We went to check out El Encanto in Santa Barbara last weekend; they have just reopened after a 3 year total renovation.

El Encanto is now managed by Orient Express Hotels – Ali Kasikci (former GM of Peninsula & Montage Hotels in Beverly Hills) is the managing regional director for Orient Express now) has created a very pet friendly, romantic hideaway perfect for a weekend get away.

We arrived at 4pm it was gorgeous and sunny so we sat in the grassy area between the restaurant and the pool and ordered drinks and a cheese plate – it seemed like everyone brought their dog – Pepe was in Heaven!

I went down to the spa to check it out! It’s very nice, the steam room is beautiful it reminded me of a Turkish Hammam made out of Blue Marble. It was the perfect temperature and I had the entire place to my self.

Dinner was in the main dining room with the magnificent view of the city and ocean below in the distance was very romantic. I am sure the locals are happy with the renovation as well there were a lot of locals in the bar and restaurant and they were all saying how happy they were to have El Encanto back and even better than before.

The beds are the most comfortable I have ever slept in – I did not want to get out of it on a very rainy Easter morning – with a quick flick of the remote fireplace switch and a generous late check out, made for a perfect Easter.

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