Seasons in Bloom
Al Fresco Activitiesin Santa Barbara
At El Encanto, A Belmond Hotel, Santa Barbara, you’re never far from the feeling of serenity. Nestled above the Pacific Ocean in the foothills of the Santa Ynez Mountains, it is a place where wellness, luxury and vitality go hand-in-hand with the natural world. Visit us for Seasons in Bloom, a year-long program offering immersive, garden-themed activities that celebrate our intimate connection with the natural world.
Botanical Afternoon Tea
Head to the Santa Barbara hills for an afternoon tea with a botanical twist, crafted with the Ojai-based ceremonial tea brand Magic Hour. Expect custom-blended teas, fragrant herbs and adaptogens designed for your sun sign. Sample seasonal delights featuring ingredients hand-picked by the Chef, with delectable treats such as smoked salmon mousse with lemon-zested crème fraiche, fresh rosemary scones with strawberry basil jam, and lavender macarons.
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A Charming Picnic Amongst the Gardens
Enjoy a private picnic provided by our skilled culinary team, while taking in stunning Channel Islands views and native plant landscapes at Santa Barbara Botanic Garden. The beautifully styled picnic will feature plush cushions, charming fringed umbrellas and a low-set table featuring a stunning tablescape with lush floral arrangements. Download menu
Make an enquiryBehind the Scenes of the Santa Barbara Botanic Gardens
Meet with Santa Barbara Botanic Gardens’ Executive Director, Steve Windhager, Ph.D., and gain backstage access to the Garden’s Pritzlaff Conservation Center. This exclusive tour is one of the best things to do in Santa Barbara, and will include exciting interactions within the center’s working labs and a peek at Santa Barbara Botanic Gardens’ extensive herbarium collection.
Make an enquiryLocally Crafted Cuisine
El Encanto’s new Executive Chef, Conny Andersson, has developed an indulgent selection of new dishes of mountain and sea provenance at the property’s restaurant. Passionate about cuisine created with a plant-based philosophy, ingredients are hand-picked from El Encanto’s garden, from basil, lavender, sage and rosemary to fresh fruits such as oranges, limes, peaches and apricots. Additionally, El Encanto will be activating the organic Chef’s Garden throughout the spring, where guests can enjoy seasonal dishes surrounded by regeneratively farmed beds of all local vegetables grown on property.
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