Belmond El Encanto

Renovations of this Santa Barbara institution broke $134 million, and with them El Encanto was reborn with luxe interiors and extra -- but its original Craftsman style and Spanish Colonial architecture still intact. Even the original brick arbors in the gardens were carefully dismantled, restored, and then recreated using the original bricks. Airy interiors are covered in rich dark wood, and decorated with gorgeous pieces by artists like Damien Hirst and Charles Arnoldi.

From its perch, El Encanto looks out over Santa Barbara, known for the kind of Spanish-inspired architecture that this hotel exemplifies. Home to several colleges and universities, as well as a large yachting scene, the affluent downtown's shopping and nightlife on State Street isn't close enough to walk to, but is only about a five-minute drive southwest. Santa Barbara Mission and its historical park are also within brisk walking distance to the west. Expect a 20-minute drive west to Santa Barbara Airport.

Belmond El Encanto's luxe rooms and suites are in bungalow-style buildings spread across the path-laden gardens. Red brick or terracotta tile patios lead into beautifully restored rooms in rich earth tones. Hardwood floors, handsome wood and leather furnishings, and breezy white curtains complement the fireplaces that many of the units feature. Large writing desks, mini-fridges, and iPod docks round out the standard necessities, with honor bars and automatic espresso machines also on hand for more demanding tastes. The bathrooms are large and impressive, with heated stone floors, big walk-in rainfall showers, and separate deep soaking tubs. 

Seven acres of meticulously landscaped gardens wind around the hotel's bungalows, lined with brick paths, quiet benches, and pretty arbors. The original lily pond, loved by locals and returning guests, was dutifully preserved. An outdoor pool faces the Pacific Ocean, which can be seen from the surrounding sun deck dotted with blue umbrellas and sun loungers. The spa has seven treatment rooms, as well as a full hair and nail salon, a relaxation lounge, and steam rooms. The neighboring fitness center doesn't have the biggest equipment room, but everything is state-of-the-art and a few cardio machines are outside on a connecting patio. There's also an attached dance/yoga studio. 

The pricey restaurant serves California-coastal cuisine with a serious dedication to locally sourced ingredients -- that includes keeping its own cow (named Ellie) on the premises for making fresh cheese. An attached bar and lounge serves cocktails and a traditional afternoon tea which must be booked 24 hours in advance. There are two other special seating areas found here as well -- a private wine room with its own menu and an amazing outdoor terrace with views over Santa Barbara.