Alila Ventana Big Sur Pool and Spa Daycation

We stayed at the rain forest shower suite (upper level) which had a terrific view of the redwood trees and sunset. The room and resort was excellent and the meals (breakfast, lunch, dinner and overnight) included was definitely a highlight and better than expected given it was all inclusive. However, the real let-down was the service which was exceedingly mediocre. Toiletries were not replenished unless asked and even when asked, requests were ignored. Service at the Sur House where all meals are served was also mixed. Service for dinner during our first night was excellent although it took approximately an hour for our entree to be served. Second night, the service was atrocious and it felt like the server couldn’t wait for us to be done. She didn’t check in on us and we had to proactively ask for fork and knives after our food was served. The level of service we received that night was something you expect from Golden Carroll. We also stayed at the Post Ranch Inn which is right across the street. We wanted to experience both resorts back to back and the service is night and day. Overall, we will not return given the quality of service just isn’t on par with its “peers” and we will be staying at the post ranch inn going forward. For anyone that struggled like us on picking which resort to stay at, the post ranch inn is the move.

We thought Ventana might be a nice place to honeymoon but we weren’t prepared for the level of service, attention to detail, delicious food at Sur House, and fun activities. Our room was cleaned twice a day and offered a beautiful view of the redwoods. When it came time to head to Sur House for a meal, we could either walk the gravel path in the forest or text a number for a ride and have an electric vehicle come pick us up promptly. It felt like adult summer camp with the activities: suiting up to handle bee hives, axe throwing, botanical pours, and foraging through the garden. Kaitlyn, our guide for these experiences, was awesome, and she gave us the best recs for a couple cool, short hikes in the area that aren’t heavily advertised. I also cannot underscore how incredible the couples massage experience was. It was the best massage I’ve ever received and the whole experience with a hot bath overlooking the redwoods was worth every penny. We thought that since the food was included it would be good but not great. Nope. It was incredible. And Eduardo, our server most days, was fantastic. It felt special to have the same server most every meal too. Our room had a hot tub but we actually preferred the Infiniti edge heated pool overlooking the redwoods, as it was cooler. Our toughest decisions each day consisted of choosing which pool to lay by, or whether to play board games, roast s’mores in our fireplace in our suite, or use the Japanese hot baths after dinner. We already miss Ventana and are planning our next trip back. I would note for those not from California that the marine layer—the fog over the ocean—prevents you from seeing the water. So it looks like you’re in the clouds, but it’s still beautiful nonetheless with the mountains and redwoods in the back.

Alila Ventana is wonderful. The property is beautiful. The curated menu was delicious and presented wonderfully. We stayed in the hotel resort, not the camp site. The experiences the resort are offering are really nice too. The restaurant is a lovely walk across the site from the rooms. If you choose to walk, consider stretching. The slopped concrete is a workout. My wife is vegetarian and gluten free (not concerned about cross contamination). The chefs did a great job catering to her restrictions, however I feel the presentation and wow factor I experienced did meet my experience, which is understandable… We used points to stay there and would never rationalize the expense versus the experience, I could rationalize a single meal at the restaurant on my own dime, but not the couple day stay we had.

Alila Ventana was a perfect getaway. We had an amazing time from the moment we arrived until we left. My wife and I were celebrating both my birthday and her completion of residency and we couldn't have picked a better resort to celebrate at. The views, the serenity, the pools, the food, the service - all top tier. I want to particularly highlight the service as I think this is what sets Alila apart from many other luxury resorts these days. We were treated like royalty by all staff members and it made us feel very taken care of. Thank you Alila for your hospitality, we will be back soon.

My stay at Alila Ventana Big Sur was nothing short of extraordinary. From the moment I arrived, I was enveloped in the stunning natural beauty of the surroundings. The accommodations were luxurious and thoughtfully designed, providing a perfect blend of comfort and elegance. The service was impeccable, with every staff member going above and beyond to ensure my stay was memorable. The dining experiences were exquisite, showcasing the best of local ingredients with creative flair. The tranquil ambiance and breathtaking views made for an unforgettable retreat. I can't wait to return to this exceptional haven.