Belmond El Encanto, Santa Barbara

Location

Set high on Santa Barbara’s hills, the hotel has sweeping views over the town’s Spanish terracotta rooftops to the dazzling blue of the ocean beyond. With a verdant-green backdrop, the hotel is well located for access to the town’s fine restaurants, galleries and boutique wineries. Throw in Mediterranean Revival architecture, epitomised in the Spanish Mission Church, and it’s no surprise that Santa Barbara is known as the 'Jewel of the American Riviera'.

Accommodation

Lodging comes in the form of a series of individual luxury bungalows, strewn throughout the hotel’s landscaped gardens. A blend of careful tradition and modern amenities, they feature marble-topped sinks and baths with French windows that invite the sights and sounds of the estate’s greenery in. Deluxe Bungalows come with furnished patios for superb garden or panoramic views and fireplaces for cosy evenings in. For marble plunge baths and heated stone floors, it’s difficult to beat the refined luxury of the various suites on offer.

Dining

The Hotel’s Dining Room serves dishes garnished with herbs directly from the chef’s garden and Belmond El Encanto cheese, made from the resort’s cow. As you’d expect, the menu features contemporary Californian cuisine accompanied by first-class service and views over Santa Barbara. Artisanal local ingredients are lovingly prepared in dishes such as five spice short ribs, filet mignon with truffle-mashed potatoes and roasted halibut served on a bed of gnocchi and blistered tomatoes. For lighter dining and elegant afternoon teas, The Lounge serves tempting British combinations along with French pastries.

Facilities

Making the most of its coastal location, the infinity-edge swimming pool looks out across the Pacific while walks through the seven acres of gardens are equally rewarding. Fitness buffs are treated to state-of-the art facilities with an array cardio and weights machines while the indulgent spa is perfect for winding down after a particularly taxing day at the beach. You can also enjoy an evening tipple at the hotel’s immaculately presented bar.