I vacillate on the ideal escape, sometimes one needs a brief getaway to a familiar hotel property for blissful solitude; but then again if you offered me several weeks in the bush or long delicious days driving through the Spanish countryside, weighing the options, I’m not certain which proposal I would choose.
Santa Barbara is a seductive beach enclave worthy of a revisit. Quaint charm, mesmerizing Spanish Colonial architecture, Mediterranean climate and a deep reminder of my ancient Spanish family who settled the area with Father Serra. Local street names, surnames which appear in my genealogy, are reminders of my recent visit to Majorca, Spain, the birthplace of Father Junipero Serra. Hmmm – perhaps I can apply for dual citizenship in Spain?
I digress. Always looking at a 90 minute perimeter from my base visit, an LA client week, I added time in Santa Barbara to explore the newly remodeled Belmond El Encanto Hotel. Santa Barbara’s only Forbes Five Star Resort sits high above the city, a few blocks walk from the Mission Gardens, and offers distant views of the sparkling Pacific Ocean.
An iconic property built in the 1920’s, the restoration maintained the finest of the aged architecture and lush gorgeous gardens and infused the interiors with modern touches. Seamless modification uniting the old and the new; Bungalow suite interiors in muted pale tones are truly soothing sanctuaries. Expansive views from your balcony terrace of the luxurious gardens are the perfect backdrop in each room. Reserve a suite with a fireplace for a chilly wintery night, and relish the deep soaking tubs in all the oversize bathrooms.
Informal check in desk introduces you to a stunning curated art collection, informal and unpredictable art assemblages which range from California artist Charles Arnoldi, Damien Hirst and Brad Miller among others. Damien Hirst’s painting of gem like diamond dusted vibrant butterfly wings introduces you to a theme to be seen elsewhere on the property and an homage to the migratory Monarchs. Employing his favorite metaphor for beauty and flight, artist Paul Villinski echos the homage with Sueno, brilliant hand cut metal indigo butterflies dripping down a staircase wall to the spa.
I loved the dining veranda, I happened to be staying on an especially warm evening and the hilltop vistas of twinkling city lights and the brilliant moon shadow paving the dark ocean made a late night supper exceptionally delightful. Do order the abalone if offered, light and lemony surrounded by crispy mushrooms and shallots. Breakfast Huevos Rancheros can be prepared with scrambled eggs if the runny yellow yoke provokes cruel breakfast memories, uniquely prepared on a toasted corn tortilla anchored by savory black beans.
Whatever you desire, Madame!
(No runny yokes for me, a sibling tortured me with a favorite breakfast, runny yokes sunny side up). Madame, whatever you desire, is music to my ears, love an agreeable and accommodating kitchen.
Elegant wine room for private parties, guests can view the scene through the tinted glass, voyeurs cannot peek in; super spa, quiet and peaceful, yet all barely steps from the bustling Santa Barbara boutiques and small local museum. NB: Rarely exhibited Beatrice Wood drawings, will be on display at Santa Barbara Museum until end of August.
If you aren’t inclined to dine on the terrace or have plans down the hill, do sip a cocktail at the sweeping community table on the terrace – a rather unique touch. Capturing the divine views and offered as a drop in setting: sip, nibble and dash or return for a moonlit dessert.
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- Yes, the oranges can be plucked from the trees!
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- Private Bungalow with terrace
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- Garden art
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- The ghost of Frank Sinatra in the piano lounge
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- Glistening sculputre
The gift shop offers many unique jewelry lines and art objects designed by local designers, I appreciate a property which supports the community. Montecito is a few miles away and we have a long list of suggested boutiques catering to the locals: unique clothing, vintage jewelry, sculptors and artists.
Desiring Enchantment? Make your way to the hills of Belmond El Encanto; I will be back for another visit! We now have more than once choice in Santa Barbara.
As always, our clients are VIP Guests.
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