Tinder co-founder Justin Mateen and his brother Tyler Mateen, in partnership with travel advisor Garrett Cayton of The Discerning Travellers and the Cayton family’s Culver Capital, have acquired the El Encanto Hotel in Santa Barbara for $82.2 million from Belmond, the luxury hospitality brand owned by LVMH.
The sale marks LVMH’s exit from its only hotel property in the U.S. Originally opened in 1918, El Encanto is a 90-bungalow luxury property in the Santa Barbara hills with Pacific Ocean views.
The new owners plan to renovate the property while preserving its historical character. It will be run as an independent boutique hotel and is now a part of the Leading Hotels of the World portfolio.
“El Encanto has an authentic heart and soul unlike any property I’ve visited in California,” said Tyler Mateen. “We will bring its rich history and timeless allure to the forefront of every aspect of the guest experience.”
Cayton, a luxury travel advisor affiliate of Coastline Travel Group and Virtuoso, says that El Encanto is on par with some of the best hotels in the world.
“I have brought travelers to and visited the greatest hotels in the world,” he said. “Very few possess the authenticity and rich history of El Encanto. This property embodies the essence of California living and offers an experience like no other hotel on the Central Coast.”
Justin Mateen emphasized the hotel’s accessibility — adjacent to Los Angeles and a direct flight from major U.S. cities — and its historic allure.
“El Encanto was the exclusive hideout during the golden era of Old Hollywood,” he said. “We will be pouring love and resources into this iconic property to continue that legacy.”
The property will stay open year-round during the transition and enhancement, which will encompass “every aspect of the property, from bungalows and spa offerings to culinary concepts and garden landscaping, blending old-world elegance with modern hospitality.”
Overseeing design and construction management is Tyrone McKillen, a Santa Barbara-based developer. Landscape architect Mark Rios will oversee the resort’s landscape architecture changes.
