kitchen, dining space for up-to 6 and a stylish bedroom. The bathroom features a deep soak tub and rainforest shower. From the living room step straight into your own garden courtyard, complete with a beautiful fountain.

DINING

A sublime dining experience is guaranteed at El Encanto. Playing host to some of the best restaurants in southern California, our passion for artisanal ingredients and exceptional flavors matches the region’s culinary abundance. Expect in-season herbs from our ocean-facing garden and fresh seafood caught daily from the shores below.

THE DINING ROOM AND TERRACE  – Dine in our ambient dining room, or feast under the stars on the ocean-facing terrace. Either way, prepare yourself for superb gastronomy in one of the top restaurants in southern California.  All ingredients are locally sourced and dishes crafted with seasonality in mind. Innovative coastal-inspired fare is complemented by peerless service and views worth traveling for.

THE LOUNGE – The Lounge is an ideal retreat for light dining or an elegant afternoon tea with friends.  Delicately crafted breads and buns come filled with classic British combinations. Tempting scones, signature macaroons and buttery French pastries tempt any sweet tooth. Enjoy them outside with Pacific vistas.

THE BAR – Socialize and unwind in a laidback scene. Savor fine wines and gourmet bar snacks while learning Santa Barbara’s secrets from our warm bar staff.  Santa Barbara restaurants can be beautifully polished or perfectly informal. At El Encanto, we invite you to enjoy both.  In this lively laidback hub, meet old friends or make new ones over a selection of wines, spirits and inventive cocktails. For those seeking a light bite, American classics are reinterpreted on a gourmet bar menu.

SPA

Taking inspiration from coastal elements, The Spa at El Encanto promises a sublime escape. Expert treatments feature luxurious skincare lines, offering a wonderful route to wellness. After your treatment, recline with detoxifying teas or juices on the Dining Room terrace—the views of Santa Barbara will enchant you. Buy or gift the luxurious El Encanto spa experience with a perfectly packaged selection of treats. We’ll create a special at-home care package, including:

• El Encanto branded bathrobe
• Hand lotion, body scrub and miniature hand sanitizer packed with the power of pink Himalayan salt and organic essential oils by Santa Barbara beauty brand SALT
• Two multiple-use Comfort Zone face masks
• Our secret recipe for an at-home healthy elixir
• El Encanto reusable burlap tote bag

OCCASIONS

Steeped in charisma, El Encanto’s breezy hillside location and enduring iconicity make it one of the most desirable Santa Barbara event venues. Join us for lavish wedding parties or smaller, intimate occasions. Our lush Pacific-facing gardens, expansive terrace and expert party planners combine for the ultimate Californian celebration.

WEDDING – Shaded by scented pines, our timeless venue is the perfect place to declare your love. Host a micro-wedding by the wishing well, a reception beside wisteria-lined ponds or plan a lavish party in our grand ballroom. From coastal culinary treats on the lawn to pre-wedding pamper time in the spa, we’ll make sure every detail of your celebration is flawless.

MEETINGS – More than just a celebratory space, El Encanto is also ideal for productive business events and strategy sessions. Four separate function rooms complement our gardens, giving you the freedom to plan all kinds of workshops, presentations and meetings. Host a networking event on our terrace with views of the Pacific. Or reserve the entire hotel to customize an agenda that leaves every guest informed and inspired.

INSPIRING INCENTIVES – Whisk clients or colleagues away to one of the top Santa Barbara event venues. California’s coastline is brimming with things to do, including excellent golfing facilities. The mountainous Rancho San Marcos Golf Course, a dramatic par 71 course, offers unbeatable views of the Santa Ynez Valley and a unique challenge for enthusiasts. Alternatively, saddle up for group horse rides through the pines. Whatever the activity, our dedicated team will help make it happen.

HONEYMOONS – Located in one of the most coveted honeymoon destinations in California, El Encanto is the perfect place for a romantic retreat. Unwind in the spa with a couple’s treatment; take a scenic hike through the forests that blanket the coastline; or head into town to discover the area’s thriving art scene by bicycle. Later, the hotel welcomes you home for an alfresco dinner for two beneath the stars.

ULTIMATE TAKEOVER – Picture the indulgence of El Encanto all to yourself. From the charming bungalows brimming with breezy West Coast glamor to our enchanting gardens with glittering Pacific views. Takeover our 92-room estate for weddings, parties, meetings or incentives and our team will help you to customize every aspect of your stay. With exclusive use, you can turn your Santa Barbara getaway into an unforgettable escape.

EXPERIENCES

Boutique wineries, coastal sailing trips, polo matches: there’s a vast array of things to do in Santa Barbara. Whatever your dream Californian adventure, El Encanto is the perfect gateway into the golden state.

FOUR-DAY SANTA BARBARA DISCOVERY  – Experience the wonders of Santa Barbara from El Encanto. Our local experts have put together an unforgettable four-night itinerary to show you the very best of the American Riviera. Anticipate outdoor adventures, a toast to the Wine Trail and leisurely bike rides along the shore.

TASTE OF EL ENCANTO  – Discover new wine releases with a series of events in partnership with Chandon. Indulge with exclusive tastings, unique spa treatments and delectable meals, all paired with Chandon by the experts.  Then, fiesta in style with Volcan De Mi Tierra Tequila. Dance the night away with flamenco classes and craft your own cocktail creations. Sample local ceviche with Chef Bruno and stroll the historic streets of Santa Barbara to learn about its Spanish heritage.

ALFRESCO MOVIE NIGHT  – Here’s looking at you, kid: watch your favorite stars under the stars with an alfresco movie screening. Relax on your private terrace and tuck in to popcorn, artisanal candies and mocktails. A celestial atmosphere awaits.

PICNIC IN PARADISE – Visit one of the most extraordinary gardens on the planet: Lotusland. Marvel at the beauty of this botanic garden, with its 25 themed gardens and rare, exotic plants. Tour the storied Montecito estate before dining on a delectable picnic on the Great Lawn.

WINERIES  – Explore Santa Barbara’s Urban Wine Trail via a series of nearby tasting rooms.  Or journey to Santa Ynez Valley, just a 30-minute drive away. Here you’ll find more than 270 wineries producing regional favorites including Pinot Noir and Chardonnay.

HILLTOP PICNIC  – After working up a sweat on a scenic hike, it’s only right to celebrate with a gourmet hilltop picnic. Choose one of the many stunning trails in Santa Barbara, Montecito or Goleta for a three-hour experience with a skilled guide. Your delicious lunch for two includes a bottle of local Californian wine or bubbles.

SHOPPING  – Of all the indulgent things to do in Santa Barbara, a little boutique browsing is essential.  Take one of our complimentary electric bikes into fashionable downtown Santa Barbara. Discover independent labels and artisanal souvenirs, or simply window shop as you soak up the sun.

ARTISANAL PICNIC BASKETS – Whether you’re pining for a Maine lobster roll or Bento-style fare, El Encanto’s gourmet picnic baskets are perfect for a lazy afternoon.   Take your delectable meal to the historic Santa Barbara Mission. Head to the California coast. Or enjoy an exclusive visit to Lotus land, a local hidden gem of botanical gardens in Montecito. In our grounds, pair your picnic with lawn games at the Lily Pond and Arbor. Sit comfortably by the wishing well, or on the terrace of your private cottage.

OUTDOOR ADVENTURES  – California is a world-class sporting destination, and for good reason. Experience the ridges and bluffs of the Santa Ynez Mountains. Grab a surfboard and head down to Rincon Point. For something more leisurely, paddle board along the coast at sunset. Ask our concierge about local golfing ranges—there’s no shortage of scenic options.