Alila Ventana Big Sur

This was our second stay at Alila Ventana Big Sur and it was wonderful. We were celebrating my birthday with a three-night stay during the end of July/beginning of August and having that extra night was great. Our first stay last summer was just for two nights and it was not enough. This time, we got to enjoy relaxing plus doing activities without it being too scheduled. The weather was gorgeous - warm/sometimes hot during the day, then cool at night. The staff was beyond hospitable and accommodating. They provided a delicious and generous welcome amenity in our room, and also helped us with an unexpected room change on our last day/night. The all-inclusive food and non-alcoholic drinks are really delicious. We bought a couple of the beverage vouchers to help save a little money on the alcoholic beverages we knew we would be enjoying and it was worth it. Also bought an activity voucher to save save a little money on a paid activity. Make sure to do any of the paid activities that involve a walk/hike plus making cocktails. So fun!

Having been to Hearst Castel three times in San Simeon, I always wondered what it would be like to live or stay there more than the two hours allotted. Finally, my question has been answered with my stay at Alila Ventana. Not only are the mountaintop views stunning, but you're really treated like royalty here. In fact, the views in Big Sur are even arguably better than in San Simeon. If you're from the Central Coast or are planning a trip to Big Sur, you really need to check out this resort. It'll be an experience you'll never forget!

Fantastic 4 nights at the resort!! Food was excellent and the staff was exceptional. Did a lot with f walking/hiking and would love to go back again.

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.