Elite Traveler Spring 2021

Belmond El Encanto SANTA BARBARA, CALIFORNIA, USA

Belmond has led the way in pulling out all the stops for years, and this Santa Barbara jewel replete with winding pathways, charming bungalows and glittering views of the Pacific is, perhaps, one of the brand’s greatest assets. Like the Inn at Rancho Santa Fe or La Valencia in San Diego, Belmond El Encanto is one of those great old California hotels that oozes history throughout: FDR and Clark Gable stayed here in their heydays, and Hollywood’s A-List still escape to its dramatic hilltop. The first thing you see as you enter the property is the ocean stretching for an eternity beyond the restaurant terrace. The resort has country club vibes, yet is still relaxed and not at all stuffy. Stylistically, it’s on the traditional side with modern touches — a cascade of butterflies covers one wall in homage to the hotel’s location on the butterfly migration path. There is an envy-inducing infinity pool overlooking lush landscaped gardens and a lily pond, which is home to local turtles. There are precisely 92 rooms and suites here, but staying in style in one of El Encanto’s cottages is ideal for families. Two-, three- and four- bedroom chic shacks, dressed in creams, pale greens and all shades of beige, are yours to play with. The Pacific mountainscapes are a real draw, along with bathrooms decorated in rich marbles, with spacious tubs and separate shower rooms. The prim lawn, outdoor dining space and charming porch gives the cottage that extra special dose of Hollywood glam, too. Though you are welcome to enjoy seafood-centric fare in the hotel restaurant, all your food (breakfast, lunch, dinner and 24-hour snacks) can be brought to and prepared in the comfort of your home-away-from-home at your leisure. Family experiences range from alfresco picnics packed with fresh fruit and artisanal cheeses to California salads, grain bowls and gourmet sandwiches. Movie nights star freshly popped truffle popcorn and a ridiculous amount of candy under the celestial glow of Mother Nature. Elsewhere, there’s a well-equipped gym, rally-ready tennis court, premier spa (the signature Himalayan salt body scrub is a must), and a hammam and steam room to detox in before your California dream comes to an end. Family fun Enjoy a private tour of Santa Barbara Harbor’s Saturday morning fish market, where you will all meet with the city’s fisherfolk and select fresh catches for your bespoke five-course lunch and wine pairing. Then, board your private 50' Catalina Yacht, expertly helmed by Santa Barbara Sailing, for a leisurely sail along the coast for the rest of the afternoon. Four-bedroom cottages from $3,295 per night. Contact Colleen Huther, general manager, reservations.ele@belmond.com, +1 800 393 5315, belmond.com