The Bar/Lounge at El Encanto, A Belmond Hotel, Santa Barbara

"The clubby lobby and bar hosts afternoon tea and live music at night, but the heart of the place seems to be the dining terrace, where guests new and return come to reminisce over drinks, meals, and panoramic views of city and ocean"

"Appealing dining options include a mix of new and classic as well: A locally sourced California-French-Asian fusion restaurant with exquisite terrace views of the entire Santa Barbara coastline is perfect for a romantic candlelit dinner"

"Santa Barbara is known as the American Riviera, but the newly redesigned Belmond El Encanto (Spanish for “charmed”) is actually located on the Riviera, a low mountain rising above the sparkling Pacific Ocean and overlooking the red-tile roofs of downtown"

"Though the hotel is located just a few minutes from the bustle of downtown, up the hill from the Santa Barbara Mission, it's a quiet, secluded getaway, complete with heated saline infinity pool, lily pond, full-service spa, and a topnotch restaurant and bar frequented by happy, well-heeled locals"

"The El Encanto Dining Room is known as Santa Barbara's most romantic restaurant, and you should try for a window table"

"An infinity pool gazes out at the Pacific, while flower-filled gardens, fireplace lounges, a full-service spa and private bungalows with sun-drenched patios concoct the glamorous atmosphere perfectly fitted to SoCal socialites"

"El Encanto is a gorgeous historic landmark in the hills overlooking Santa Barbara and the ocean beyond"

"The Santa Barbara Museum of Natural History and the lovely Santa Barbara Botanic Garden are great places to take the kids"

"We highly recommend this place for your next trip to Santa Barbara"

"When planning his California-coastal menu, Executive Chef Leo Andres Ayala takes full advantage of Santa Barbara’s bountiful produce offerings—including herbs from Ayala’s on-site herb garden and cheese made from the milk of the Belmond’s resident dairy cow, Ellie"