Luxury Travel in California

You've chosen The Stable for a journey of a lifetime, vintage suitcases are packed, scarves are tied and driving gloves are on, off you head to Santa Barbara to meet Ellie. Santa Barbara has long been hailed the playground for Hollywood's elite, and the Belmond is no different. The remarkable hilltop hideaway is nestled in glorious, headily-scented flower-filled gardens and boasts uninterrupted views of the Pacific Ocean. 

Santa Barbara is renowned for its Spanish Colonial Revival and California Craftsman architecture. The verdant valleys are home to the sprawling ranches that are often shrouded in sea mist in the early mornings. You'll notice the rose-pink domed bell towers of the Spanish Old Mission will always peep through like tulips in the snow. 

Since 1918, the Belmond El Encanto has welcomed visitors who have motored along The Stable's favored highways. Their most frequent visitors were black and white movie legends such as screwball comedienne Carole Lombard and heartthrob King of Hollywood Clark Gable. Another black and white legend is Ellie, Belmond El Encanto's very own Holstein cow. French-born Chef Johan Denizot has a carefully curated kitchen garden from which daily homegrown herbs are picked. Ellie is very much part of the team, and delicious cheese is crafted from her milk.

The Coast

Santa Barbara boasts year-round near-perfect weather for exploring its spectacular coastline, and gently swaying palms dance to the towering backdrop of the Santa Ynez Mountains. The Pacific Coast Range runs down the USA's west coast and is part of the Transverse Ranges formed in the Cenozoic age by movement in the Santa Ynez Fault. 

Magically, at certain times of the year, you may be lucky enough to observe the migration of thousands of whales as they journey 12,000 miles from the temperate waters of Baja to the glaciers in Alaska. If you are lucky, you'll see Orcas, Humpback Whales, Minke, Pacific Gray Whales, and Pilot Whales. 

Further off the coast lies the Channel Islands National Park, fondly referred to as the Galapagos Islands of North America. The park is home to hundreds of wildlife species, some of which are unique to the volcanic islands. The islands are a sanctuary for playful sealions and seals, cheeky cormorants, and diving pelicans.

Experiencing Butterflies

Quite literally, the Belmond El Encanto will leave you with butterflies. As you arrive at the hotel, you'll notice the butterfly-inspired print by British artist Damien Hirst that pays homage to the spectacular butterfly migration. Almost 100,000 Monarch butterflies travel up to 3000 miles to feel the Santa Barbara warmth on their wings each year. One of the most revered places to view the extraordinary kaleidoscope of butterflies is the Sperling Preserve on the Ellwood Mesa. They roost upside-down in the eucalyptus groves of the 137-acre coastal bluff just slightly north of Santa Barbara. 

Belmond El Encanto Experiences

Cooking Classes

The Stable's favorite Belmond experience takes you to the busy weekly Santa Barbara Market. Throngs of visitors chat unhurriedly to local producers as they sell their wares from bursting and colorful baskets. Chef Johan introduces you to his favorite vendors as you explore the market and discover some of the best local delicacies. Local stallholders offer tasty produce such as orange blossom honey, organic pressed walnut oil, and fragrant heirloom tomatoes. 

If you are a foodie lover, spend the rest of the morning with Johan, enjoy a private cooking class, and prepare your buys for a delicious lunch. The market has been at the epicenter of the vibrant Californian market culture since the early eighties and is home to the famed Solvang Pie Co., specializing in seasonal pies made with Central Valley-grown fruit such as peaches. The Santa Barbara Pistachio Company that is known for its hot air-dried organic nuts.

Wine Journeys

Santa Barbara is home to the Funk Zone, a collection of converted warehouses and buildings adorned with contemporary art and graffiti. The Zone is packed with boutique wine tasting rooms, organic cafes, and artisanal shops interspersed with zany art galleries. Over two-dozen wine producers have created the Urban Wine Trail that lives happily in this cool neighborhood. Belmond's sommelier Jeremy Sewell highlights his favorite vineyards that include Babcock, Au Bon Climat, and the Grassini Vineyards. He talks about their neverending love of the Pinot Noir grape.

Untamed Piracy

The Pacific tides have carved out a lattice of caves and caverns for you to explore. With a naturalist guide, you can adventure by kayak Elephant's Belly, Cavern Point, and Scorpion Rock. This aquatic geological wonderland could once have been occupied by devilish pirates. You'll be warm in thick diving suits as you carefully meander through tunnels of astonishing stalactites and stalagmites. A delicious Belmond picnic lunch will be served in a beautifully sheltered setting in the Marine Reserve as you watch the wildlife perform an intimate scene. After lunch, snorkel through kelp forests that reach up to 30 meters in depth and watch with awe the elegant seals, streamlined bat rays, and snarly octopus. 

Feeling Sleepy

The timeless tranquility of Belmond El Encanto features 92 sumptuously designed bungalows and suites that are set in the seven acres of perfectly manicured gardens. Each of the bedrooms takes inspiration from a blend of California Craftsman and Spanish Colonial design that seamlessly embraces the reminiscent Art Deco 1920s style. A hint of modernity is added with splashes of dramatic local art from Charles Arnoldi. Each hideaway is enveloped by nature and brags a private furnished terrace and dining space. The large rooms evoke a sense of peace, and you’ll feel exceptionally cozy at night curled up in your soft bathrobe and comfy slippers as the firelight twinkles. Your expansive marble bathroom features a deep-soak or free-standing bath that is big enough for two, so make sure you call your butler to draw you a bath before supper. You’ll have a perfect night’s sleep in the exceedingly comfortable King-size bed. The bed is made up daily with silky high thread-count cotton sheets and pillowcases that bear your initials.

Sparring

Belmond El Encanto’s serene spa embraces the local landscape and has a plethora of soothing signature treatments. Ocean-inspired therapies are deeply infused with seaweed and other calming sea elements. There are seven treatment rooms, and the therapists offer a gracious range of body wraps, facials, and tingle-inducing massages, including the signature massage with citrus, basil, and mint essential oils. The freshwater, garden-bordered infinity pool has gaze-provoking views across the Pacific Ocean to the Channel Islands. There is also a well-equipped gym, but you haven’t come here for that. 

Eating

Chef Johan Denizot has created a locally hewn menu that bursts with flavors from the sea, the coastline, the valleys, and the mountains. His signature dishes include Santa Barbara spotted prawns crudo with ojai pixie tangerine segments, local halibut with coastal freckle lettuce and Fresno chilies, and the forever popular halibut sashimi. Jeremy Sewell has curated a well-thought-out wine list with over 600 Central Coastline bin-numbers that enhance every morsel. The Belmond mixologist uses fresh herbs and fresh arugula from the gardens for this signature cocktail, the Rocket Gimlet. This is a must-try.

Soul-ed

Find your soul in Santa Barbara. It's a beautiful destination that seamlessly melds mountains, valleys, and Pacific shores. It’s picture-postcard perfect. How else would you want to travel than in the shoes or cars of those on the silver screen?