El Encanto, Santa Barbara
Santa Barbara, California, United States · Virtuoso · 2026 benefits
Located in the hills of Santa Barbara’s American Riviera, El Encanto is the city’s most storied luxury hideaway. A member of Leading Hotels of the World, the property offers 90 individually styled California bungalows and suites set across seven acres of terraced gardens with panoramic views of Santa Barbara and the Pacific Ocean. Guests enjoy a zero-edge outdoor pool, boutique spa, and access to bicycles, fitness classes, and wellness programming. El Encanto’s signature restaurant, The Dining Room and Terrace, is helmed by Chef Joel Viehland and features fresh, seasonal cuisine inspired by California’s Central Coast. Additional offerings include a private Wine Room for intimate events and…
Perched high in the hills above Santa Barbara, El Encanto is a timeless coastal retreat where sweeping ocean views, lush gardens, and quiet luxury come together effortlessly. Since 1918, this Forbes Five-Star hideaway has welcomed guests with its signature blend of elegance and ease, offering 90 bungalow-style rooms and suites designed for rest, romance, and connection. From sunlit mornings on the terrace to golden afternoons by the pool, El Encanto invites you to slow down, savor the moment, and experience Santa Barbara at its most enchanting.
What you get booking it through us (2026 benefits)
- Upgrade on arrival, subject to availability
- Daily breakfast credit of $45 per person, for up to two guests per bedroom, served in the restaurant and via in-room dining (credit is non-cumulative)
- $100 USD equivalent Resort or Hotel credit to be utilized during stay (not combinable, not valid on room rate, no cash value if not redeemed in full
- Early Check-In / Late Check-Out, subject to availability
These are the Virtuoso benefits on file for this property, on top of the hotel's own best flexible rate — not a discount and not a package. How the benefit stack compares to booking direct.
Current offers
- Stay A Little Longer — through 2026-12-31 · Our tranquil hillside retreat is hard to leave, so why not linger a little longer? Enjoy a complimentary fourth night when you book a minimum of three consecutive nights.
- Road to Riviera — through 2026-12-31 · Make the most of your stay with complimentary valet parking and a food & beverage credit while taking in the beauty of the American Riviera. Complimentary daily valet parking $90.00 Food & Beverage credit
- Riviera Reserve — through 2026-12-31 · Plan ahead and enjoy exclusive savings on your next El Encanto escape. Reserve your stay in advance, pay now, and delight in preferred rates on our serene hillside in the American Riviera Nonrefundable full prepayment charged upon booking
In the know
If you’re traveling with a small group, celebrating a family reunion, or planning an intimate wedding, consider reserving one of our signature suites. With spacious terraces, multiple rooms, and sweep
The property, in facts
| Where | 800 Alvarado Place, Santa Barbara, California, United States |
|---|---|
| Category | Spa / Wellness Resort |
| Property type | Hotel or Resort |
| Rooms | 90 |
| Room types | 11 |
| Nearest airport | Municipal (SBA) · 7 miles |
| Advisor programme | Virtuoso |
| Style | Casual |
| Known for | Local Immersion, Seclusion, Wellness |
Rooms and suites
- Garden Bungalow — Reserve Now Enjoy the privacy of your own free-standing bungalow with these spacious accommodations featuring generous furnished patios and romantic gas…
- Terrace Premier Suite — These spectacular suites average 700 sq. ft. and offer the perfect combination of comfort and convenience. Located throughout the resort's prestine grounds,…
- One Bedroom Suite — Reserve Now Pamper yourself with a deep soaking bathtub and separate living space. Averaging 600 square feet, these comfortable suites provide luxurious…
- Terrace Suite — Reserve Now Averaging 600 square feet, these suites are an ideal vantage to set your scene at Belmond El Encanto. The beautiful garden setting affords the…
- Specialty Suite — Reserve Now Each of these spectacular suites is excitingly different and serves as a perfect romantic retreat. Located throughout the resort's prestine…
- Terrace Premier King — Reserve Now Revel in Belmond El Encanto's largest non-suite accommodations featuring both a fireplace and patio/terrace. Ideally located throughout the…
In the room
Air Conditioning · Balcony/Lanai/Terrace · Bathrobe · Coffee/Tea Maker · Complimentary Newspaper · Connecting Rooms · Fireplace · Hair Dryer · Internet Access · Iron/Ironing Board · Kitchenette · Microwave · Non-Smoking · Refrigerator · Safe · Sitting Area · Slippers · Turn Down Service · Voicemail · Wheelchair Accessible
What advisors say
92% of the 39 Virtuoso advisors who have filed a review of this property recommend it. Those reviews are collected by Virtuoso from advisors who have stayed, not by us and not from the public.
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