Notable Openings: Santa Barbara's El Encanto

©Orient-Express

Santa Barbara's El Encanto opens today. The first Orient-Express property on the West Coast is the result of a seven-year restoration effort of this storied hotel, which began as a cluster of student cottages in 1913. Orient-Express worked closely with Santa Barbara's Historic Landmarks Commission to ensure that the footprint of the main Spanish Colonial-style hotel remained true to its original design. The property has long been a hideaway favorite of Hollywood elite including Clark Gable and Carole Lombard.

The newly restored El Encanto now has 92 individually designed California-style bungalows (with hardwood floors and plantation-style shutters) that rest on seven acres of landscaped gardens. Each bungalow has its own private patio or garden and sweeping views of the Pacific Ocean. Executive chef Patrice Martineau will serve "California Coastal" cuisine as well as the property's signature "Floating Island" meringue and crème anglaise dessert, which dates to 1920.

A new spa has seven treatment rooms, as well as a couples room and wet room. Custom-made electric bikes will be available for touring and picnic lunches. The property also has its own Holstein cow, Ellie, whose milk will be used to produce handmade cheese for the hotel. Rates for a Superior Bungalow start from approximately $525 per room per night, including tax.

Please visit here for more details.

©Orient-Express