The Best Hotels in Santa Barbara, California

"This is the original Hollywood hideaway with seven acres of land nestled in the foothills of the American Riviera. At El Encanto, you’ll have ocean views overlooking the Pacific Coast with the rose-colored mountains rising behind you. The property has 90 rooms but it never feels crowded; in fact, it feels private and idyllic. It has a fantastic luxe Spanish colonial charm without being annoying or precious. Whether you’re hiding away in a lush garden suite with a fireplace and a patio or just swanning around on the terrace for an al fresco farmers market lunch, it feels just right: low-key but ultra stylish. Call it what it is: a retreat."