Catalina Entertainment is reviving a Catalina Island landmark and transforming it into a new destination. The team is aiming to open El Encanto in July at 101 Marilla Ave. in Avalon, owner Steven Hoefs told What Now Los Angeles.
The Spanish-style building, which was constructed in the 1930s, has deep roots in the community. After undergoing a restoration about 12 years ago, it became Island Spa, but the spa transitioned through multiple operators over the years and ultimately shuttered. After the building sat vacant for a couple years, Hoefs and his team acquired a lease for the building with the intent to bring it back to its former glory — with its original name — as a multi-use destination.
“The building is amazing,” Hoefs said. “They did an incredible job when they restored it. Our vision was to bring it back to what it used to be.”
The building will house a retail boutique, a salon, a spa, an event venue and two villa suites. The boutique will feature spa-inspired offerings, high-end products and athletic wear. The salon will offer services such as manicures, pedicures and hair services, while the spa will feature steam rooms and saunas. The space will also feature a cafe and wine bar.
Catalina Entertainment operates other spots on the island, including five retail shops, four restaurants and a golf course.
“It’s a very iconic building. People walk in here and are just like ‘wow.’ I want it to be a destination,” Hoefs said. “We want to have a really incredible venue for the island that is open to the public and that everyone can enjoy.”
