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.
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
Entrance
Our Hillside Perch
The Lounge Bar
Savor and Socialize
The Dining Room
Dawn ‘til Dusk
The Terrace
Glass Half Full
The Spa
…and Relax
Private Event & Meeting Rooms
Envious Events
Pool
Sunny Santa Barbara
Fitness Studio
Heart Racing
Arbor & Lily Pond
Flower Power
Wishing Well
Fingers Crossed
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.
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 hotel shuttle 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.
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.