El Encanto, A Belmond Hotel

This is the ideal get away if you want a quiet beautiful California hotel with impeccable service, excellent food, a stunning pool set among acres of perfect gardens.

Arriving to the property there is an immediate feeling that your are someplace incredible. A perfect blend of size and space with beautiful landscaping and architecture. This is not a hotel or resort, but instead something unique and special. A truly lovely place that hits all the senses! You will want to return over and over again!

My wife and I enjoyed a wonderful getaway to El Encanto - Our room was well appointed, clean, and comfortable with a beautiful view of the property and the distant ocean. Service on the property was impeccable, and elevated our entire stay by making us feel like the most important guest every time we needed help or simply stepped foot into the lobby and lounge. The property was not crowded which lent to a secluded, boutique feel. We will certainly return and recommend the property to others. Other thoughts: The spa is surprisingly nice, and has steam room and showers available for free usage. The fitness room has a nice mix of machines, peloton bikes (one with clips, one with saddles for tennis shoes), and a separate room with open yoga/stretching area. Bottled water (aluminum bottles) is provided in abundance, and snacks, tea, and coffee are available on property at various times during the day and in certain locations (such as small snacks in the fitness area). I don't write reviews often, but El Encanto was worth the time. Thank you for a wonderful and memorable trip.

There are resorts, and then there are resorts that make you wish you could stay forever. El Encanto is one of those resorts. Santa Barbara is a frequent and favorite destination for my wife and I. On our most recent trip, we were there for a few days and decided to treat ourselves to something new. As we slowly wound up the streets on the east side of Santa Barbara, it became clear that this visit would be something special. From the moment we were greeted at our car, we started to feel at ease. The grounds were stunningly beautiful, with a mix of traditional Spanish Santa Barbara and a clean Craftsmen touch. The perfect California pair. Arriving at our room, we were refreshed with an open, airy feeling, surrounded by space and natural materials, with a terrace view that looked out over the city and all the way to the islands. The room was both open and cozy, an expert combination informed by the choice of materials and colors; a true retreat. Every morning walk to breakfast was a delight, every meal something to savor. We enjoyed breakfast and dinner, and if we didn't have appointments in town, we may have preferred never to leave the resort. We were indeed charmed by El Encanto... we can't wait to return.

From check-in to check-out, every thoughtful moment curated by the staff and property were luxurious and beautiful. Clean, Friendly, Gorgeous.