Book online
From £4,234pp
Sat 9 May · 7 nightsLondon Heathrow2 adults, 1 child · 1 room
California's Central Coast
El Encanto, Santa Barbara
Our rating
TripadvisorBased on 6,874 reviews
The luxurious El Encanto sits in beautiful gardens in the hills above the city of Santa Barbara. The orginal 1920s features have been recently restored adding to the elegance and glamour of this A-lister’s favourite. From the hotel’s elevated position you can enjoy views over the city and the Pacific Ocean beyond, particularly from The Dining Room’s al fresco terrace. Accommodation here is either in charming bungalows or spacious suites.
The luxurious Belmond El Encanto sits in beautiful gardens in the hills above the city of Santa Barbara. The orginal 1920s features have been recently restored adding to the elegance and glamour of this A-lister’s favourite. From the hotel’s elevated position you can enjoy views over the city and the Pacific Ocean beyond, particularly from The Dining Room’s al fresco terrace. Accommodation here is either in charming bungalows or spacious suites.
Elegant hotel in the hills above Santa Barbara.
Best for:
FamiliesYoung familiesCouplesOccasionYear round sunWellness & spaHoneymoonPrivate secluded villas
Avg flight time7 hrs
Avg transfer timeApprox. 1 hour and 50 minutes from Los Angeles airport
SettingHotel
El Encanto, Santa Barbara
Why our experts like it
We've done the exploring, asked the locals, made the mistakes, and found the gems... so you don't have to start from scratch! These are the bits we think you'll love the most. Think of it as travel advice from a friend who just got back and can't wait to tell you everything.
If you love French cuisine, look no further than La Belle Vie
An incredible way to kick off your Maldives holiday
“There's something pretty special about travelling by seaplane. The view from the sky is extraordinary - tiny specs of island and shades of blue that barely look real.”
Jeremy FisherKuoni Travel Expert
The iconic, mile-long sandbank
Perfect for isolated sunbathing, dramatic photoshoots, and watching breathtaking Maldivian sunsets.
Snorkelling and diving isn't the only way to catch sight of the underwater world
“If snorkelling and diving isn't for you, it's possible to catch a glimpse of the reef from a glass-bottomed boat instead.”
Sarah ShepherdKuoni Marketing Team
Kids club at Niva Kuramathi Maldives
Supervised activities through the day, so younger guests get their own adventure while you get a quiet hour by the water.
El Encanto, Santa Barbara
We book this hotel the way you want it
This Maldives hotel is perfect on its own, but add Sri Lanka, Dubai or the Seychelles and it becomes something even better. Discover our multi-centre holidays and make paradise last longer.
Food & drink
Dining room, lounge, wine room and bar
El Encanto, Santa Barbara
Things to do nearby
Curated experiences to help you do more, see more, or simply switch off while you're here.
Napa & Sonoma Wine Countries
Upgrade to a Convertible
Top tips • Wear a secure hat and plenty of sunscreen • Pack light and use soft bags because they'll fit into the trunk more easily Add a touch of adventure and style to your journey with this upgrade and make every mile unforgettable.
California's Central Coast
Chris' Whale Watching Tour
Monterey Bay is one of the most reliable places on the California coast for whale watching. The skippers spend most days on this water, reading swell, bird activity and animal behaviour to decide where to go. The pace is unhurried, with time to stay with sightings rather than rushing on to the next location. What you see varies by season and by day. Humpback whales are common and often active at the surface, grey whales pass through during migration, and blue whales appear in the warmer months. Dolphins frequently ride the bow wave, with sea lions and seabirds close by. • Start times: 10am and 1.30pm • Duration: 3 hours • Daily departures • Operates year round • Group experience
El Encanto, Santa Barbara
There is more than one way to do this trip
A match made in paradise
This hotel is perfect on its own, but add a second destination and it becomes something even better. Discover our multi-centre holidays and make paradise last longer.
What’s in the area
In the area
Where the hotel sits, and what is within reach of it.
Indian Ocean trip ideas
Combine it with somewhere else
Pair this hotel with a second destination.
Book online
From £4,234pp
Sat 9 May · 7 nightsLondon Heathrow2 adults, 1 child · 1 room
Book online
From £4,234pp
Sat 9 May · 7 nightsLondon Heathrow2 adults, 1 child · 1 room
Book online
From £4,234pp
Sat 9 May · 7 nightsLondon Heathrow2 adults, 1 child · 1 room
Book online
From £4,234pp
Sat 9 May · 7 nightsLondon Heathrow2 adults, 1 child · 1 room
Book online
From £4,234pp
Sat 9 May · 7 nightsLondon Heathrow2 adults, 1 child · 1 room
Book online
From £4,234pp
Sat 9 May · 7 nightsLondon Heathrow2 adults, 1 child · 1 room
Book online
From £4,234pp
Sat 9 May · 7 nightsLondon Heathrow2 adults, 1 child · 1 room
When to visit
When to visit
Temperature and rainfall through the year.
| Measurement | Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sept | Oct | Nov | Dec |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Average temp | 11°C | 11°C | 11°C | 12°C | 12°C | 14°C | 15°C | 15°C | 16°C | 15°C | 13°C | 11°C |
| Average rainfall | 121mm | 121mm | 85mm | 42mm | 22mm | 8mm | 4mm | 5mm | 4mm | 23mm | 54mm | 106mm |
| Average price | £4,746pp | £4,992pp | £4,149pp | £4,222pp | £4,827pp | £4,835pp | £5,104pp | £5,176pp | £5,176pp | £5,129pp | £3,958pp | £3,958pp |
El Encanto, Santa Barbara
Current offers
Savings worth having on the departures we think are worth taking. Every offer below applies to this hotel — check each one for the dates and conditions that come with it.
Save up to £300pp
Based on selected departures in September 2026
Save up to 25% when you book by 6th July
Based on selected departures in September 2026
Save up to 35% + complimentary meal upgrade
Based on 20th July 2026 departure
Free half-board upgrade
Based on selected departures in October 2026
Stay 7 nights, pay for 6
Based on selected departures in November 2026
Save up to £200pp on honeymoons
Based on selected departures in January 2027
Complimentary spa treatment for two
Based on stays of 7 nights or more
Free kids' places
Based on selected departures in August 2026
Build your holiday
Choose your dates, your room and where you fly from. Prices update as you go.
Your holiday so far
Flying from
Can't see your airport of choice?Enquire now
Prices are per person, based on two sharing. Your Personal Travel Expert confirms the final price.
May 2026
| Mo | Tu | We | Th | Fr | Sa | Su |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
June 2026
| Mo | Tu | We | Th | Fr | Sa | Su |
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You can upgrade your transfers and flight class when booking (subject to availability).
Local taxes & fees apply upon arrival.
Who's going?
2 adults, 1 child
Duration
7 nights + travel
Departure airport & date
Sat 9 May 2026London Gatwick
Board basis
Speak to an expert | Available until 8pm0800 298 5034
Great offers on Niva Kuramathi Maldives
Escape to Niva Kuramathi and enjoy exclusive savings on your Maldives getaway.
View offersHave you considered a multi-centre?
Maldives pairs really well with other destinations, from Dubai to Sri Lanka.
View multi-centresGood to know
- Includes flights, baggage, and private transfers to and from your hotel
- Total flight time ~ 7 hrs
- Total transfer time ~ 2 hrs
- Overnight in Malé may apply (subject to flights & transfers)
Frequently asked questions
Frequently asked questions
Do I need a visa to visit the Maldives?
British passport holders are issued a free 30-day visitor visa on arrival. You'll need a passport valid for the duration of your stay, a confirmed onward ticket and proof of your accommodation booking.
When is the best time to visit the Maldives?
November to April is the dry season, with the most reliable sunshine and calmest seas. May to October brings shorter rain showers, lower prices and better surf.
What currency is used in the Maldives, and do I need cash?
The local currency is the Maldivian rufiyaa, but resorts price and bill in US dollars and take major cards. Most guests never need cash — a small amount is handy for tipping.
Is the Maldives good for honeymoons outside peak season?
Yes. Off-peak brings noticeably lower rates and quieter islands, and rain tends to come in short bursts rather than all day. Many resorts add honeymoon extras during these months.
What activities are there for older kids and teens in the Maldives?
Most resorts run watersports centres with windsurfing, kayaking and paddleboarding, plus PADI dive courses from around age ten. Snorkelling safaris, sandbank trips and night fishing all suit older children.
Niva Kuramathi Maldives reviews
Guest reviews
Tripadvisor reviews will appear here once the feed is connected.
El Encanto, Santa Barbara
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