Alila Ventana Big Sur Pool and Spa Daycation

If Google allowed six stars, this would be it. Ventana is the highest level of service we have experienced anywhere, and the resort itself is stunning, tucked into the redwoods above the Pacific in Big Sur. It started at check in with glasses of rosé while they walked us through the property. Our room was warm and quiet, with wood paneled walls, a vaulted ceiling, a ceiling fan, and slippers laid out by the bed. The bathroom was a highlight on its own, with a deep soaking tub behind folding glass doors that open to the bedroom, a wooden bath caddy with fresh rosemary, a glass rain shower, and LATHER bamboo lemongrass toiletries. The food was spectacular, and it is all included, which still feels unreal. Lunch on the terrace came with that huge ocean view, a great sandwich, fresh fruit, and juices. Dinner at Sur House was just as strong, with an heirloom tomato salad, a vivid chilled soup, beautiful crudo plates, and roasted vegetables, course after course. Around the property, the Social House has this grand wooden pergola entrance, and by the giant stone fireplace there is a s'mores cart stocked with vanilla marshmallows and graham crackers for the evening. Watching the sunset drop into the ocean through the trees on our last night said it all. Make sure to stop by all the various hot tubs and Japanese baths on property as well. And when you’re tired from hiking all day, the staff will graciously shuttle you around the property in golf carts! We did not want to leave.

Me and my wife stayed for 2 nights and the place was magnificent. The room was awesome. We had a canyon view with partial ocean view off in the distant. Room was well appointed with everything you need for an all inclusive resort. My only downside was the coffee maker, which was an Nepresso which made espresso only. I'm a coffee lover. But I made due. The outdoor shower was a kick and very enjoyable. The balcony was large with tables and chairs and a hammock . The atmosphere was perfect. There were hacking trails all over and events that you could partake in. There were 4 pools, 2 clothing optional. As for the Food, the Sur House was one of the best restaurants we have ever eaten at.I'll review that under the Sur House review. Overall we enjoyed the restoration very much. And will be back at some point.

It’s been about a year since my wife and I stayed at Ventana for 4 nights. I’ve thought about that trip countless times since we left. It was one of the best experiences of our life together. For us, our lives are focused on taking care of others. So carving out time to relax and be totally taken care of, meant the world to us. I would not change a thing from the moment we arrived to the moment we left. We stayed in a shower suite in a 2nd floor corner room. Ventana has a sense of space because of how the buildings are spread throughout the property. The room was quiet, thoughtfully designed and beautiful. We made good use of the fireplace and record player every night. It rained the first night and for the next 24 hours smells of cedar and lavender surrounded us as we walked around the property. Dining at the Sur House every night was wonderful. We enjoying dining inside on cooler evenings in the cozy timber framed restaurant. Then out on the porch when the weather was more pleasant to enjoy the gorgeous views and sunset during our meal. The food was fresh, creative and delicious.we enjoyed every meal we had during our stay. Most days we would have breakfast brought to our room. It was nice to have the option of room service on days that we wanted to start slow. The staff of Ventana were fantastic. It was the perfect balance of being there if you needed anything but being far enough away to where had our privacy and space. We enjoyed a couples massage in the middle of our trip. The staff were so professional and attentive. We were a little on the fence about spending the extra money on this but we were so glad we did. It was one of the many highlights on the trip. I could keep going on and on. Our 10 year wedding anniversary is coming up next year and we already booked our stay at Ventana. It’s rare that we visit the same place twice. We just kept comparing all our options to Ventana and we knew going back was our dream.

We had such an amazing 2 night stay! The service here was incredible from check in to check out. When we pulled up to the property our car was parked for us, luggage taken to our rooms and we could check in with a glass of wine! Pools and hot tubs were great, it was nice that everything was included so we didn’t feel like nickeled and dimed. Every staff member we encountered was so nice and very hard working. Poolside food service was quick and yummy. We also got a massage and Aly the masseuse worked out all the knots in my back. Loved having our personal hammock and hot tub on the balcony! We enjoyed exploring all parts of the property- from the campsites to the trails to the garden with the chickens. We saw a few deer too! The free activities were informative- we learned a lot about the nature in the area! We could text the concierge with any requests we needed and they were quick to respond or send shuttles for us whenever we needed. When we checked out and asked for a shuttle for our luggage and they took us directly to our car which they had already pulled up for us. Such smooth service!! Wish I could have more of the Rosemary Popcorn too that was so good!

My friend chose her wedding place here and turns out to be a good decision. This is a hotel with genuinely incredible scenery. Perched at the top of the hill, it offers sweeping views out over Big Sur that are hard to beat. Getting there isn't the easiest, though. Between the mountain roads and ongoing construction, some stretches were down to single-lane traffic, so give yourself extra time for the drive. And for a property at this price point, the food still has some room to improve. That said, the setting alone makes it a memorable place to stay or celebrate.