The first stop of our California road trip was Santa Barbara. Here is my review of the Belmond El Encanto, a luxury resort on the american riviera.

The Belmond El Encanto is the perfect getaway if you are driving through the pacific coast. We were very tired of our travel from Europe and wanted to relax a little bit before hitting the long road through the pacific coast towards San Francisco.

Review Belmond El Encanto Santa Barbara

Indeed, Santa Barbara has got a very nice climate all year long, and the luxurious property is set up on the hills of Santa Barbara, from where you have a breathtaking view over the Santa Barbara coastline. Perfect for a few days of relaxation. And it’s Spanish Colonial bungalows and the lush gardens really creates a perfect escape.

If you ever feel like leaving the resort to explore the lovely town of Santa Barbara, just inform the team at the Belmond who will be happy to help with bike, wine tour arrangements or free shuttle towards the city and back.

I loved staying at the Belmond not only for its service or for its view over the ocean but also because of it’s story. If you are a bit familiar with the history of Hollywood, you will like to know that by staying at the Belmond, you follow in the footsteps of actor Clark Gable or actress Carole Lombard as well as American statesman Franklin Delano Roosevelt who were, among others, also guest of the luxurious Belmond El Encanto in Santa Barbara.

Book the hotel HERE.

The Belmond group have amazing hotels all over the world. I also stayed at the Belmond Reid’s in Madeira, Portugal.