Alila Ventana Big Sur Pool and Spa Daycation

We just returned from a 2 night stay at Alila Ventana Big Sur and it lived up to all expectations! It was beautiful and serene. Very quiet and perfect for a weekend of relaxation. The service was exceptional, we had the most delicious meals at Sur House Restaurant. It was the perfect weekend away for my husband and I to celebrate our anniversary.

My wife and I stayed at Alila Ventana Big Sur for a week, enough to experience nearly everything and develop a well-rounded opinion. The setting is beautiful, and we tried many activities like falconry, axe throwing, guided hikes, beekeeping, and the Forager’s Trail. Falconry was the highlight and was done exceptionally well. After a few days, the resort felt repetitive. Outside of the scheduled activities, there is very little to do, so we explored off-property for more variety. Dining became monotonous; breakfast lacked variety, and some dinner dishes repeated. Service was good but not exceptional; details that define luxury hospitality were missing. The biggest disappointment was poor soundproofing. We heard staff working outside our villa, and noise from above, so we requested a room change after one night. Top-floor rooms are recommended. We also found out the complimentary Volvo XC90 loaner, a unique perk, is gone, reducing the resort’s appeal. Overall, the scenery is stunning, with memorable experiences like falconry. But after a week, the resort felt limited. I expected more variety, better soundproofing, attentive service, and engaging experiences throughout. The property is at the bottom of our list.

We booked here on Hyatt points, and were thrilled from our stay from start to finish. We were celebrating many things and our room was upgraded and every meal was so special. The location and amenities were wonderful. Do not skip eating at the SUR house. I wanted to especially call out Nina at the restaurant, the front desk staff and cleaning folks for being EXCEPTIONAL.

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.