El Encanto

I’ve stayed at this place multiple times when it was the Belmond and loved it. I would give the valet staff 5 stars as they are fantastic- but overall disappointing weekend. Also 2-3 front desk staff great / other than that - service and front desk really need help. Have one more night and frankly if it wasn’t my bday weekend and I had two rooms I paid for I would leave. There are 2 or so front desk staff who are borderline rude. Before the trip I emailed and called multiple times to ensure my 82 year old father and I would have rooms next to each other and without stairs. 2 days before after still not getting confirmation, the woman I spoke with was unprofessional and kept telling me about all their phone issues and how she had no idea was I was talking about and seemed to have no idea what the Fine Hotels and Resort Program was . I was then hung up on 4 times. This same hanging up/disconnection experience occurred almost every time I called from my room after arrival too - over 15 times I was hung up on in a 24 hour period. Then calling back - waiting on hold for 10 minutes - then hung up on again. So unacceptable. Never experienced that ever at a 5 star resort. When we finally got to the rooms - I had to again explain that I had the Terrace room despite calling and explaining in multiple emails who had what room. Also - there was then a large amount of stairs up to my room - which prevented my dad from coming up often due to the difficulties of climbing the stairs (exactly what I spent 3 months and multiple emails trying to avoid). The first night it took 45 minutes to get a bucket of ice - and only after calling 3 times - I even offered to just go pick it up myself after no one came. The amazing valet team finally brought the ice after hearing no one bring it on the radio. FYI - no guest can get ice themselves. Again - props to the valet team. Same issue occurred the next day too with the ice. The Terrace chairs, table and floor in the room were filthy on check in. While they cleaned it after calling them - I shouldn’t have to at this level of resort on first arriving. My air conditioning wouldn’t work on the first morning and my toilet never flushed properly (and would randomly flush at night waking me up). We also had multiple service issues - and despite multiple attempts at filing out their forms prior to arrival on preferred service times, speaking with them after this wasn’t honored, then literally coming from the front desk who assured service would come after 12 - only to get back from that conversation and have them knocking at my door at 10:30AM- 30 minutes later). I gave up. Today my bathroom sink stopped draining - video tapped it as I felt like the hotel thinks I’m making all these issues up - and after yet another failed turn down service time - I gave up trying to get yet another thing fixed. All this happened on my birthday which made it sting more. We went to lunch at Rosewood and the service there was night and day. The restaurant - food was great - but bizarre experience there too (felt like I was being punk’d - kept waiting for some hidden camera). All and all don’t think I will be back or recommend this place which is sad after having been so many times and loved it. Can’t justify the cost at this level of service - rather go to Rosewood or Four Seasons when its reopens.

We just left after 4 nights of celebrating my husband’s birthday with friends. Wow! what a great hotel. our suite had incredible views and the vibe was just great. Every time we returned to the hotel we were welcomed like family. Huge shoutout to Hugo and Linda! They were so sweet and helpful. We can’t wait to come back.

I had an amazing time at lunch and the pool. The servers gave excellent service and would 100% recommend this place for a day trip.

We stayed at El Encanto, A Belmond Hotel for a romantic getaway, and it was exactly what we were hoping for — private, quiet, and beautifully done without feeling over the top. The bungalow layout makes a big difference. It feels secluded and intimate, with plenty of space to relax together. Coffee on the patio in the morning and a glass of wine overlooking the ocean at sunset were simple but memorable highlights. Service was polished but never intrusive. The team struck the right balance — attentive, efficient, and genuinely welcoming. Dinner on property was excellent and made it easy to settle in and stay put for the evening. The setting above Santa Barbara gives you incredible views while still being just minutes from town, so it’s easy to explore during the day and retreat back to calm at night. If you’re looking for a romantic escape that feels special but still comfortable and understated, El Encanto delivers. We’d absolutely return.

Beautiful hotel and restaurant in the hills above Santa Barbara. Great service and the views were killer.