Belmond El Encanto
Santa Barbara Hills, Santa Barbara, California, United States of America
At a Glance
Newly renovated bungalows and suites
The Dining room and Terrace are the most perfect spots for sundowners as the sun dips down into the Pacific Ocean in the distance
Take a dip in the zero edge pool and unwind on a sun lounger while gazing out to the Pacific Ocean
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
Take one of the complimentary electric bikes down to downtown Santa Barbara for a spot of shopping or a visit to the beach
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Best time to Visit
Good time to visit
Average time to visit
The coastal climate of Santa Barbara is always a enjoyable surprise to the first-time visitor. This is particularly true during the winter months – roughly from October through March. Santa Barbara is a "get out in the sunshine and fresh air" place, with all the activities that it implies. A short drive into the Santa Ynez Wine Region (some 40-minutes out of town) the temperature is always around 10 degrees warmer without the ocean breezes.
Towering mountains, very close to the sea, shelter the coastal strip from inland heat and cold. The result is a comfortable year-round average temperature of 64 degrees, with an average maximum of 74 and an average minimum of 56 degrees.
All this means there is no "off-season" in Santa Barbara with sunshine all year round but the warmest months without morning fog and with higher temperatures July through October are often the best months.
Insider's View
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.
Enjoy high tea daily in the lounge
Be sure to utilise the complimentary house car service, which will conveniently take you to restaurants and boutique shops in the heart of Santa Barbara.
The wine selection at the restaurant is incredible and the food here is very consistent with the most amazing views, especially at sunset!
To start planning your holiday to Belmond El Encanto
Description
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.
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.
Accommodation
Accommodation is split into four categories at Belmond El Encanto, there are Bungalows, Bungalow Suites, Luxury Suites and Speciality Suites, creating ten options from which to select your perfect residence.
All accommodations feature a sumptous beds, large writing desks, a marble bathroom, heated stone flooring, deep soak or free standing bathtub, wide screen LCD HDTV, iPod dock and honour bar.
Childcare
Whilst Belmond El Encanto does not offer any child specific facilities, bungalow suites with pull out sofa beds lend themselves to families with younger children and babysitting can be arranged through the concierge.
Facilities
Nestled between the Pacific Ocean and the rolling hills of Santa Barbara’s wine country, The Spa draws from the surrounding landscape to create signature soothing treatments. Set across seven treatment rooms, guests can take advantage of soothing water therapies in the special wet treatment room, or unwind together in the romantic couples' room. The Spa also features a relaxation lounge, showers, steam rooms and private lockers and each treatment concludes with a selection of detoxifying teas on the patio.
For wellness, whether you’re into Pilates, yoga, core fitness or boot camp, the Fitness Studio features a variety of classes to ensure that you stay in shape. You’ll also find cutting-edge cardio equipment, a TRX training system and Kinesis fitness products.
Activities
Santa Barbara is home to magnificent mountains and beaches perfect for hiking, horseback riding, scuba diving and golf. Venture into the Santa Ynez Valley, home to Santa Barbara's wineries of which there are over 90 to choose from. It's always around 10 degrees warmer in the Valley, making it an excellent day-trip if waking up on a foggy morning on the coast. In the valley is Los Olivos, a quaint arty community with galleries and charming wine tasting rooms, whilst Solvang offers a delightful mix of tree-lined roads and has plenty of stores for gifts as well as wonderful bakeries.
Reviews
Georgina Robertson (Staff)
Whether it is the impeccable service, the soaring views of the ocean and city from the infinity swimming pool or the gorgeous well-kept gardens, Belmond El Encanto really does provide a truly unforgettable experience. The property is tucked away on the top of hills overlooking Santa Barbara and is extremely peaceful yet charming.
Lucie Polwin (Staff)
This secluded property offers a truly relaxing and luxurious experience. Although not walkable, the complementary electric bikes and shuttle mean that Downtown Santa Barbara is still easily accessible. The outdoor infinity swimming pool is the perfect spot for families or couples to relax whilst enjoying stunning views over Santa Barbara.
Experiences
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Explore 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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Indulge 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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Santa 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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Santa 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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Your 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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Your 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.
Holiday Ideas
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California Honeymoon
San Francisco, Napa, Big Sur, Santa Barbara & Los Angeles
from £5600 pp inc flights & transfers for 14 nights
- Fantastic for summer time or for Easter and early Autumn for best value and less crowds
- Drive the iconic Pacific Highway from San Francisco to Los Angeles
- Romantic and luxurious accommodation throughout
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California In Style
San Francisco, Sonoma Valley, Big Sur, Santa Barbara, Los Angeles
from £8600 pp inc flights & transfers for 13 nights
- California in ultimate style - perfect for a honeymoon, couples getaway or once-in-a-lifetime experience
- Visit May through to November - best in September for less crowds
- Dose up on the culture in San Francisco and Los Angeles
Location & directions
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.
How to get there
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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