If you’re searching for luxury California hotels with a little more style and character then iconic hideaway Belmond El Encanto, perched high in the Santa Barbara hills offering incredible views of the American Riviera, is exactly what you’re looking for.

Spread across seven acres of secluded gardens, El Encanto opened in 1918 and has been part of Santa Barbara’s social scene ever since. The resort is gleaming and glamorous, yet relaxed and low key and is the kind of place that invites you to recline poolside, breathe in the ocean air, and sip a glass of crisp local wine.

Popular with the Plein Air School of artists, El Encanto’s former 1920s glory has been lovingly restored to become one of the most celebrated resorts on the West Coast and is now a must-visit destination for those looking for rest, relaxation and indulgence in sophisticated and spectacular surroundings.

The restoration process helped to highlight the original Spanish-colonial and Californian craftsman styles, with modern additions including a zero-edge outdoor pool where you can gaze out across the Pacific while soaking up the sun, and a sumptuous boutique spa. Very few luxury California hotels can boast such elegant charm, or offer such a stylish escape.

Seven acres of gloriously landscaped gardens also offer sweeping views of Santa Barbara and the Pacific Ocean so you can drift through the rare flora and make the most of the balmy West Coast evenings, easily putting yourself in the footsteps of movie stars from a bygone era.

El Encanto’s theme of transporting you to another ultra-stylish time can be found throughout Belmond El Encanto resort, and nowhere more so than in the way it escorts guests around town in its striking Mercedes-Benz Sprinter, on hand to take you anywhere you want within a five-mile radius so you can visit Santa Barbara’s must-see spots, or head to the celebrated restaurants in Montecito.

You might, however, be inclined to simply stay put and admire your mesmerising surroundings, and no one would blame you. Infused with the textures and hues of the West Coast, each room or suite brings the best of the outdoors inside and from the locally carved furnishings of each luxury bungalow to the endless views from Belmond El Encanto’s horizon-edge pool, every detail makes this a remarkably unique place to stay and undoubtedly one of the best luxury California hotels.

Rooms boast king-size beds, marble bathrooms, garden seating and heated stone floors, and suites offer added levels of luxury, with charming open-hearth fireplaces or inviting patios.

The food available is beautifully prepared authentic, quality California fare, and worth visiting for alone.

Within Belmond El Encanto’s distinguished restaurants, each dish is created with locally-sourced, seasonal produce so expect herbs plucked from the chef’s garden and El Encanto artisan cheese. Each irresistible piece is made from the milk of Ellie, the resort’s cow.

Featuring fine seasonal gems from the Pacific, El Encanto’s menu lets seafood take center stage. Santa Barbara spotted prawns prove a signature highlight and Morro Bay oysters a freshly-shucked delectation to savor year-round.

Belmond El Encanto is a luxury California hotel like no other.

For more travel inspiration across America read our guide to the best luxury Tucson hotels and unique desert retreats and browse our full collection of USA luxury resorts. 

“Beautiful setting and amazing staff. I chose to spend my birthday trip here with 3 girlfriends and we had the most amazing time! Staff was over the top and Daileah and the concierge team made sure we were always taken care of. They helped us coordinate private wine tasting, guided hikes, special dinners and bike rides. The rooms are wonderful and we upgraded to have the patio which was perfect for morning coffee. I highly recommend this resort that makes you feel special with everything they do!” Tripadvisor Review