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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.

Resort map

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.

At a glance

  • ACCOMMODATION 92 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

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Entrance

Our Hillside Perch

In our Spanish Colonial Revival walls, draped in bougainvillea, is where your story begins. Join a long list of star-studded guests at our American Riviera utopia.

The Riviera Bar & Lounge

Savor and Socialize

Whether you want to sample an inventive cocktail or sip on a chilled Viognier, here you can meet old friends, or make new ones.

The Dining Room

Dawn ‘til Dusk

Sustainable seafood is paired with homegrown herbs and cheese made with milk produced by our own cow. Farm-to-table coastal cuisine reigns supreme.

The Terrace

Glass Half Full

Watch out for woodpeckers, cranes and monarch butterflies swirling in the heady summer air as you sip on your drink of choice. Ours is a Santa Ynez Syrah.

The Spa

…and Relax

Let us pamper you as the refreshing scent of eucalyptus drifts through the air. In our spacious spa, all treatments are inspired by nature’s healing powers.

Private Event & Meeting Rooms

Envious Events

Steeped in charisma and charm, our breezy hillside location will make your event even more special. Pacific-facing gardens and an expansive terrace await.

Pool

Sunny Santa Barbara

300 days of sunshine a year provide the perfect excuse for a dip. Swim in our zero-edge pool while gazing out at the Pacific Ocean.

Fitness Studio

Heart Racing

Whether you’re hot for hiking or yearning for yoga, we have a class for you. Need guidance? Just request a one-to-one session with our in-house instructor.

Arbor & Lily Pond

Flower Power

A quiet walk in this peaceful paradise does wonders. Our century-old, wisteria-lined pond is as pretty as a picture.

Wishing Well

Fingers Crossed

Older than the building itself, our mystical wishing well could make all your dreams come true. Worth a chance, isn’t it?

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Outdoor infinity pool surrounded by sun beds and blue parasols

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.

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Getting Around

A pier viewed from the water, with the Santa Barbara hills beyond

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.

Electric bike with wicker basket leaning against white bungalow steps

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.

Hotel garden path surrounded by lush succulents and tall palms

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

Download the brochure F
a white dog at el encanto

PERFECT POOCHES

Everyone in the family can enjoy the lap of luxury at El Encanto, including your adorable canine. As you relax your sun-soaked private terrace, your sweet pup can join in on the fun with a gourmet canine meal, made with veterinarian-approved ingredients.

View the menu P

PLEASE CHOOSE YOUR LANGUAGE

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