EPICURE Early Spring 2020

Belmond El Encanto Hotel
The tour is also a great chance to get to grips with the layout
of the city. Santa Barbara is made up of several districts, one of
which, The Funk Zone, has seen its popularity boom in recent
decades. Comprising of a series of converted warehouses, this
contemporary district is very much the place to be to sample
artisan foods from up-and-coming chefs, and out-of-this-world
Santa Barbara Country wines. Shop fronts and walls are adorned
with graffiti murals and art pieces; this district really is an everevolving
artistic neighbourhood that is well worth a visit.
It was then time to travel up into the foothills to our next hotel.
And what an iconic hotel indeed. The Belmond El Encanto.
Recently renovated in 2013, Belmond El Encanto offers stunning
views of the American Riviera and a whole heap of Hollywood
glamour on the side. This resort manages to feel relaxed and lowkey,
while at the same time feeling like the most exclusive place
on earth. Sitting poolside whilst sipping a glass of ‘Belmond El
Encanto Cuvee’, life truly feels timeless up here. It’s little wonder
that it was a favoured getaway of the Hollywood elite.
We made our way back down from the hills to State Street for
an Italian feast at Due Lune Cucina. Serving fresh ingredients
and hand-made pasta, I would have been mad not to order
the Linguine alle Vongole. This was paired with some fabulous
local wines, and the staff couldn’t have been more friendly and
attentive. We topped off the night with a nightcap at Pearl Social;
an intimate and beautifully furnished cocktail bar. The night felt
like a very classy affair indeed.
Somehow, our final day had sadly rolled around already! It was
time to do a spot of botanical sight seeing. Lotusland was our
destination. This 37-acre estate and botanic garden is situated in
the foothills of Montecito, which is located to the East of Santa
Barbara. Purchased by the rather marvellous socialite Madame
Walska (Google her, honestly!), she spent 43 years designing
the gardens to her liking. To say they were breathtaking is an
understatement. Home to all sorts of exotic, rare collections of
plants, this is truly a garden like no other.
After another spot of wine tasting at some of the local
establishments (it would be rude not to!), we made our way to
Bibi Ji for dinner. A modern take on traditional Indian cuisine,
Bibi Ji are experts at pairing quality, local wines with the most
brilliant of dishes. The moment came when the aptly nicknamed
‘Californian Gold’ was bought out; Santa Barbara’s locally caught
sea urchins. Beautifully presented, and filled with biryani rice, I
couldn’t lie...I was a little hesitant to try them. After all, my only
knowledge of them was to avoid standing on them when on sandy
beaches abroad. I needn’t have worried. Creamy and indulgent,
they were fantastic.
What a dish. And what a trip.
AT A GLANCE
2 nights at harbor view inn hotel, 2 nights at
belmond el encanto hotel, private transfers and
return flights with Norwegian air. Parking and
lounge access with holiday extras.
No1 Lounge at Gatwick Airport (South Terminal)
from £26 PP
Harbor view inn - Nightly Rates vary from
$268.00-$400.00
Belmond El Encanto - Nightly room rates start from
$560 (inc tax), suites from $811 (inc tax)
www.santabarbaraca.com
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