Luxury Belmond El Encanto vacations

Belmond El Encanto

At a glance

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Belmond El Encanto is a luxury hotel in Santa Barbara that overlooks the Channel Islands. It’s roughly a 90-minute drive from LA and 10-minutes from Santa Barbara. The centre of Santa Barbara is a short walk away. The hotel is in a quiet, tranquil setting. You’ll see the Pacific Ocean as you step into the lobby.

There’s a decent gym, an infinity pool, a spa with seven treatment rooms and all the amenities you’d expect. Belmond El Encanto is something of a historic hotel and it’s welcomed some very illustrious guests, including FDR and Clark Gable. It’s proximity to Tinseltown made it an inevitable favourite among the Holywood elite. The aesthetic of the hotel combines Spanish colonial style with a Californian twist.

Belmond El Encanto opened in 1918 and it’s been a California favourite ever since. You could imagine parties worthy of The Great Gatsby taking place here.

More information

  • Historic Santa Barbara hotel
  • Overlooks The Pacific
  • Central Santa Barbara is easily accessible

Whilst LGBTQ+ rights vary from state to state in the USA, there are nationwide laws that protect members of the community from discrimination. Same-sex couples can also marry in the USA, and social attitudes are generally tolerant.

However, challenges persist, including opposition to transgender rights in some regions and ongoing debates over religious freedom versus anti-discrimination protections. Advocacy and legal battles continue to shape the landscape of LGBTQ+ rights across the United States.

Accommodation

There are 92 rooms are suites spread out over manicured gardens. Each bungalow is private – some come with private gardens and some with direct ocean views.

The decor is chic and done in a fairly timeless style. Rooms are furnished with cream green and beige colors.

Luxury gay travel

The suited and bungalows make for the ideal retreat. All have king-sized beds and a separate living area with a fireplace. An ideal place to unwind after you’ve spent the day exploring Santa Barbara.

Luxury gay travel

More Information

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Food And Drink

The restaurant has a large terrace. The food is excellent – seafood is the speciality. Sweeping views of the American Rivera make for a very satisfying dining experience.

Executive Chef Johan Denizot presides over a tight ship. Sometimes he hosts The Wine Masters Dinner Series and serves food sourced from local producers and wine from a local winery.

Food And Drink

Our Experts

Jaike Rowe

Jaike Rowe

Luxury Travel Expert

"The thing about the USA is that it's just so diverse. It doesn't matter what you're looking for, you can find it in the USA. I personally love San Francisco because it's hotels are arty and luxurious at the same time."

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Maria Gardner

Maria Gardner

Luxury Travel Expert

"There's nowhere quite like New York for an ultra-lux city break. I always recommend visiting in December for the dream Christmas experience, complete with high-end shopping, Broadway shows and walks in Central Park. "

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