Experiences
Savor the sun-splashed sights of Santa Barbara
Boutique wineries, coastal sailing trips, polo matches: there’s a vast array of things to do in Santa Barbara. Whatever your dream Californian adventure, El Encanto is the perfect gateway into the golden state.
Lunch With An Author
Our alluring oasis has long been a magnet for the creatively inspired. The new literary club celebrates this history, inviting notable authors and writers to bring their inspiring perspectives and love for old and new books to new generations.
Includes a signed copy of the novel, three-course lunch, coffee and tea, complimentary valet parking. Price: $95 per person, 12pm to 2pm.
- May 7: Emily Franklin, "The Lioness of Boston"
- June 4: TC Boyle, "Blue Skies"
- Jul 2: Annie Barrows, "The Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Pie Society"
- Aug 6: Steven Rowley, "The Guncle Abroad"
- Sep 3: Jan Carson, "Quickly, While They Still Have Horses"
- Oct 1: Dani Shapiro, "Signal Fires"
- Nov 12: Gillian Flynn, "Gone Girl"
Harmony of The Senses
Choose Your Own Wellbeing Journey
Discover the healing power of tranquility with a customizable day retreat of workshops and spa treatments.
In collaboration with holistic experts, PALMA Colectiva, our Harmony of the Senses custom retreats offer sensory-inspired wellness surrounded by the natural beauty of the Santa Barbara coastline.
Workshops and treatments include:
‣ Your choice of a daily signature massage or facial ‣ Touch: Rejuvenating treatment with Linda Ross ‣ Scent: Healing lavender plant workshop ‣ Sound: Sound bath and Reiki ‣ Taste: Peruvian cacao ceremony and meditation ‣ Sight: Restorative black light yoga
Harmony of The Senses
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50 Shades of Pinot
The full-bodied richness and variety of red wine makes it a thrilling medium for artistic expression. Discover the nuance in shade and depth under the guidance of a wine painting expert as you create your own masterful painting with hues of gold, pink and burgundy.
The experience takes place at the Lily Pond or in the privacy of your own patio. You'll also have your own glasses of wine by local vintners to sip and enjoy during the experience—a perfect way to tap into your creative spirit.
Beginner and advanced levels welcome. Advanced booking recommended.
50 Shades of Pinot
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Alfresco movie night
Here’s looking at you, kid: watch your favorite stars under the stars with an alfresco movie screening. Relax on your private terrace and tuck in to popcorn, artisanal candies and mocktails. A celestial atmosphere awaits.
Alfresco movie night
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Artisanal picnic baskets
Whether you’re pining for a Maine lobster roll or Bento-style fare, El Encanto's gourmet picnic baskets are perfect for a lazy afternoon.
Take your delectable meal to the historic Santa Barbara Mission. Head to the California coast. Or enjoy an exclusive visit to Lotusland, a local hidden gem of botanical gardens in Montecito. In our grounds, pair your picnic with lawn games at the Lily Pond and Arbor. Sit comfortably by the wishing well, or on the terrace of your private cottage.
Artisanal picnic baskets
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Four-Day Santa Barbara Discovery
Experience the wonders of Santa Barbara from El Encanto. Our local experts have put together an unforgettable four-night itinerary to show you the very best of the American Riviera. Anticipate outdoor adventures, a toast to the Wine Trail and leisurely bike rides along the shore.
Four-Day Santa Barbara Discovery
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The Lotusland Experience
Ganna Walska Lotusland is a captivating botanical collection across 37-acres of weaving pathways and enchanting gardens.
Spend a whimsical afternoon exploring the cacti formations and exotic flowers. Delve beneath the surface of this horticultural nirvana and marvel at the rare flora that call it home.
Advanced booking necessary.
The Lotusland Experience
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Terroir Tour
Experience the best of Santa Barbara Wine Country with this custom winemaker's tour.
Visit winemakers such as Luna Hart, Story of Soil, Donnachadh Vineyards and Stolpman Vineyards, to name a few. Then enjoy a curated wine and culinary experience crafted exclusively for our guests.
Terroir Tour
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Central Coast Ranch to Winery
Embark on a ranch to winery journey at the renowned Fess Parker estate and connect with the finest landscape and produce on the Central Coast.
Enjoy a scenic breakfast before being whisked away from El Encanto by private car to the Santa Ynez Valley. Then take a 75-minute horseback trek through the valley, arriving at Fess Parker Winery. Savor a delectable wine tasting, accompanied by an irresistible cheeseboard spread and enjoy the gift of a bottle of Fess Parker pinot noir to take home.
Return to El Encanto for the ultimate wind down—a soothing spa massage and a glass of bubbles.
Central Coast Ranch to Winery
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Virtual Mandala Sessions with Renate Hume
Regain balance and find your spiritual center with a virtual healing Mandala session with celebrated counselor, artist and author Renate C. Hume. Connect to your authentic self through mandala creation and readings, channel your creative energy and find a new path to self-discovery.
Virtual Mandala Sessions with Renate Hume
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Virtual Life Journey Coaching with Renate Hume
Take a personal journey inward and discover the answers to your questions on purpose, direction and overall wellbeing. Join our personal life coach, Renate Hume for this uplifting and clarifying experience. A unique opportunity for guided reflection, these virtual sessions are particularly powerful at times of transition and uncertainty.
Choose from an individual online session with Renate, or a joint online session with Renate and your partner and prepare for a new look on life.
Available daily, 9am-6pm. Reserve at least 48 hours in advance.
Virtual Life Journey Coaching with Renate Hume
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Experiences at El Encanto
More to Discover
Wineries
Explore Santa Barbara’s Urban Wine Trail via a series of nearby tasting rooms.
Or journey to Santa Ynez Valley, just a 30-minute drive away. Here you’ll find more than 270 wineries producing regional favorites including Pinot Noir and Chardonnay.
Wineries
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Outdoor Adventures
California is a world-class sporting destination, and for good reason. Experience the ridges and bluffs of the Santa Ynez Mountains. Grab a surfboard and head down to Rincon Point. For something more leisurely, paddle board along the coast at sunset. Ask our concierge about local golfing ranges—there’s no shortage of scenic options.
Outdoor Adventures
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Shopping
Of all the indulgent things to do in Santa Barbara, a little boutique browsing is essential.
Take one of our complimentary electric bikes into fashionable downtown Santa Barbara. Discover independent labels and artisanal souvenirs, or simply window shop as you soak up the sun.
Shopping
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Prefer to talk? You can call us on 1 805 845 5800