Alila Ventana Big Sur

We spent six nights at Alila Ventana Big Sur celebrating our 15th anniversary — three nights at the resort followed by three nights at a Canyon Glamping site — and in hindsight, splitting our stay this way was one of the best decisions we made. For our first three nights, we wanted to really stay at Ventana. We didn’t want to feel like we needed to leave every day to explore Big Sur because there is simply so much to experience on the property itself. Then, once we moved down to the campground, we used those three days to get out and explore the area. It ended up being the perfect combination. From the moment we arrived at the resort, the service was exceptional. Carlos picked us up after we parked the car and somehow already knew my name and which room we were going to before we did. He took care of all of our luggage and, instead of simply dropping it in the room, noticed some magazines we had in a bag, took them out and fanned them across the table. It was such a small gesture, but that’s the kind of thing we experienced throughout our stay — thoughtful and personal without ever feeling intrusive or overdone. We stayed in a Sur Suite and absolutely loved it. It was incredibly private, with beautiful views through the trees toward the ocean. The hammock on the deck was such a great touch, and the large double doors opening outside from both the bedroom and bathroom really connected the room to the surroundings. You never forgot that you were in Big Sur. The Sur House was also a huge part of our experience. Because we were celebrating our anniversary and planned on eating there each night, we asked Rachel if there was any way we could have the same server for all three dinners. She asked us a few questions about what kind of person we might vibe with, said she’d work on it, and paired us with Michael. She absolutely nailed it. Michael was fantastic. By the second evening, he already remembered what we liked and didn’t like, our food and wine preferences, and all the little details you normally have to explain again with a new server. He was knowledgeable about both the food and wine, but more importantly, he was just incredibly warm and fun to spend time with. It made dinner each night feel refined and special but also wonderfully comfortable. That warmth really extended throughout the entire resort. We loved our kintsugi experience with Maruca, who was patient, encouraging and a wonderful teacher. Colin did the Coastal Ridge hike with Kaylee and thought she was fantastic and incredibly informative. We spent time talking with Chris, the beekeeper, and had wonderful evenings at the bar, where the bartender made us Marine Layers and we got to know some of the other guests. What struck us most was how genuinely happy and engaged the staff seemed. Several employees independently mentioned the new general manager and the effort he’s making to elevate the service and guest experience while also making the staff feel valued. Whatever is happening behind the scenes seems to be working, because there was a warmth and consistency to the service that is difficult to manufacture. After three nights at the resort, we moved down to Ventana’s campground for three nights of glamping. This gave us the freedom to spend our days exploring Big Sur and the surrounding area without feeling like we were missing time at the resort. We explored Pfeiffer Big Sur State Park and walked among the redwoods, visited Pfeiffer Beach and Bixby Bridge, drove south to see the elephant seals and Cambria, and went all the way down to Hearst Castle. Definitely make a reservation in advance if Hearst Castle is on your list. We also used the glamping portion of the trip to try some other restaurants in the area, including dinner one night at Sierra Mar at Post Ranch Inn. Reservations are definitely important there as well. It was a very good experience, but interestingly, both of us left saying how happy we were that we’d chosen Ventana as our resort. Ventana simply felt warmer, friendlier and more like home to us. The glamping experience itself was beautiful. Our Canyon site was incredibly private and peaceful, and sleeping among those trees is pretty magical. Leslie from housekeeping was also wonderful — incredibly friendly and full of helpful tips. There is one thing I would do differently next time: I would choose a site closer to the SurStream area and bathhouse rather than another Canyon site. The Canyon sites are wonderfully secluded, so for someone looking for maximum privacy, they may be perfect. For me, though, the walk and hill between our site and the bathhouse became a little much. I really think Ventana needs to add a small bathroom facility back near the Canyon sites. It doesn’t necessarily need showers or another full bathhouse — even a simple two-stall restroom would make a significant difference for guests staying up there. We absolutely loved the SurStream food trailer and bar area. In the evenings, the fire pit was going, people would gather for food and drinks, and we’d end up talking with other guests. It had this wonderful, relaxed, social atmosphere that was completely different from the resort but equally memorable. On our next visit, that’s the area we’d want to stay closer to. And the weather during our six nights couldn’t have been better. Big Sur was showing off. Looking back, I would absolutely recommend doing Ventana the way we did if you have enough time: give yourself a few nights at the resort where you don’t plan much of anything outside the property. Enjoy the pools, the Sur House, the trails, the activities, the views, your room and simply being there. Then add a few nights of glamping and use that as your base for exploring everything else Big Sur and the Central Coast have to offer. They’re two very different experiences, and putting them together made this feel like two vacations in one. Most importantly, though, we’ll remember the people. Carlos, Rachel, Michael, Maruca, Kaylee, Chris, Leslie, our wonderful bartender whose name I wish I could remember, and so many other people we encountered made us feel genuinely welcome. There are beautiful luxury resorts all over the world, and Big Sur certainly has no shortage of spectacular scenery. What made Ventana special for us was how comfortable we felt there. The service was polished without feeling stiff, attentive without hovering, and personal without feeling forced. For a trip celebrating 15 years together, it gave us exactly what we were hoping for — and a lot of special, warm memories that we’ll carry with us. We will absolutely be back.

A unique, stress-free, beautiful place to stay! All the staff are very accommodating to make sure that you need not worry about a thing.

Went on this trip with my wife as a celebration before I begin my new career. We were able to book two nights at 45k points. Location: Big Sur is beautiful, the location itself is great doing a drive up or down the 1 is always nice. Atmosphere: the atmosphere of the property has changed since we last came here two years ago. It seemed there were a lot of staff on the property, and many in sight at all times. This was a bad thing, they were constantly in sight, in the way, driving in their carts, talking among each other while being in the way. It sort of took away from the property. Also, this time around there was so many kids. Before it was adults only, but I guess that changed. There was so many of them, it was like we were staying at a family resort rather than an adult focused property. I have kids myself, and I came here to have a break from them, not listen to other’s kids. Rooms: We ended up staying in 3 different rooms during our stay. 17, then 57, then 23. 17 was nice and spacious, the tub I’ll say was pretty small though. 57 was a really nice room, hammock was a nice touch, but for a suite, the view was sad, parking lot view. If I had paid upwards of 2.75k and had that room, I would be disappointed. The fireplace ventilation did not work properly so we were smoked out and switched rooms around midnight. After the supervisor on duty that night finally came to the room to see for herself. Prior to that she sent a bellman with just a fan. However the room had no actual windows you can open, rendering the fan useless. The bellman even said he bring a leaf blower, but it was midnight and I’d rather be mindful of the other guests. 23 was an upstairs downstairs that was nice only because of the huge windows and view at night. The couch/living room area was whatever, sort of ugly. There was a knocking that could be heard in the ceiling and I was not sure what it was but it could only be heard downstairs, not upstairs. The upstairs bedroom was nice though, that view at nice was amazing. Value: for what I got, if I had paid for the room in cash, I would have honestly been letdown. Our first night was much better than our second night. But some of the issues we encountered were dog feces in the walkway, that was never cleaned the entire length of our stay. A server who shamelessly told every party around us including ourselves that “anything you offer goes directly to our staff.” I was under the impression gratuities were included in the nightly rate. He was the only one that ever mentioned any sort of tip but it seemed desperate. The dining experience at dinner left us very much wanting more. Service took a really long time with all dishes. The entrees themselves were just OK. Kids at other tables could be heard throwing tantrums for whatever the case. The alcoholic beverages we got were good as well, but I have to mention that during the whole stay, not once did I ever feel a buzz, no matter the amount of drinks I consumed. This isn’t to insinuate anything, but I found it odd. I had dinner at The Bench, after checkout and one drink had me feeling a buzz. The Bench food is the level the Alila should be at, but it just wasn’t anywhere close. Cleanliness: aside from the dog feces we saw in the walkway, the property was clean, no issues at all. Service: shout out to Brian at the front. Shout out to Mina the dining manager. She really made it a point to talk to us at reservation check in, at the bar gave us champagne, presented our dessert, and even threw in another one we were curious about. Leo was a great server as well, attentive the whole time, gave good recommendations, we remembered him from our first trip over here. Lalo during breakfast service the second morning was attentive and helpful as well. Amenities: the amenities were nice! My wife did have a situation where she was trying to read on a hammock but the staff were having a loud conversation in the area beside her so it was a bit annoying. The gym could do for some added weights or machines, perhaps a cable machine with a pull up bar. The hot tub that is beside the main pool in the front was also not very hot, it was like a warm/lukewarm tub. The Japanese tubs were in fact hot. In conclusion, if you made it this far into my review. You see there were faults at the property, but it was also good as well. For a point booking, I say go for it. If you’re paying cash, I would urge you to consider maybe the Carmel Valley Ranch, stayed there previously and was rather nice, good views in all the rooms, more privacy in the balconies as well.

Absolutely stunning property set amidst the red wood forests and cliffs of Big Sur. Excellent restaurant with farm to table menu options, top notch service and panoramic vistas. The service and natural beauty of the landscapes offset the fact that the rooms haven't been freshened up in ~20 years.

Ventana is a special place. We were married there 10 years ago and returned for our anniversary trip, which was so special. The events team set up a private dinner at the “Glass House” overlooking the ocean and it was very romantic. Our suite was well appointed, and I loved the private hot tub on our patio. I felt very serene and connected with nature throughout the entire stay. The Sur House served wonderful brunch and dinners, and the staff are so friendly, maybe of them have been working there for decades. We also enjoyed an incredible couples massage amongst the redwoods. I can’t say enough about good things Ventana.