When we have a special occasion to celebrate and dine in the Santa Barbara area, our top choices are; El Encanto, The Biltmore Four Seasons, Angel Oak at Bacara and tentatively to be opened soon after serious damage from the fires and floods, The Stonehouse at San Ysidro Ranch. These all have incredible atmospheres with upscale decor, the best servers, wine lists and wine service and chefs. All are expensive. If I were to pick one on these, it would be The Stonehouse, but I'm not sure when they will re-open. They are close to doing so. There are 2 excellent Italian restaurants that I love, Olio y Lemone and Ca Dario, but for an extra special occasion, the ones I mention above are a step up in class for the complete dining experience.

Good Day GlindaGoodwitch33, Please contact me personally in our Executive Office at 805 770 3701 and we can discuss your needs as we always have different deals and value added opportunities for our guest to take advantage of. I look forward to your email. Cheers, Shaun O'Bryan Resort Manager

Good afternoon tdamico1, Rest assured we have had numerous events/wedding at Belmond El Encanto that have been flawless with execution and trust yours will be as well. Please contact me directly at 805.845.5800 so that we may discuss your event in detail. Very best! Stella Ahn Executive Assistant Manager

Dear LisanneMB, Delighted you enjoyed our properties in Italy, there is nothing like luxuriating poolside at Hotel Caruso unless you are at Belmond El Encanto. Our pool is a zero-edge pool that is saline based and free of chlorine and heated so anytime of year is a grand time to enjoy the pool and Santa Barbara weather. February can have some rain though, this year we are in a drought so not much rain but we may next year. If there is no rain we typically have 70 degree (Farenheit) weather and sunny skies. While the Italian properties are rich with European history and architectural culture, Santa Barbara is rich with Spanish colonial influences with Mission style buildings featuring white stucco walls and red tiled roofs as well as an homage to early California architecture of the Craftsman style bungalows. All of our units are bungalows that are in the style of a duplex or triplex building and residential in style and feel. Charming and quaint atop the hillside of the American Riviera yet close enough to downtown should adventure spur a desire for some nightlife or perhaps a daytrip to wine country or excitement with watersports like kayaking, paddleboarding or jet skiing. Please feel free to contact me directly if I may be of further assistance. Very best, Stella Ahn Executive Assistant Manager 805.845.5800

Good evening Carol, The beach is about 5 miles away from the property and you have a few options to make it down to the surf and sand. Option 1: Rent our electric bicycles to get down and use the motor to get back to property. Option 2: Book the guest courtesy vehicle which can drop you off at Leadbetter or East Beach and then call to have them pick you back up. Option 3: If you are driving we can provide directions. Hope this helps and please feel free to contact our concierge department at 805.845.5800. Best wishes, Stella Ahn Executive Assistant Manager