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.
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- Historic Santa Barbara hotel
- Overlooks The Pacific
- Central Santa Barbara is easily accessible
In the United States, LGBTQ+ rights have made significant strides over the years, with nationwide legal protections against discrimination in areas such as employment, housing, and public accommodations. Same-sex marriage was legalized across the country in 2015, ensuring that same-sex couples have the same legal rights as heterosexual couples, including the right to adopt children. Social attitudes toward LGBTQ+ individuals are generally tolerant, especially in larger cities and progressive states, making the country an increasingly welcoming destination for LGBTQ+ travelers.
However, challenges persist, particularly regarding transgender rights, which face opposition in some states. There are ongoing debates over the balance between religious freedom and anti-discrimination protections, with some regions passing laws that impact the rights of LGBTQ+ individuals, particularly in areas like healthcare and education. Despite these challenges, the United States remains a key battleground for LGBTQ+ rights, with advocacy groups and legal battles playing a critical role in shaping the evolving landscape.
LGBTQ+ travelers can generally expect a positive experience in cities such as New York, San Francisco, Los Angeles, and Chicago, where vibrant LGBTQ+ communities and events like Pride parades celebrate diversity and inclusion. While legal protections vary from state to state, many parts of the country offer a safe and affirming environment for LGBTQ+ individuals to live, work, and travel freely.
Accommodation
Rooms
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.
Suites And Bungalows
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.
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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.
Our Experts
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
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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