With a $40 Million Transformative Renovation on the Horizon, Award-Winning Agency Tapped to Lead Strategic Communications for Santa Barbara’s Storied Hillside Hideaway
LOS ANGELES, CA (July 7, 2026) – 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 the property’s storied past, its evolution, and how the property 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. To learn more, visit: elencanto.com
About P-22 Agency
P-22 is an award-winning challenger agency that boldly entered the chat to deliver a striking new breed of founder-led, strategic communications for leading luxury and lifestyle travel, tourism, aviation, and wine/spirits clients. Women-owned and driven by passion, P-22 Agency is a bi-coastal agency operating in Los Angeles and New York City bringing big, brand-level thinking to clients at scale. Agile, tenacious, and deeply committed to its craft with an ethos that prioritizes high-touch service over ego, P-22 Agency is dedicated to aligning with brands that share its values and strive for excellence. The Agency was purpose-built to offer working parents, risk takers, and people who love the hospitality industry a vibrant, supportive workplace where they can create, inspire, and thrive. Learn more at p-22agency.com
About El Encanto
Located in the hills of Santa Barbara’s American Riviera, El Encanto is the city’s most storied luxury hideaway. A member of Leading Hotels of the World, the property offers 90 individually-styled California bungalows and suites set across seven acres of terraced gardens with panoramic views of Santa Barbara and the Pacific Ocean. Guests enjoy a zero-edge outdoor pool, boutique spa, and access to bicycles, fitness classes, and wellness programming. El Encanto’s signature restaurant, The Dining Room and Terrace, is helmed by Chef Joel Viehland and features fresh, seasonal cuisine inspired by California’s Central Coast. Additional offerings include a private Wine Room for intimate events and activities for guests ranging from trips to the Santa Barbara Farmer’s Market with Chef Joel to sailing off the California coast on a 50-foot Catalina sailing yacht. The property also boasts nearly 10,000 square feet of indoor and outdoor event space, ideal for weddings, social gatherings, and executive retreats. Pet-friendly, ADA accessible, and minutes from downtown Santa Barbara, El Encanto remains a serene and storied escape for both visitors and locals alike. For more information or reservations, visit elencanto.com.