El Encanto, A Belmond Hotel vs San Ysidro Ranch
Two of Santa Barbara, California's best properties - rates, honest differences, and what sets them apart.
El Encanto, A Belmond Hotel
Terraced Craftsman bungalows set high on the Santa Barbara Riviera overlooking the ocean.
San Ysidro Ranch
A legendary private cottage retreat nestled across 550 acres in the Montecito foothills.
Which one should you book?
Choose El Encanto (Belmond) for sweeping panoramic Pacific Ocean views from the Santa Barbara Riviera and proximity to downtown; choose San Ysidro Ranch for all-inclusive historic cottage seclusion in Montecito.
- ✓Dramatic clifftop setting on Santa Barbara's Riviera with panoramic views of the city and Pacific
- ✓Iconic zero-edge swimming pool overlooking the coastline and Channel Islands
- ✓Refined Belmond service, open-air terrace dining, and seven acres of serene gardens
- ✓Close 5-minute access to downtown Santa Barbara's historic theater district and Presidio
- ✓Standalone residential-style cottages with stone fireplaces and private garden hot tubs
- ✓All meals and premium spirits included for overnight guests at The Stonehouse and Plow & Angel
- ✓Unmatched privacy and discretion in the exclusive Montecito foothills
- ✓Intimate 38-cottage estate with centuries of celebrity and presidential history
Key Trade-offs at a Glance
What Sets Them Apart
The details that matter at this level.
El Encanto offers high-elevation panoramic ocean views; San Ysidro offers lush enclosed canyon gardens.
El Encanto is in Santa Barbara's Riviera; San Ysidro is tucked in the foothills of Montecito.
San Ysidro includes fine dining for overnight guests; El Encanto is a la carte with public access.
12-Month Nightly Rate Comparison
Average nightly base rates across the calendar year. Click or hover any month to compare.
The Bottom Line
Choose El Encanto (Belmond) for sweeping panoramic Pacific Ocean views from the Santa Barbara Riviera and proximity to downtown; choose San Ysidro Ranch for all-inclusive historic cottage seclusion in Montecito.
El Encanto, A Belmond Hotel starts from $850/night; San Ysidro Ranch from $1,450/night. Both are available through Wildist at the same rate as booking direct - with VIP perks, room upgrades, and dedicated advisor support included.
Ready to Book? We'll Handle the Rest.
Both El Encanto, A Belmond Hotel and San Ysidro Ranch are available through Wildist at the same rate as booking direct — with exclusive VIP perks added at no extra cost.