Santa Barbara’s only Forbes Five-Star resort, Belmond El Encanto, sits high in the hills with views that stretch across the city and out to the ocean. It’s the kind of place that feels removed from everything, even though you’re just minutes from downtown. The gardens are genuinely lush—palms, flowers, mature trees everywhere—and the property has maintained that sense of retreat since it opened in the 1920s.

What matters if you’re traveling with a dog is that they’re welcomed here without the usual fanfare or restrictions you might expect at a high-end resort. The accommodations are well-appointed, which means your room will be comfortable, and you’re not going to feel like you’re troubling anyone by having your dog there. The grounds give you actual space to walk around, which is valuable at a resort where you might otherwise feel confined to a room.

The views really do make a difference. You’re elevated enough that you get perspective on Santa Barbara rather than just being in the middle of it. From the property, you can see across the city toward the coast, and that alone changes how a stay feels. It’s quieter up here than it would be staying downtown near State Street.

The service is what you’d expect from a Forbes Five-Star property—attentive without being intrusive. If you’re someone who travels with your dog and doesn’t want to leave them in a room while you explore, the hilltop location and gardens give you reasons to stay put and enjoy the property itself rather than feeling like you’re missing out by not being in town.

For details on pet policies and what’s available during your stay, contact the resort directly or check their website. Rates vary significantly by season, with peak pricing during summer and holidays.