Sitting in seven acres of landscaped gardens, El Encanto has been fully restored and now consists of 92 individually designed California-style bungalows, with hardwood floors, plantation-style shutters and bespoke accessories. Integral to the restoration process was maintaining the hotel’s historic architecture, and Orient-Express worked closely with Santa Barbara’s Historic Landmarks Commission to ensure that the main footprint of the hotel remained true to its original design.

Each bungalow has its own private patio or garden, where guests can choose to dine al fresco or enjoy a romantic sunset in complete seclusion. Telescopes on each terrace allow guests to take in the magnificent sweeping views of the Pacific Ocean.

“The addition of El Encanto to the Orient-Express family is another milestone in the strengthening of the Orient-Express footprint in North America,” said John M. Scott, President and Chief Executive Officer of Orient-Express Hotels. “El Encanto is an icon on the West Coast and fits perfectly with our existing international portfolio of unique assets.”

The property’s art has been carefully curated to reflect the Santa Barbara landscape and regional sensibilities, with artist Damien Hirst’s ‘Psalm print: verba mea auribus’ prominently located at the concierge desk. Works from renowned Californian abstract artist Charles Arnoldi were also selected for his use of bright colours and organic shapes as an expressive medium. His ‘Future’ painting can be seen at the dramatic entrance to The Dining Room.

The hotel offers a ‘Californian Coastal’ dining experience, overseen by executive chef Patrice Martineau. In a nod to the past, Martineau has recreated the ‘Floating Island’ dessert which first made its debut on the menu in 1920 and became somewhat of a star of the dessert menu in its day.

Additional amenities include a purpose-built spa with seven tranquil treatment rooms, picnics and custom made electric bikes for exploring the coastline.

www.orient-express.com