El Encanto Santa Barbara

The resort grounds are what make El Encanto special: historic architecture, charming bungalows, winding paths, little cozy spots, beautiful landscaping, and jasmine in the air. The pool has an amazing view, and the restaurant is a great breakfast option, with lovely scenery and genuinely delicious food. We got lucky with warm January weather during our long weekend, which made the trip even better. The rooms and spa need a refresh, though. The decor felt dated, and the plumbing needs attention. In our first room, the shower wouldn’t get hot and the exhaust fan buzzed loudly. The resort moved us, but the second room had a toilet that ran nonstop and needed maintenance too. The sinks also shoot water out so forcefully that splash-back soaked several of my outfits. Eventually, I have to take some of the blame for that one. Staff responded quickly and graciously to each problem, but at this price and with a five-star rating, we shouldn’t have run into so many maintenance issues. The setting is truly special. If the rooms matched the standard of the rest of the property, it would be a standout stay.

The setting and views are incredible, and the property fits beautifully into the natural landscape. But beyond that, the place has serious problems. At a 200-guest hotel, there are only about 16 pool chairs, and after 8 a.m. it’s hard to find a spot. The food was tasteless at every meal, from eggs to burrata to ceviche, which is especially disappointing in a region known for fresh, high-quality ingredients. The staff are nice and try hard, but the service doesn’t feel five-star trained. The small touches are missing, and everything moves at a very relaxed pace. The gym is just one bench, some free weights, and a 15-by-20-foot room with three treadmills, also for a hotel with 200 guests. This is a hard pass for me. The property needs infrastructure investment and a real five-star operator. The bones are there, but it will disappoint.

The restaurant was a highlight: creative, fresh, and absolutely delicious. When we got a flat tire during a rainy weekend, the staff also made sure we could get everywhere safely and efficiently. The drivers were skilled and friendly, and the whole team showed real care. That response to an unexpected problem made a big difference. From the front desk and valet to every server, service was impeccable. Special thanks to Tom Pusateri for making everything seamless and memorable. The property is beautifully decorated and well maintained, with soothing water sounds and an artful atmosphere that made it feel like an escape. The small details added to the retreat. I recently stayed at El Encanto, and it exceeded every expectation I had for a luxury property. I’d wholeheartedly recommend it to anyone looking for a relaxing five-star stay. It’s beautifully appointed and worth every penny.

Even with our kid splashing water all over the bathroom, the marble floor looked gleaming again after I wiped it up, and the hotel towel came away almost spotless. That little family mess really showed how well the marble is sealed and polished and how thorough the housekeeping is. Under the new ownership, it was the best housekeeping I’ve come across anywhere, by a wide margin. The bathroom itself was lovely, with white marble, a deep tub, and a rainfall shower. We also enjoyed the hillside views over the Pacific, the lush gardens, the warm service, and that California Riviera feel. It stayed relaxed and luxurious even with a child in tow. I’ve stayed everywhere from budget motels to top luxury hotels around the world, and El Encanto really stood out. The dining room’s fresh grilled fish tacos had bright toppings and sauces, and I liked them enough to order them twice. We’ll be back.