Vine Country

“The road to excess,” William Blake wrote, “leads to the palace of wisdom.”

Say hello to the palace:

El Encanto, perched above Santa Barbara and only 90 miles from LA, taking reservations now after a seven-year renovation.

Here’s the punch list of on-site luxury:

92 private mission-style bungalows, each with its own patio and garden overlooking the Pacific.
An outdoor rainforest shower surrounded by a mini botanical garden.
An infinity-edge pool overlooking Santa Barbara.

Oh, and a cow who provides all the cheese. Her name is Ellie.

Said cheese goes with the house beer, which is unpasteurized.

In the kitchen presides former Savoy and Daniel toque Patrice Martineau, who’s plating California Coastal wherever you desire: white linen dining room, bar or direct to your bungalow.

And seeing as the Wine Festival is next weekend, El Encanto’s concierge will gladly provide electric-pedal bikes for the festivities. Call in advance and they’ll have a picnic ready.

Oh, and about Blake: sure, maybe he was writing about hell. But we assure you: this is heaven.