Springtime Escape to the American Riviera with Belmond
Enjoy an easy and serene domestic getaway to beautiful Santa Barbara and luxuriate in a stay at beautiful El Encanto...plus, Poe Travel clients will receive extra amenities!
Photo courtesy of Belmond
While it may feel like warm weather is miles away, spring break really is just around the corner. If you’re looking for a way to make your great escape but don’t want to go a million miles away from home, El Encanto, a Belmond Hotel, is the perfect place for you. Plus, Santa Barbara is the ideal destination for a long weekend away—though we wouldn’t blame you for wanting to stay even longer!
El Encanto, a Belmond Hotel
Photo courtesy of Belmond
Perched high in the Santa Barbara hills in the foothills of the Santa Ynez Mountains, El Encanto is an iconic hideaway offering the best views of the American Riviera. The hotel draws its inspiration from the vivid sensory oasis by which it is surrounded. Seven acres of rolling scenery is yours to explore, featuring tantalizing citrusy aromas, diverse and interesting plant life, and never-ending views of the surrounding ocean and mountains. You’ll find yourself drawn in by your peaceful surroundings as California palms and manicured gardens attract birds and butterflies to complete the idyllic scene. You’ll find the décor in the bedrooms to be artfully infused with the textures and hues of the West Coast, with each room, suite, or private bungalow bringing the best of the outdoors inside for you to enjoy. It is the perfect place to soak up the old-world Hollywood glamour along with the Californian sunshine as you recline poolside, breathe in the fresh ocean air, and sip a glass of exquisite local wine.
Along with pristine gardens and enchanting bedrooms and suites, the dining and facilities at El Encanto provide you with the perfect chance to unwind and enjoy yourself and your surroundings. For a more formal dinner, sit down at an elegant table in The Dining Room. Alternatively, delight in a romantic dinner under the stars with stunning views of the Santa Barbara coast on The Terrace, where your tastebuds will thank you for the spectacular offering of contemporary California coastal cuisine. The Lounge and Riviera Bar are perfect for light bites or a wonderful afternoon tea service during the day or a glass of crisp wine or a classic cocktail paired with elevated American bar food in the evening.
It wouldn’t truly be a relaxing trip without a visit to the spa, and luckily, The Spa at El Encanto offers a range of wellness services including a romantic couples treatment room, manicure/pedicure stations, dedicated facial suites, massage and wet rooms, and a private outdoor terrace and relaxation lounge. We would also be remiss if we didn’t mention El Encanto’s gorgeous zero-edge outdoor saline swimming pool, which offers unforgettable panoramic ocean views.
Photo courtesy of Belmond
Soak in Santa Barbara
Along with all of the fabulous offerings at the hotel itself, Santa Barbara is a wonderful place to explore. Hop on the complimentary electric bikes at El Encanto and cycle off for a leisurely ride ending in a picnic by the old Santa Barbara Mission. If you want to work up more of a sweat, hike your way up a scenic trail to be rewarded by a gorgeous hilltop picnic.
Wine aficionados will rejoice at all this region has to offer. The Santa Barbara Urban Wine Trail provides the option for wine tastings at several nearby tasting rooms. A little further afield, but still only a 30-minute drive, you’ll find more than 270 wineries in the Santa Ynez Valley, where you can sample the local delicacies such as chardonnay and pinot noir. If wine isn’t your tipple of choice, head instead to an organic coffee farm for an exclusive tasting and roasting experience.
Experience the phenomenal beauty of the coast with a gentle private cruise. Best of all, there’s a gourmet twist. Onboard your private vessel, you can also enjoy a delicious four-course lunch. Speaking of food, foodies will definitely want to take time to visit State Street, where Santa Barbara’s impressive food scene is at its best. Plus, you can indulge in a bit of retail therapy while you’re there, as the area also has plenty of spots for shopping.
Back at the hotel in the evenings, we can arrange an al fresco movie night under the stars, complete with popcorn, artisanal candies, and drinks. Whether this is arranged for the whole family or as a romantic surprise for two—and whether you choose to watch an old classic or a brand-new release—you will never forget sitting under an indigo blanket of stars in Santa Barbara and enjoying a film together.
Photo courtesy of Belmond
Poe Perks
If you’ve known the team at Poe Travel very long, you know that we are huge fans of Belmond, and we are proud to be part of their exclusive Bellini Club. This means that we can offer our beloved clients tons of extra amenities at Belmond properties, including El Encanto, taking your time with Belmond’s legendary experiences and service and elevating it even higher with these amazing added benefits.
Here are our Poe Perks at El Encanto, a Belmond Hotel:
VIP welcome treats with a local taste
Complimentary upgrade at time of check-in, subject to availability
$90 USD fully flexible hotel or resort credit per guestroom OR $200 USD fully flexible hotel or resort credit per suite
A-la-carte breakfast for two guests daily
Complimentary Wi-Fi access
If you would like to Go Away to Belmond El Encanto this spring break (or any time of the year!), simply contact us. We will check dates and rates and create a customized itinerary to set you on your way to serenity and relaxation.