Riviera Santa Barbara, California
Renovated
2013
Price
$$$$
Rated for
Heritage Design LuxeOutside the door
The house
BelmondRiviera hillside sanctuary
Craftsman and Spanish Colonial bungalows scatter across terraced gardens above the coast, running like a quiet residential village.
“At the two restaurants—called simply the Dining Room and Terrace—chefs showcase the region’s ingredients in coastal-inspired dishes.”
What it’s good at
Remarkable
Restored 1918 Craftsman and Spanish Colonial bungalows across seven terraced hillside acres.
What they say
One Michelin Key
Michelin
Also in Condé Nast Traveler and AFAR.
The vibe is less gleaming opulence and more posh residential village, with the hotel’s accommodations spread among dozens of bungalows scattered over the hillside property.
Somewhere quiet
Away from the crowds. Getting around takes intention.
Quiet residential roads wind through the Upper Riviera hills beneath Italian pines, offering sweeping Pacific views just above downtown.
The rooms
Bungalows feature private garden patios shaded by live oaks, furnished with tailored California Craftsman woodwork and airy sitting areas.
The pool
Bring a swimsuit.
A heated zero-edge saltwater pool looks out over the terraced hillside toward the Pacific Ocean.
The spa
Eucalyptus steam rooms accompany an outdoor relaxation terrace, with treatments ranging from sound bath meditations to citrus scrubs.
The gym
French doors open to garden greenery in the fitness studio, which is equipped with Technogym cardio machines and weights.
Dogs stay too.
Restaurant
The Dining Room and Terrace
Tables sit under a shaded pergola on the terrace, serving coastal California dishes overlooking Santa Barbara and the ocean.
It’s the original Hollywood hideaway nestled in the foothills of the American Riviera. Besides those views overlooking the Pacific Coast, it has that Spanish colonial ultra-luxe charm going for it.
At the table
The Lounge and Bar pours regional wines and craft cocktails, hosting Thursday evening live Gin and Jazz sessions.
How it began
Landscape artist Charles Eaton designed the estate lily pond when the property first opened in 1918.
Good to know
Stay here
El Encanto Santa Barbara
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Santa Barbara
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Our shorthand
How we rate hotels.
The medals
Gold
Extremely rare. Sets the global standard.
Silver
Brilliant execution. And we’re picky.
Bronze
They did this well. You’ll notice.
Listed
A defining trait. Makes the hotel what it is.
The eight vibes
Design
Built around a vision. Even the door handles have a designer.
Luxe
Cared for at every turn. The bath is drawn before you ask.
Local
It could only be here. You wake up knowing where you are.
Social
Where the city goes out. The bar is full and the night is young.
Heritage
A building with a story. Once a palace, a monastery, a station.
Wellness
You leave feeling new. Rest, sweat, soak and sleep like a stone.
Classic
The city grew up with it. Same rituals, same regulars, same bar.
Resort
A world of its own. Something to do from breakfast to nightcap.
The scene
Lively
Where things happen: restaurants, shops, people.
Central
Well-located: walkable to some things, a short ride to more.
Quiet
Away from the crowds. Getting around takes intention.
Secluded
A place apart: the property is the destination.