Our black Lab, Jessie, enjoyed a DogCation recently at the luxurious Belmond El Encanto, with 92 suites and bungalows in the hills overlooking Santa Barbara. Though I'm sure she would have been just as happy to stay at a B&B, we wanted her to enjoy the panoramic view of the blue Pacific coastline — because, well, selfishly, so did we.
A royal welcome — for Jessie
On arriving, the valets — young, eager guys who looked like they were positively in love with their jobs — could not have been more welcoming. To Jessie. The chatty bellman gave her a royal welcome, grabbing her leash and walking her to her — that is, our — suite, once occupied by FDR and other celebrities, he tells us. Once there, he presented our pampered pet with a bowl and treats waiting just for her. We know she was in dog heaven because her tail gave it away. This was something to bark home about.
Like other dog-friendly resorts, there is a cost associated with bringing your best friend along, but a reasonable one, and worth it. If you're a dog lover who spends your vacations worrying about whether your pooch thinks you've abandoned her, having her along for the ride can be a great stress reliever. The hospitably attentive El Encanto staff appears to know it, too.
Hendry's Beach and The Boathouse
On this trip, we planned it to be a DogCation because of the nearby off-leash dog beach, Arroyo Burro Beach, also known as Hendry's Beach by the locals. There are other dog beaches along the coast, from Coronado to Carmel, but this is one of the nicest. It even has automatic dog-washing machines.
We had a lovely lunch at The Boathouse at Hendry's Beach, a charming beachfront seafood restaurant just steps from the sand. One thing to note: dogs are not allowed on the restaurant patio. They did have a doggie holding area within eyeshot, where we secured Jessie. Hopefully they'll rethink this, because it's a lovely location and there's plenty of room. We enjoyed a wonderful plate of steamed mussels and crab cakes.
Next stop: the Santa Barbara Botanic Garden
What a ridiculously serendipitous find! And once again Jessie was welcomed with smiles and treats. The cost of our admission was reasonable, and dogs are admitted free! There are 5.5 miles of wooded paths to explore, including an authentic Japanese teahouse and tea garden.
Evening on the terrace
That evening, back at El Encanto, we dined on the ocean-facing lounge terrace with stunning views. I could make a vacation just sitting there daydreaming.
Bill went nuts over the oysters on the half shell — something about them being the most succulent he'd ever had. At the Lounge, our server brought Jessie a water dish as soon as we were seated. Other touches of detail: the in-suite doggie treats and welcome card.
The koi pond
Strolling the lush grounds, we came across a koi pond. This, I think, was Jessie's favorite part of the trip.
As the koi and turtles paddled up to her nose, I felt like I was tacking in gale-force winds to keep her from enjoying a gourmet meal. But elsewhere, after seeing another visitor's dog happily bounding about off-leash, and knowing how well-behaved ours is, we allowed Jessie the freedom to Google the lawns and shrubs. While we always carry supplies, El Encanto provides a poop-bag station as well as a depository. That's what I call attention to detail!
Virtuoso perks (in 2018)
The five-star Belmond El Encanto is a Virtuoso member. Virtuoso amenities include an upgrade on arrival (subject to availability), continental breakfast daily for up to two in-room guests, served in the restaurant or by room service, and a $100 resort credit.
Between December 19 and 23, 2018 (two-night minimum), El Encanto is offering a “Winter Solstice Wellness Retreat.” The package includes a $60 daily breakfast credit per room, a $380 spa credit, a group workshop and dinner on Thursday, chakra yoga with a group lunch and workshop on Friday, and full-moon yoga on Saturday.
The verdict
When we left, the valet asked if he could lift our 75-pound furball into the car — and did it without waiting for an answer.
What started out as an overnight stay turned into two nights, because we didn't want to leave. I would recommend El Encanto to anyone wanting a quiet, romantic time away from the ordinary. But if you're looking to take a dog-cation, it would be hard to top it for dog-friendliness. In fact, Jessie's hounding us to return.
— GigiGigi Becker, Owner & Travel Advisor, Empyrean Travel. About Gigi
From the Empyrean team
Planning your own DogCation
- Confirm the hotel's pet policy in writing before you book: fees, weight or number limits, and whether dogs can be left alone in the room.
- Pack her bed, food, a long leash for the beach and a towel for the car — our guide to traveling with pets has the full checklist.
- Leashed dogs get into the Santa Barbara Botanic Garden free; leash rules vary along Hendry's Beach and around the county park, so check posted signs.
- Want the Virtuoso amenities that come with booking through an advisor? See what Virtuoso is and ask Gigi which dog-friendly hotels qualify.