Facilities
Golf
Golf
Ultimate Luxury
Santa Barbara Hills, Santa Barbara, California, United States of America
Belmond El Encanto
Overlooking idyllic Santa Barbara, Belmond El Encanto is a restored landmark hotel with luxurious bungalows and suites nestled in seven acres of lush gardens with hilltop views of the Pacific Ocean, complete with infinity-edged swimming pool.
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Newly renovated bungalows and suites
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The Dining room and Terrace are the most perfect spots for sundowners as the sun dips down into the Pacific Ocean in the distance
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Take a dip in the zero edge pool and unwind on a sun lounger while gazing out to the Pacific Ocean
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Take one of the Exclusive Private Residences, private cottages with plenty of outdoor space perfect for a family picnic or movie night with the kids
Built in 1918 during the Hollywood golden days, this iconic Mediterranean-style hotel has undergone a full renovation and reopened in 2014 to thrill a new generation of guests with its relaxed bungalow rooms, landscaped gardens and infinity-edge swimming pool facing the Pacific Ocean. The luxurious bungalows and bungalow suites nestled in the hotel's tropical grounds ooze romance and sophistication.
Guests have access to a full service spa and restaurant focused on cuisine prepared using classic French techniques with a California-coastal twist. Executive Chef Leo Andres Ayala uses locally sourced produce to create a delightful menu to be savoured by guests in the dining room, lounge, wine room, bar or even under the stars on the terrace. The resort even makes its own Belmond El Encanto cheese from milk provided by Ellie, their very own resident cow.
Downtown Santa Barbara is just minutes from Belmond El Encanto’s secluded perch. This charming city offers an array of leisure activities from cultural pursuits and historic landmarks to leisure sports and outdoor adventures. Wander around the shops and galleries. Admire the gardens and zoo. Indulge in gourmet dining. Stroll through the wine country. Take a boat trip out to the Channel Islands to see dolphins and kayak azure waters in secluded coves.
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Top tip:
To explore the wine country, we can organise private drivers and guides to take you to boutique wineries, larger pinot or chardonnay producers, to meet master sommeliers or to some chosen wine-tasting bodegas complete with picnic lunch.
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Location
Santa Barbara Hills, Santa Barbara, California, United States of America
15-minutes from Santa Barbara Municipal Airport and 1-hour and 50-minutes from Los Angeles International Airport.
It is an 11-hour 20-minute direct flight from London to Los Angeles, with British Airways or Virgin Atlantic. Santa Barbara is located just 2-hours driving distance North of Los Angeles (LAX airport).
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![Classic Wine Tour in Santa Barbara]()
Read moreExplore Santa Barbara's Wine Country
Explore the picturesque Santa Barbara wine country at your own pace, visiting a selection of renowned wineries which can be found dotted amongst rolling vineyards. Whatever your taste in wine there is plenty to satisfy your palate here.
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![Santa Barbara wine country - Wine Trail]()
Read moreIndulge on the Urban Wine Trail
Created by a group of like-minded wineries, the Urban Wine Trail offers both novices and aficionados the opportunity to learn about and taste wines of many different varieties and styles crafted from Santa Barbara County’s best vineyards.
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![Horse Riding]()
Read morePrivate Horseback Beach Ride
Soak in breathtaking views as you embark on a guided horseback ride along Santa Barbara’s sun-drenched coastline.
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![Surfing]()
Read morePrivate Surfing Lesson
Dive into the clear blue waters of the Pacific Ocean as you head to one of Santa Barbara’s best surfing spots for a private surfing lesson.
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![Yoga]()
Read morePrivately Guided Yoga Session in a Santa Ynez Vineyard
Submerged in the Santa Ynez vineyard let the power of yoga rejuvenate your soul as you embark on a private mindfulness yoga class followed with an organic picnic lunch and wine tasting!
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![Vineyards - Santa Barbara Aerial Tour]()
Read moreSanta Barbara Aerial Wine Tour
This unforgettable experience takes you high above the Santa Barbara coastline in a private cessna aircraft for spectacular views. Then touch down for wine tastings and a delicious gourmet lunch in the vineyards.
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![Horseback Ride - Santa Barbara Beach Ride]()
Read moreSanta Barbara Beach Ride
Take to the beach on an unforgettable sunset horse ride along the golden sands of Santa Barbara. With the ocean to one side and swaying palms on the other, a beach ride promises to be one of those California experiences you will always remember.
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![Santa Barbara Wharf]()
Read moreYour free family time in Santa Barbara - Scott Dunn suggests
Santa Barbara's climate and wine country is enough to capture adult imaginations but there's also lots of fun to be had for the children from the planetarium, the Ty Warner Sea Center, Santa Barbara's Sailing Club and Hendry's Beach for sand castles.
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![Santa Barbara - Pacific Coastin' in Santa Barbara]()
Read moreYour free time in Santa Barbara - Scott Dunn suggests
Santa Barbara is the 'American Riviera' with a beautiful sunny climate and Pacific Ocean breeze. Get out on the water by catamaran, see whales and dolphins around the Channel Island National Park and cycle along the palm-lined promenade on a cruiser.
