P-22 Agency is proud to announce its appointment as public relations Agency of Record for El Encanto, Santa Barbara's storied hillside hideaway. Nestled on seven acres of terraced gardens overlooking the Pacific Ocean, the resort offers 90 individually designed California bungalows and suites in the heart of the American Riviera.
Guided by Founder and CEO Ty Bentsen, the award-winning agency will help usher in El Encanto’s next great chapter as a strategic, results-driven public relations partner, expertly guiding the resort through its forthcoming $40 million renovation, developing strategic partnerships, and leading media and influencer relations. P-22 Agency will also assist in positioning El Encanto as the ideal home base to experience Santa Barbara’s wealth of cultural events, including Old Spanish Days Fiesta (August 5-9, 2026), the Santa Barbara International Film Festival (February 3-13, 2027), and more.
“I feel a deep and personal connection to El Encanto. Having re-opened the property in 2013 in a previous role, I understand its storied past, its evolution, and how El Encanto has earned its reputation as the Clubhouse of the American Riviera. This is a place where luxury is delivered without pretense and where guests don’t need permission to be themselves,” says Ty Bentsen, Founder and CEO of P-22 Agency. “And with a transformative $40 million renovation on the horizon, P-22 Agency is in a unique position to steward El Encanto’s next great chapter as an integrated, strategic communications partner.”
Originally opened in 1918, El Encanto quickly established itself as a haven for artists, celebrities, and visionaries. Perched in one of Santa Barbara's most prestigious neighborhoods, the resort earned a reputation for unparalleled privacy, welcoming Old Hollywood icons including Clark Gable, Carole Lombard, and Hedy Lamarr. More than a century later, El Encanto continues that legacy, offering guests luxury without pretense, privacy without isolation, and heritage with contemporary California ease.
Today, guests at El Encanto can wander through seven acres of lush terraced gardens, watch turtles glide through the resort's historic reflection pond, unwind beside the zero-edge pool overlooking the Pacific, or indulge in restorative treatments at the boutique spa. Widely regarded as one of Southern California's premier dining destinations, The Dining Room and Terrace, led by Chef Joel Viehland, showcases seasonal cuisine inspired by California's Central Coast.
Beyond the resort, El Encanto invites guests to immerse themselves in the spirit of Santa Barbara through a host of experiences celebrating the region's renowned wine, wellness, outdoor adventure, and coastal culture. From private wine tastings and sailing excursions to horseback riding, surfing lessons, mountain biking, and tennis, each offers a deeper connection to the destination.
Image courtesy of El Encanto
