X
VIEW ALL RESULTS
VIEW ALL RESULTS
    X
    X
    VIEW ALL RESULTS
    VIEW ALL RESULTS

      Forbes Travel Guide Stories

      Destinations, Food and Wine, Hotels, Spas

      Restored Santa Barbara Treasure Reopens Its Doors
      By Forbes Travel Guide Editor Jordan Lawson

      March 18, 2013

      SB_ElEncanto_CreditOrient-ExpressHotelsLtd

      After a thorough restoration process, El Encanto reopens its doors to guests today as Orient-Express’ first West Coast property. Built in 1918, the Santa Barbara hotel underwent a massive seven-year, $134 million renovation. You’ll still see some similarities to the hotel that drew guests like Clark Gable and Franklin Delano Roosevelt. The exterior of the 92 bungalows retains the Craftsman and Spanish Colonial Revival look, but inside the rooms is a different story.

      Many of the guest rooms set themselves apart with individual details like a cozy fireplace, or gardens and a patio. They also come updated with LCD HD televisions and marble bathrooms with a rainforest shower and separate bath. For the ultimate romantic stay, the 800-square-foot Hummingbird Suite offers total privacy, two patios and an outdoor shower — an appropriate amenity in Southern California.

      While the rooms are one of the renovated hotel’s best aspects, the grand vista here just may trump them. El Encanto makes its home on a hill, and the top spot grants mesmerizing views of the Pacific Ocean. The hotel’s grounds are gorgeous as well, with seven secluded acres of gardens and a lily pond.

      For more grand vistas, head to the dining room or terrace. You’ll see the ocean while enjoying chef Patrice Martineau’s French- and Asian-influenced coastal fare. Some of the ingredients will come straight from Martineau’s onsite chef’s garden, and the milk from the hotel’s own cow, Ellie, will be used to make cheese.

      The Spa at El Encanto may not offer the picture-perfect views of the terrace (though enjoying post-treatment tea on the outdoor patio’s surroundings should suffice), but you won’t need them when indulging in one of the specialty treatments or relaxing in the lounges complete with steam rooms and showers.

      Photos Courtesy of Orient-Express Hotels Ltd.

      Share
      Tweet
      Pin
      Share
      California El Encanto hotel renovation restaurant Santa Barbara spa
      by jordanlawson 

      About jordanlawson

      View all posts by jordanlawson

      Related Posts

      • Dining roomCelebrate The Holidays With These Hotel Suite Experiences
      • Bedroom5 California Boutique Hotels To Visit Now
      • 26 Workations To Take Right Now
      • How Hotels Are Handling Wellness Right Now

      Copyright © 2021 · Prima Donna theme by Georgia Lou Studios

      Dreaming of your next trip?

      Let us inspire you with weekly special offers and stories about what's new and exciting in luxury travel.
      THANK YOU! CONFIRMATION EMAIL SENT.
      You can withdraw your consent at any time. Visit our Privacy Policy and Terms or Contact Us for more information.