El Encanto
Old Hollywood hillside hideaway — unhurried, understated, and genuinely beautiful. Spanish Colonial meets California Craftsman. Winding garden paths, a lily pond, a trellis-covered arbor. Feels more like a private estate than a hotel.
Sunday brunch on the terrace is worth engineering your trip around — live jazz, ocean views, Dungeness crab eggs Benedict and pulled pork huevos rancheros.
Why It Matters
The only Forbes Five Star resort on the American Riviera. Operating since 1918 and restored to peak condition after a multi-year, multi-million-dollar renovation. It has hosted U.S. presidents and Hollywood royalty — yet the pace here remains deliberately slow and the tone is never flashy.
El Encanto has been a fixture on Santa Barbara's hillside since 1918. Set on 7 acres of terraced gardens above the city, the property spread across 32 California Craftsman and Spanish Colonial bungalows houses 92 rooms — each one a private retreat with hardwood floors, marble bathrooms, and heated stone floors. The infinity pool looks straight out over the Pacific. Down in town is a 10-minute walk; the American Riviera just feels like a different world.
Where You'll Stay
15 room types available
Camellia Suite
1,100 sq ft one-bedroom suite with a fully equipped kitchenette and dining table for four. Private patio surrounded by camellia blooms, fireplace sitting room, and marble bathroom with double vanities and deep soaking tub.
King · 102 sqm
Deluxe Double
The family-friendly option. 520–660 sq ft with two double beds, garden views, and a full marble bathroom with heated floors, soaking tub, rain shower, and double vanities. Sleeps 4.
2 Double beds · 55 sqmDeluxe King
Generously sized garden-facing rooms ranging 450–690 sq ft, scattered across the resort grounds. Timeless design, hardwood floors, marble bathroom. Most include a deep soaking tub and walk-in rain shower.
King · 53 sqmGarden Bungalow
One-bedroom suites (655–670 sq ft) physically separated from the main building for added privacy. Grand open-plan layout with fireplace, spa-inspired marble bathroom, and a large furnished patio surrounded by flowering gardens.
King · 62 sqmHummingbird Suite
800 sq ft signature suite with a separate living room anchored by a fireplace and a secluded garden patio. Marble bathroom with heated floors, dual vanities, soaking tub, and walk-in rain shower. One of the best options for guests wanting genuine seclusion.
King · 74 sqmOak Tree Suite
The largest accommodation on the property at 1,650 sq ft. A two-bedroom cottage with king beds in each room, two marble bathrooms, a wood-burning fireplace, and a fully appointed kitchenette. The private courtyard has an outdoor fireplace, dining area, and fountain.
2 King beds · 153 sqmOne-Bedroom Suite
King bedroom plus a separate living room in 540–735 sq ft. Marble bathroom with heated floors, soaking tub, and rain shower. Thoughtful touches include complimentary wine split. Some suites connect.
King · 59 sqmPremier King
Centrally positioned in the resort, 540–655 sq ft with a romantic in-room fireplace, hardwood floors, and a marble bathroom with heated floors, deep soaking tub, and walk-in rain shower.
King · 56 sqmSuperior King
The entry-level room at El Encanto, and still genuinely spacious by most standards. Spanish Colonial design with plush furnishings, hardwood floors, and garden views. Most have a separate soaking tub and walk-in rain shower.
King · 40 sqmTerrace King
Bright, garden-facing rooms with a private furnished patio — good for morning coffee. Ranging 410–540 sq ft, with hardwood floors and marble bathroom with heated stone floors.
King · 44 sqmTerrace Premier King
Oversized rooms in the 540–730 sq ft range with a fireplace, sitting area, and private furnished patio or balcony. Marble bathroom with heated floors, soaking tub, rain shower, and dual vanities.
King · 59 sqmTerrace Premier Suite
600–800 sq ft with a fireplace, separate living area, and furnished patio or balcony with sweeping garden views. Marble bathroom with double vanities, walk-in rain shower, and oversized soaking tub. Select suites offer accessibility features.
King · 65 sqmTerrace Suite
535–650 sq ft with a separate living room (sofa bed included), hardwood floors, and a private furnished patio or balcony. Good for solo travelers or couples who want that dedicated living space.
King · 55 sqmVista Suite
830 sq ft with a full kitchen, dining room for four, and private lawn. Fireplace sitting area, marble bathroom with oversized soaking tub and walk-in rain shower. The private lawn is a genuine differentiator.
King · 77 sqmWishing Well Suite
900 sq ft specialty suite with a fireplace sitting area opening to a private furnished terrace. Kitchenette, dining area for four, and a marble bathroom with soaking tub and rain shower. The desk nook and kitchenette make it well-suited for longer stays.
King · 84 sqmThe Property
Eat & Drink
3 venues on property
Restaurant
Spa & Wellness
Treatment Menu
On Property
How you'll actually spend your days.
Bikes available for all guests at no charge. Useful for the ride down to the beach and State Street.
Guided mountain bike adventures through Santa Barbara's coastal terrain. Designed for all levels.
Private beach rides along the shoreline and scenic trail rides along coastal bluffs. Children's Horse Encounters also available, plus arena jumping for experienced riders.
A curated schedule of on-property daily activities included with each stay. Specific activities rotate but typically include guided garden walks, wellness sessions, and cultural programming.
In partnership with the Santa Barbara Sailing Center. Sail the Santa Barbara coast on a private yacht. Options for romance, family adventure, or solo escapes.
Personalized surf instruction along the Pacific. All skill levels welcome.
Personalized instruction with the club's top teaching professionals via an exclusive hotel partnership. Sessions tailored to ability level. A second pro can be added for groups of 5+.
A privately guided excursion into Santa Barbara wine country in partnership with Coastal Concierge. Guests visit private estates for exclusive tastings hosted by the winemakers themselves, with access to small-lot and allocation wines not available to the public.
Amenities & Practical Info
The details that matter for planning.
9,820 sq ft of indoor and outdoor event space. Includes a 3,000 sq ft ballroom (divisible into two), four indoor meeting rooms, a boardroom with ocean views, and outdoor patio and garden locations.
State-of-the-art fitness studio open 24/7 with Technogym treadmills, bikes, elliptical machines, Kinesis Stations, and Peloton bikes. Fitness classes including HIIT and yoga scheduled daily.
The restored trellis-lined arbor and lily pond are original historic features from the estate. Winding brick-paved paths thread through 7 acres of manicured gardens.
Valet parking available on-site. Complimentary with the Road to Riviera package.
All pets welcome for a flat fee of $175. Hotel provides pet beds, food and water bowls, and a gourmet pet menu.
A heated zero-edge freshwater pool on the hilltop with panoramic Pacific Ocean views. Surrounded by a sun deck with lounge chairs and umbrellas. Poolside service available.
Personalized concierge assistance for dining, activities, and experiences booking.
Complimentary shuttle service between the hotel and the beach.
BUILD YOUR EL ENCANTO PLAN
Rooms, dining, spa, and resort experiences — organized into one trip plan.
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