Belmond El Encanto USA
Belmond El Encanto
800 Alvarado Place,
Santa Barbara – CA 93103,
United States of America
www.belmond.com
HOTEL INFORMATION
Group
Belmond
Shareholders
Owned by LVMH
Date of Creation
Original opening date:1913; re-opened March 2013 after a 7-year restoration.
Hotel General Manager
Colleen Huther
Huther joined Belmond El Encanto in November 2019. Colleen has over 30 years of luxury hotel experience working for brands such as Hilton, Accor, and Marriott. She joins Belmond from the Hilton Checkers in Los Angeles, CA where she was General Manager. Prior to that, she was General Manager of the Hilton Santa Clara Hotel, CA.
Hotel Positioning
Luxury Resort; the only Forbes Five-Star Resort in Santa Barbara, CA and the Central Coast.
BELMOND EL ENCANTO
History & Story
Belmond El Encanto sits high in the hills amid lush gardens, offering a dazzling view of Santa Barbara and the sparkling ocean beyond. An icon since the 1920s, its original architectural features have been lovingly brought back to life, while modern additions include an expansive outdoor swimming pool and beautiful boutique spa.
The Resortwas meticulously restored to capture all the romance and glamour that endeared it to both the local Santa Barbara community and visitors alike.
True to its Californian roots, this luxury hotel combines glamour with laidback style.
Date Renewal
Belmond El Encanto was closed for a property-wide renovation from June 2006 to March 2013.
Main Strengths, Special Touch
Santa Barbara’s only Forbes Five-Star resort is an enchanting hideaway for those who cherish privacy and serenity.
Ninety-two quintessential, California-styled suites and bungalows dot the lush, terraced grounds featuring seven-acres of gloriously landscaped gardens with sweeping views of Santa Barbara and the Pacific Ocean.
Location
Nestled between lush mountains and the dazzling blue sea, Belmond El Encanto sits high on a Santa Barbara hillside in a tranquil neighborhood. Just minutes away you’ll find exquisite restaurants, fine galleries, boutique wineries and the beautiful California coast. 9 mi (15 min) from SBA. 97 mi (1 hour and 50 min) from LAX.
Key sites/activities in the area
Miles of sandy white beaches below and meandering hiking trails above. Santa Barbara Mission,Historic El Paseo, Sterns Wharf, Santa Barbara Zoo, Maritime Museum, Museum of Art, Channel Islands, Santa Barbara Bowl and the Granada Theater for live entertainment, Urban Wine Trail.
State Street offers boutique shops, restaurants, theaters, galleries.
Over 125 San Ynez wineries are just 45 minutes north of the resort.
Fun Facts
Belmond El Encanto offers guests electric bicycles to ride around town or zip down to the beach for a beautiful ride along the Pacific Ocean.
The resort once hosted Franklin D. Roosevelt and his famous “fireside” chats.
HOTEL FEATURES
Accommodation
92 bungalow-styled guest rooms and suite
- 14 Superior Kings (410 average square feet)
- 18 Deluxe Kings (557 average square feet)
- 11 Terrace Kings (467 average square feet)
- 6 Premier King (593 average square feet)
- 7 Deluxe Doubles (558 average square feet)
- 10 Terrace Premier Kings (626 average square feet)
- 6 One Bedroom Suites (616 average square feet)
- 4 Garden Bungalows (622 average square feet)
- 7 Terrace Suites (511 average square feet)
- 5 Terrace Premier Suites (704 average square feet)
- 4 Specialty Suites (982 average square feet)
(63 with fireplaces, 40 with patios or terraces)
Resort amenities include:
• Guest transportation within five miles of the resort
• Motorized bicycles
• Heated zero-edge outdoor swimming pool with panoramic ocean views
• Full service spa: 4,500 square-feet with seven treatment rooms
• Fully equipped Fitness Studio and entrance to exercise classes
• 24-hour room service
• High speed wireless Internet access
• Daily local newspaper
• Bottle of local Santa Barbara wine
• In-room Belmond El Encanto roasted coffee and tea and bottled water
Restaurants & Bars
• THE DINING ROOM AND TERRACE
Dine in the elegant dining room, or delight in a romantic dinner under the stars on The Terrace. Either way you’ll be treated to a spectacular gastronomic experience, featuring locally sourced, artisanal ingredients.
An innovative menu offers contemporary California-coastal cuisine, complemented with gracious service and a side of stunning Santa Barbara views.
Executive Chef Johan Denizot treats you to inspired California Coastal cuisine. Each dish is created with locally-sourced seasonal produce. Expect herbs directly from the chef’s garden and Belmond El Encanto cheese, each block made from the milk of Ellie, the resort’s cow.
• THE LOUNGE
The Lounge is the ideal retreat for light dining or an elegant afternoon tea with friends.
Delicately crafted breads and buns come filled with classic British combinations. Tempting scones and French pastries will sweeten any afternoon.
Afternoon Tea reservations must be made 24-hours in advance.
Wellness
THE SPA
The full-service Spa offers an array of treatments featuring local ingredients that relax the mind and rejuvenate the body. Nestled between the Pacific Ocean and the rolling hills of Santa Barbara’s wine country, The Spa draws from the surrounding landscape to create signature soothing treatments. Set across seven treatment rooms, The Spa is a haven of peace and tranquility. The Spa also features a relaxation lounge, showers, steam rooms and private lockers.
POOL
Zero edge outdoor swimming pool with panoramic ocean views.
FITNESS STUDIO
Cardio enthusiasts can choose from an array of Technogym treadmills, exercise bikes and ellipticals. Or switch to strength-building exercises with Technogym’s exciting line of Kinesis Stations.
Corporate & Celebration Events
• The tranquil, lush surroundings of Belmond El Encanto offer a unique venue for meetings and celebrations.
• We provide a combined total of 9,820 square feet of indoor and outdoor event space. All indoor spaces make optimal use of natural light to be bright and airy. Other features include individual climate control and video conferencing facilities.
• An expertly-finished boardroom provides the perfect thinking space and offers inspiring ocean views.
• The flexible 3,000-square-foot ballroom serves large gatherings and can be divided into two smaller rooms when necessary.
• Take advantage of our special groups rates, and host an unforgettable event.
Extra notable features
• The newly renovated Riviera Movie Theatre is adjacent to the resort across Alvarado Place. One of only 26 theatres’ in the country with Dolby Vision and a Dolby Atmos sound system that features domestic and international films in an historic setting.
•Santa Ynez wine country featuring over 200 California wine producers featuring locally made vintages.
• Three golf courses within a 20 – 40-minute drive.
• Surfing, paddle boarding, sailing, scuba diving and any other water sport imaginable 15 minutes away.
• Santa Barbara Polo & Racquet Club (May – October) 20 minutes away.
Hotel & Restaurants Awards
2019
• Forbes Travel Guide | 2019 World’s Best Rooms
• Forbes Travel Guide | 2019 Star Award – Five Star Hotel Rating
• U.S. News & World Report | Best Hotels in Santa Barbara
• Smart Meetings | 2019 Smart Star Awards – Best Boutique/Lifestyle Hotel
• Travel + Leisure | The Best Dog-friendly Hotels in the U.S.
• Forbes | The Best Hotels in Santa Barbara
2018
• Shape | 2018 Healthy Travel Awards Winner
• Wine Spectator | 2018 Best of Award of Excellence for The Dining Room at Belmond El Encanto
• Conde Nast Traveler | 2018 Reader’s Choice Awards
• Forbes Travel Guide | 2018 Five Star Hotel Rating
• Afar | The Best Luxury Hotels and Resorts in California
• Afar | The Central Coast’s Best Luxury Hotels
• Monocle | The Travel Top 50 Awards – ‘Top-Dog Friendly Hotel’
2017
• Forbes 5 Star Hotel Rating
• Forbes 4 Star Spa Rating
• 2017 Best Restaurant with a View – Independent
• U.S. News & World Report – “Best Hotels in the USA”
2016
• Forbes 5 Star Hotel Rating
• Open Table – “Top 100 Outdoor Dining Restaurants in America”
• Conde Nast Traveler – “Top 10 Hotels in Southern California”
• Santa Barbara Independent – “Best Restaurant with a View”
2015
• Forbes 5 StarHotel Rating
• Forbes 4 Star Spa Rating
• Historical Landmarks Commission “Best Exemplary Design in Landscape Architecture and Non-Habitable Structures
• Open Table – “Top 100 Outdoor Dining Restaurants in America”
• Hotels.com – “Outstanding Service Award”
2014
• Forbes 5 Star Hotel Rating
• 2014 Best of the Best – Robb Report
• Andrew Harper 2014 Grand Award
• Jetsetter 2014 Best of the Best Finalist: Best Comeback
• Open Table Diner’s Choice Winner: Best Overall in Santa Barbara – The Dining Room 2014
Number of employees
250 team members