The Hotel
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.
The Original Hollywood Getaway
Following our opening on New Year’s Eve 1918 and throughout the following century, we’ve welcomed the most celebrated names from the silver screen. Clark Gable, Hedy Lamarr, Carole Lombard and more have all sought out luxurious privacy among the elegant suites and bungalows of El Encanto.
Then and now, luminaries visit our alluring oasis to escape the noise of city life – a breezy hideaway for the creatively inclined.
Lush Gardens
Lush Gardens
Across seven acres, the lush terraced gardens of El Encanto provide an intimate connection to nature and a sense of joy and calm – a restful deviation from city life.
Our centuries-old lily pond, lined with vines of wisteria, is a charming spot where you can spot turtles alongside other teeming wildlife. Wandering through the gardens, you’ll be greeted with the sweet scent and kaleidoscopic color of neroli, roses, jasmine, lavender, succulents, aloe and much more.
Ruby Throated hummingbirds magically levitate and dart throughout the plants, while winter sees a kaleidoscope of Monarch butterflies, which have migrated to El Encanto’s lush gardens for decades.
Lush Gardens
Lush Gardens
Across seven acres, the lush terraced gardens of El Encanto provide an intimate connection to nature and a sense of joy and calm – a restful deviation from city life.
Our centuries-old lily pond, lined with vines of wisteria, is a charming spot where you can spot turtles alongside other teeming wildlife. Wandering through the gardens, you’ll be greeted with the sweet scent and kaleidoscopic color of neroli, roses, jasmine, lavender, succulents, aloe and much more.
Ruby Throated hummingbirds magically levitate and dart throughout the plants, while winter sees a kaleidoscope of Monarch butterflies, which have migrated to El Encanto’s lush gardens for decades.
Lush Gardens
Lush Gardens
Across seven acres, the lush terraced gardens of El Encanto provide an intimate connection to nature and a sense of joy and calm – a restful deviation from city life.
Our centuries-old lily pond, lined with vines of wisteria, is a charming spot where you can spot turtles alongside other teeming wildlife. Wandering through the gardens, you’ll be greeted with the sweet scent and kaleidoscopic color of neroli, roses, jasmine, lavender, succulents, aloe and much more.
Ruby Throated hummingbirds magically levitate and dart throughout the plants, while winter sees a kaleidoscope of Monarch butterflies, which have migrated to El Encanto’s lush gardens for decades.
At a glance
- ACCOMMODATION 90 suites, bungalows and rooms
- DINING Restaurant, bar and lounge
- FEATURES The Spa, zero-edge pool and 7-acre garden
- ACTIVITIES Watersports including cave diving, polo, wineries
- EVENTS Indoor and outdoor event spaces for meetings, weddings and conferences
- LOCATION 9 miles from Santa Barbara airport, 97 miles from Los Angeles airport
Explore
Every step brings a new discovery
SANTA BARBARA
Swimming Pool
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.
The pool is open every day from 11am to 5pm. The pool menu will be available for our guests during these hours.
Getting Around
Courtesy local transportation
Travel around town in style. Our Mercedes-Benz Sprinter is on hand to take you anywhere you want within a five-mile radius. Visit Santa Barbara’s must-see spots, or head to the celebrated restaurants in Montecito.
Bicycle Hire
Take one of our complimentary bicycles and explore the local area at your leisure. Take a scenic ride over to the Santa Barbara Mission, or head down hill to explore State Street and the waterfront.
Fitness Studio
Treat your workout routine to a fresh new scene at El Encanto's state-of-the-art Fitness Studio.
Cardio enthusiasts can choose from an array of Technogym treadmills, exercise bikes and ellipticals. Or switch to strength-building exercises with Technogym's exciting line of Kinesis Stations.
The Fitness Studio offers a wealth of classes, from heart-pumping cardio to classic sun salutations. Personal training is also available on request.
The Fitness Center is available 24 hours a day
PERFECT POOCHES
Everyone in the family can enjoy the lap of luxury at El Encanto, including your adorable canine. As you relax on your sun-soaked private terrace, your sweet pup can join in on the fun with a gourmet canine meal, made with veterinarian-approved ingredients.
For your Stay
For your Stay
We’re delighted to reopen the doors of El Encanto and warmly welcome you back to our iconic retreat in the Santa Barbara hills. In light of the COVID-19 pandemic, we wish to reassure you that your safety and wellbeing are our highest priority. We have put careful new protocols in place, ensuring you can continue to enjoy the pleasures of our hideaway with confidence.
This includes replacing some of the materials in your room with virtual services.
Useful information to enhance your stay:
Health and safety | Property directory | In-room dining menu | Mini bar menu | TV channel guide | Property map