Stephanie Phelan

In her role, Phelan will serve as the head of operations of the spa, overseeing product development, client service standards and staff training. The Spa at El Encanto will offer an array of curated treatments in a charming setting, for locals, hotel guests and visitors to Santa Barbara.

“We are thrilled to add someone as experienced and talented as Stephanie to our team,” said Laura McIver, General Manager of El Encanto. “Stephanie does not only have a proven track record of opening and managing spa and wellness centers, she also brings an invaluable knowledge of this region. With her guidance, we are now custom creating treatments that incorporate elements from Santa Barbara and Southern California.”

The Spa at El Encanto will feature seven spacious treatment rooms, including a couples room and a wet treatment room. Guests can revive with an assortment of seasonal, organic and specialty body and facial treatments that enchant as thoroughly as the hotel’s lush setting. Following treatment, pampering can continue at the serene, co-ed relaxation lounge, or with a selection of detox tea that can be enjoyed on the outdoor patio. Nail services will also be provided by expert professionals. Men’s and ladies’ lounges will feature steam rooms, showers, private lockers, vanities, and dressing areas.

Prior to opening FLOAT Luxury Spa in Santa Barbara, Phelan was Spa Director at The Balboa Bay Club Resort for four years, where she was recognized as the Manager of the Year. Her experience in spa openings goes back to 2001, when she started Kelea Surf Spa in Hawaii. With a Bachelor’s Degree from University of California, Santa Barbara, Phelan has traveled extensively around South East Asia, learning about Asian culture and developing an interest in spas, healing and herbal medicine.

For more information about El Encanto or for reservations, please click here.

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About El Encanto: Located in Santa Barbara’s American Riviera, the meticulously restored El Encanto reopens in March 2013 as part of the luxurious Orient-Express portfolio. The iconic early 20th-century property is situated atop a hillside, offering sweeping views of the Pacific Ocean. Nestled amid seven acres of gloriously landscaped gardens with a historic trellised lined arbor and lily pond, El Encanto’s 92 bungalows offer a secluded retreat. Designed in quintessential California bungalow styles, El Encanto offers an authentic setting for romance and rediscovery. Following its reopening, guests will enjoy a beautifully appointed boutique spa, signature restaurant featuring California coastal cuisine and a Santa Barbara dedicated wine list, a sumptuous outdoor swimming pool, a window-lined ballroom with private terrace, three meeting rooms with panoramic ocean views, and an array of outdoor event venues. www.elencanto.com

About Orient-Express: Orient-Express Hotels Ltd. is a luxury hotel company and sophisticated adventure travel operator which seeks to deliver memorable experiences that are the ultimate expression of each destination’s authentic culture. The Company has offered exceptional luxury travel experiences since 1976, when it purchased Hotel Cipriani in Venice and then shortly thereafter recreated the celebrated Venice Simplon-Orient-Express, linking London, Paris and Venice, along with other European cities. Today the Orient-Express brand embraces 45 hotel, cruise and luxury rail businesses in 22 countries, including distinctive properties such as Hotel Cipriani in Venice, Grand Hotel Europe in St Petersburg, Hotel Ritz Madrid, Mount Nelson Hotel in Cape Town, Copacabana Palace in Rio de Janeiro and Maroma Resort and Spa on Mexico’s Riviera Maya. The Company also operates six luxury tourist trains, two river cruise operations and the ‘21’ Club, one of New York’s most iconic restaurants and watering holes. click here.

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