I spent three nights here with my husband and our small dog and we had an absolutely lovely time. We were greeted warmly and taken to the lobby via cart where we were checked in very privately and all of the amenities were explained to us. Our room was well appointed with a comfy bed and fireplace as well as a place for us to work. The bathroom was nice with a large tub for soaking and we had a private hot tub on our deck that we made very good use of. All of the food, whether it was room service or happy hour plates or meals at the restaurants (with the single exception of the Big Sur Smokehouse which was terrible and I do not recommend) was very good. As a matter of fact, I would say that the culinary experiences here were some of our best experiences overall, and that is saying a lot considering the level of customer service you receive at this establishment. We also hiked the trails with our small dog but unfortunately as much as they advise this is a dog friendly place, dogs are not allowed in the pool or soaking areas and you cannot leave them in the room, so by bringing our dog we did miss out on use of the pools and some of the other amenities. We were able to dine at the dog friendly restaurants though and again the food was delicious. Overall, this was definitely a five-star stay from the amazing service and accommodations to the delicious food to the ability to appreciate being surrounded by nature. We spent a lot of time relaxing in in our hammock or our hot tub, as well as snuggling in front of the fireplace. enjoying each other's company. This is the perfect location if you are looking to relax and unwind and was very romantic for us. We are planning another stay here soon and I am very much looking forward to it. read more

See all

My daughter and I stayed at Alila for 2 nights. We had our room upgraded. The room was very comfortable. The fridge was stocked with snacks and drinks. There was a Nespresso coffee machine and hot water pot for tea. The room was maintained well. Turndown service replaced used towels and included pillow gifts. The towels were soft and absorbent. The bed was comfortable. The fireplace included bags with wood for easy starting. It was quiet and the scent was soothing. We took the foragers cocktail activity. Karen was very energetic and cute. We started muddling strawberries then mixed them with bitters and shook up a cocktail. We then took our drinks into the garden and Karen told us which plants were what. After we collected some herbs we went back and made our own bitters. They suggested some combinations. We chose nettles, orange peel and vanilla bean. We both had deep tissue massages. They were done in a cabana overlooking the hills. It was peaceful and relaxing. We ate our dinners and breakfasts at the restruant Sur. read more

See all

Beautiful property and relaxing environment. We did multiple complimentary activities like foraging, honey tasting, and the coast ridge hike. The activities are a good way to enjoy the nature and spend time outside of relaxing at the pool or at the room. The room we booked had complimentary firewood bags so that was very nice to set a fire in the fireplace every night. All inclusive hotel amenities like complimentary meals are so convenient and makes the experience stress free. Reservations are required for dinner so be mindful to make them beforehand. The brunch menu was expansive and provided a variety of options for breakfast and lunch. The falafel Benedict was really salty so I don't recommend that one. The dinner menu is not that large so you can finish out the menu in 4 nights. The steak of the day was fantastic, fish of the day also superb with branzino one of the nights. The ahi tuna was bland in my opinion compared to the preparation of the fish of the day. The lobster risotto was very generous with lobster. read more

See all

My hubby and I stayed here for a few nights for our our wedding anniversary and it was perfect for us! We enjoy hikes in beautiful nature, and I love a good staycation. I believe Alila Ventana is the only all-inclusive Hyatt property in California, and we're grateful it's in Big Sur. It's full board, so all meals and drinks (excluding alcoholic beverages) are included, as well as poolside food and snacks. It's an adults only resort and the employee to guest ratio here is close to 2:1 so you know you're getting well taken care of. The cab service came into handy when it was too dark to walk back to our rooms after dinner. The food's good, but the Sur House service and management needs lots of improvement. It does get old after 3 days as there is only one restaurant in the hotel. Housekeeping and staff at the resort have been amazing and we loved the nature focused activities we got to do during the day. The spa and pool were great, especially the infinity hot tub during the day and the Japanese bathhouse during the night. We would soak and watch the beautiful stars at night. If you like nature and a wellness-focused getaway, I think you'd enjoy Alila Ventana as much as we did. We plan to go back in the Spring when there are more flowers blooming. read more

See all

I had a great time at Alila Ventana! I stayed for four nights, which was plenty of time to explore the grounds, do some on-site activities, and try lots of food from the various menus. I think a three night stay might be the sweet spot. Some things to note about food, for people who might have questions about how things worked: My partner and I arrived early the first day, before our check-in time, and while our room was being prepared, we were offered lunch and poolside dining. Brunch and poolside dining don't have any ordering restrictions, and you can add protein for no extra charge, though alcohol is not included. Same for happy hour, which is now located at the restaurant from 3:00-5:00. Dinner is limited to one appetizer, one entree, and one dessert per person. We were also offered brunch on the morning of departure. Tons of food! There was plenty to try on most menus, though the dinner menu was maybe a little limited. If you have any dietary restrictions, you're likely going to need to repeat orders. Dessert was also a relative weak spot in their menu, with few and somewhat underwhelming options. I tried three complimentary activities: the foraging hike, redwood hike, and wild crafting. They were all fun! The two hikes led through different areas and helped me see parts of the grounds I might have missed just exploring on my own. I was also surprised by the interactivity of the wild crafting, as we walked across the grounds and collected materials. It would have been nice for the hikes to last a little longer, but not a big deal; I think there's an earlier hike that's more intense, but it was a little too early for me. I did find the fitness center and Japanese bathhouse underwhelming. There's very little space and minimal equipment for weightlifters. Overall, this may have been one of the least furnished fitness centers I've seen at any Hyatt property. Even a single cable machine would help a lot for people wanting to maintain their fitness routine over a longer stay. As for the bathhouse, there's not really anything Japanese about it. I was surprised to see that it's essentially a large hot tub. All that said--I had an amazing time, the food was great, the hospitality was top-notch, and the sights were beautiful. I'm looking forward to another stay already! read more

See all

There are three Alila properties in California, and having visited all of them, Alila Big Sur is my favorite. It is the least pretentious of the three, and its secluded setting centers nature, mindfulness, and the body--though ironically, it can still attract guests seeking the very opposite vibe of what the resort was designed to offer - and that could be extraordinary service. Our check-in experience was very casual, yet pleasant. Traveling from Los Angeles, the 2024 mudslide on PCH makes the property significantly less accessible from the south, adding roughly a 40-minute detour each way. It's a reminder of how remote this destination is, and also how challenging the commute must be for the staff who keep it running so beautifully, for that glass of delicious fresh squeezed juice in the morning. Experiences at Alila Big Sur tend to unfold in unexpected ways--some delightful, some less so. My personal highlight was a guided meditation session with the on-site master, an unexpectedly grounding and memorable experience. My partner's favorite, on the other hand, was axe throwing in the woods--quite the contrast, but very fitting for this place! A gentle warning: if you're uncomfortable with wildlife or insects in a true nature setting, this may not be the right resort for you. The environment is intentionally immersive, and nature is very much part of the experience... read more

See all

Relaxing stay at Alila Ventana Big Sur, the only all inclusive place that we know of in Northern California, Big Sur to be exact. The place is definitely beautiful above and overlooking the Pacific Ocean. Place is very expensive but after staying there for a couple of nights, I can see why! I mean if you want serenity, this place is it. The all inclusive was a plus and we were able to arrive really early and use their amenities including food while waiting for our room to be ready. Posting some of the food we ate but we definitely ate more than that. Amenities like the Japanese Spa was awesome. The Japanese Spa was open 24/7 and you can gaze at the stars above, well if it's clear when you're there. So much to say about the experiences we had. We would definitely go back as long as we pay with points of course since I don't think I can manage at least $2,500 per night staying there. All the staff were accommodating as well. No bad experience and well worth the two nights, 3 days we were there. Enjoy some of the food pics! read more

See all

Fancy and aesthetically pleasing all-around! Can't go wrong with enjoying some good drinks with a good view of the ocean and the mountainside! Drinks are pricey but you pay for the ambiance and the views, worth it in my opinion. read more

Alila Ventana Big Sur - Espresso Martini - Resorts Near Me - Big Sur, California

See all

One of the most sought after resorts in California and Big Sur region, Alila Ventana is a beautiful, healing, rejuvenating, and magical place. It can be booked on Hyatt using 45k points a night, otherwise rooms run around $2k a night. This was our second time here, and some things have changed in the last 2 years. There are no longer complementary cocktails, all drinks (alcohol and mocktails) are separate from the all inclusive and include a 22% tip. Additionally, room service is now a $10 fee. Also, the after dinner s'mores moved to the building next to the Sur House restaurant. The onsite amenities and views here are amazing, many rooms have ocean views and there are multiple pool options, a Japanese bathhouse, dry sauna, and infiniti pool. The all inclusive includes food and some non alcohol drinks at their restaurant (see my review on the restaurant Yelp profile). The rooms are stocked with all inclusive tea options, nespresso, electrolyte natural spring sparkling water, chocolate chip cookies, and Big Sur bars. Their lotions and shampoo/conditioner are amazing, love the smell. The gym has peloton machines and free weights and P90X straps, it gets the job done. Pro tips- each room has a record player, when you check in be sure to pick up some classics for a romantic in room experience. Also be sure to make your own bath salts and herb mix for your in room deep tub. There are amazing hikes walkable from the property, we recently discovered one that starts on the fire trail directly below the restaurant, and challenges you up the mountain (off property), with amazing views and even a waterfall along the way. It goes 14 miles but we only made it up 3 miles one way, it took us around 2 hours round trip. For brunch, no restaurant reservation is needed, but for dinner it's recommended. Also, the poolside gets very busy, especially during happy hour, and poolside food orders can take a long time so be sure to put your order in early. read more

See all

Our last trip of 2024 was the most lovely visit to Alila to celebrate my belated birthday. The property was gorgeous and our room was so cozy we never wanted to leave. Having never stayed at Alila before, we weren't sure what to expect, but their property is all inclusive so we had the most relaxing stay. All meals are included, as well as snacks, so there was no worry about trekking out in the rain to find something to eat. They also leave you snacks and drinks in the mini-fridge. The restaurant is under a ten minute walk from the property, but they also have carts that will shuttle you from the property to the restaurant and back if you request it. They also provide you with refillable water bottles (you get to take these home too) and have water refill stations throughout the property. The weather wasn't the best (it rained for 1.5 days of our visit), but it was really enjoyable rain or shine! All of the staff we interacted with were friendly. They made our experience extra special with birthday celebrations every night of our stay. There are also activities to participate in throughout the week. Some are free and some are paid. There are also swimming pools and hot tubs, a very small gym and hiking trails on the property. You could easily never take your car out and have a wonderful time! Note some things are not included in the price such as alcoholic drinks (you do get a free drink during the happy hour though!) and if you are ordering room service, there is a small fee. read more

Visited here for the second time. My experience was better the first time back when I visited in June 2023 but still a great experience. During my first visit I was able to enjoy the amenities pretty much to myself. This time around things were more a little more contested (but still not super crowded). Also there's a $10 charge for room service now. However, everything is still well kept & the food service is still good. Would still highly recommend for anyone looking for a relaxing nature getaway. read more

See all

Beautiful property- it's quintessential Big Sur. We were able to get a one night getaway using Hyatt points, which I would highly recommend booking this property through points. The food at the Terrace was delicious. Try to have all your meals there the other place where you can order food is by the pool but recommend just doing snacks by the pool. They also have their pizza truck that hotel guests can get food at down at the campgrounds. We couldn't figure out how to easily walk there, but you can call for a golf cart to take you down. We loved the pools and the Japanese baths. The Japanese baths were smaller than I anticipated, but it was a nice experience nonetheless. They have a great gym with all the latest equipment --just note It's a bit small. There are a few smaller hikes that you can get to directly from the property. If you want to do one of the more iconic Big Sur hikes, you'll have to drive 30 minutes to an hour away from the property. The property was super dog friendly, and some people even have their smaller dogs in the pool area (though probably technically not allowed). I took a star off because there were little moments where Service seemed lackluster and not up to par with such a high-end resort. The restaurant was able to serve me a Matcha latte. The first day I was there and when I asked for it the second day no one in the restaurant staff seemed to be able to find Matcha, which was so strange. We didn't receive a welcome drink upon check-in. I was also bummed that the Complimentary cocktail is no longer offered. You can also dine at the Terrace without having a hotel reservation and I would recommend having a nice brunch or dinner out here. The cocktails at the restaurant are also delicious and so unique, definitely worth a try. Overall, this is a really nice place to celebrate a special occasion or just unwind. Definitely take advantage if you have extra credit card points :) read more

See all

For a resort that starts at $2000/night this place falls very short in various areas. For an all inclusive resort there were very few dining options (it was either the Sur house or the pool side bar). Most of the staffs were really friendly but we did feel like the housekeeping staffs weren't too professional at times (once they opened the door to our room even when we told them to give us a few minutes). Although the resort is in a beautiful location, I don't know if I would consider this place luxurious. read more

See all

This was the best hotel location I have ever stayed at. Our room was unbelievable. The service was amazing. The food was delicious. The grounds, pools, and trails were immaculately maintained and the views were incredible! read more

See all

The package includes one arrive lunch, dinner and departure brunch. We ordered the late night snack as well :) They only have one restaurant, the dinner is competitive during the weekend, high recommended make reservations a week before (they will give you contact). Same as some class and event, not available for everyday, have to ask ahead. read more

See all

Hands down the best dinner I've ever had. And, I've had some good eats. Ordered the lobster risotto. It will live on in my dreams. Honestly all our meals were outstanding but we did agree the risotto was extra incredible. My drink came and the waiter added a bubble of fog to it. Very fun! My daughter wanted a virgin option which they made for her. Had olive oil cake for desert which was so so good. We went here for my 46 bday so extra special. The view is jaw dropping. Hard to find a single fault. Not gonna lie, it was pricey. But we did know that going in and justified the cost because it was a special occasion. I would do it all over again. That meal could be my final meal and I'd die happy. read more

See all

5 stars for the setting, 4.5 for the food, 3 for the full-length mirror. We stayed 4 days/3 nights at Alila Ventana Big Sur using Chase points (45k/night). The property is gorgeous, and we were upgraded to a room with a fireplace, which was cozy. The all-inclusive perk starts at 11am on check-in day, which is generous. The valet greeted us by name, and the welcome rosé + anniversary note was a thoughtful touch. Bellboys handled our luggage right to our room. Food was a mix of incredible and average. The porchetta sandwich, carbonara pizza, short ribs, mushroom pasta, and squid ink pasta were 10/10. On the other hand, the crab cake came out lukewarm, the striped bass was dry (though flavorful), pastries were served cold, and the sorbet was way too sweet. My tea order at breakfast was also forgotten. First night's dinner service was slow, though the steak was solid. Tip: grab a blanket when dining outside -- it gets cold! Activities are what make this place shine. Most are included: meditation, hikes, bouquet-making (wildcrafting), honey tastings, s'mores bar, and even hanging with chickens and wild cats. Staff shoutouts: Abbie (axe throwing), Katie (coastal hike + bee class), and Paul (wildcrafting + redwoods) were all fantastic. You can request golf carts and they'll be at your door in under 10 minutes. Only cons: the full-length mirror in the room is straight-up bad -- it distorts your body in an unflattering way (why?!). And while they send activity reminders 2 hours ahead, they don't tell you where to go. Also, the walk to dinner at night is a dimly lit cliffside path -- a little spooky. Still, the service, views, and relaxing vibe are top-tier. Worth it if you're using points. Would return just for the squid ink pasta and porchetta sandwich alone. read more

See all

TL;DR: 1-star service serving 4-star food in a 5-star resort commanding $$$$$. Stay away unless you really have effew money We stayed 2 nights at Alila and the through-line for our entire experience was TRASH SERVICE. Upon walking into the 'lobby' main room to check-in, three concierges made eye contact with us an yet completely ignored us going back to stare at their screens, leading us to believe we were in the wrong place. After a few minutes of us gazing at their overpriced merch, one of the concierges finally came up to us and asked if we were here to check in. We had made the reservation to relax for a few nights after our WEDDING and I had called ahead in the weeks leading up to our stay to make sure that everything was going to be perfect. ...and STILL the front desk asked if we were in town celebrating anything after pulling up our reservation. It wasn't until we said yes that they poured measly glasses with rose as welcome drinks. We've stayed in 4-star resorts at less than a quarter of the price with far better service The only food item that exceeded expectations for a supposed 5-star resort was their ice cream... oh and don't be too hungry because the 'all-inclusive' meals are really just for 1 app, 1 entree, and a dessert. I mentioned that we hadn't eaten all day and they 'graciously' gave us an extra app. When I asked for a second entree, they said they wouldn't serve it because they didn't want to waste the food. Why is it waste if I'm going to eat it??? Charging extra per entree is absurd if you're going to call yourself all-inclusive. There are golf carts that you can text and they'll come transport you wherever accessible...with the caveat that they find you at exactly where they expect to find you. Case in point: we texted to be picked up from the pool to be taken back to the room and we get confirmation. Shortly after, we get confirmation that someone will be here to pick us up in a few minutes. No problem. We wait for up to 15 minutes and still no update. So we text asking for an ETA and we got the response: "We did not see anyone waiting and so we left." In a time when communication is nearly instant via text, or in a world where common sense exists, you'd think that a 5-star service resort would text after arriving and no guests were present. Maybe a courtesy call to check exact locations for pick up. Nothing. The list goes on from charges for room service (because remember...? all inclusive....) to being blatantly ignored at dinner service but I'm honestly too frustrated to go on. I'm disappointed in the experience. It was supposed to be our crown jewel to our wedding day and I guess it was our mistake for building up our expectations. The resort was amazing. The culture is abysmal - it's all just for show. Such little effort to provide 5-star service to overpaying customers (like myself) just feels disrespectful. Overrated to say the least. read more

Staying at Alila Ventana Big Sur was one of the most unforgettable travel experiences while visiting California. From the moment I arrived, I was enveloped by peace, beauty, and world-class hospitality. Tucked high above the Pacific, surrounded by towering redwoods and endless coastal views, this resort perfectly balances rugged nature with understated luxury. I stayed in one of the suites featuring a private hot tub and hammock on the back patio, overlooking the majestic redwood forest. Words hardly do justice to how serene and magical it felt soaking in the hot tub under the stars, wrapped in a soft robe, with the cool mountain air and the scent of cedar all around. The hammock was the perfect spot to unwind, swaying gently while the sunlight filtered through the trees. It felt like my own private sanctuary suspended between earth and sky. Inside, the suite was equally impressive, spacious, elegantly designed, and incredibly comfortable. The real wood-burning fireplace was the heart of the room. Each evening, I lit a fire, poured a glass of wine, and simply listened to the crackle of the logs. The resort provides everything needed to start the fire, even perfectly cut kindling, and it added a warm, nostalgic charm that made the experience feel cozy. Another thoughtful touch that truly elevates the experience is the private staff-driven enclosed carts that transport guests anywhere on the property. Whether heading to dinner, the pool, or one of the scenic trails, a friendly driver is just a quick call away. The rides themselves are peaceful and scenic, winding through the towering redwoods and open meadows, and the staff's professionalism and friendliness make every transfer feel seamless and personal. The restaurant at Alila Ventana deserves special mention as it's not just good; it's outstanding. Every meal was thoughtfully crafted and beautifully presented, with local and seasonal ingredients that celebrate the region. Breakfasts on the terrace with views of the fog rolling through the redwoods were pure magic. The dinner menu was exceptional the flavors, wine pairings, and service all rivaled top restaurants in San Francisco or Napa. My server was attentive without being intrusive, and every course felt like a small piece of culinary art. If you're looking for a place to truly disconnect and recharge, where luxury meets nature in the most seamless way possible, Alila Ventana Big Sur is it. The combination of breathtaking scenery, impeccable service, and thoughtful design makes this a true 5-star escape. I can't wait to return. read more

Wowie what can I say, an all-inclusive (almost) luxury resort in nestled in Big Sur?? We finally got to stay here and protip is to book with Hyatt points if you can snag availability. Otherwise it's definitely $$$$ per night. I've heard this place has changed over the years, especially after selling to Hyatt and then I think selling again BUT overall I'd definitely recommend the Ventana experience at least once in your life. It's a little pull off highway 1 with a small sign so you might miss it depending which way you go and there is a guard gate you need to drive through. The staff were all super friendly and hospitable. You can request a gold cart pick up to take you anywhere on the resort and especially we used it to take us to the restaurant since my wife was pregnant. Otherwise it's maybe a 10min walk at most from your room. The rooms were super clean and cozy. They have a fireplace that if you're having trouble lighting it (maybe me) you can ask for assistance. Basically anything you need, you can text their service number and someone will help. For food: room service does have a $10 delivery fee each order so almost all-inclusive. And non-sodas/juices are usually extra cost. We didn't enjoy the room service food too much since it didn't taste that great aside from the cookies so would recommend eating at the restaurant as often as you can. Breakfast is all you can order, lunch has a takeaway sack thing you order the day before or poolside options, and dinner you are limited to 1 entree and dessert per person but unlimited apps. They had a bone-in rib eye option however it was large so they counted this for 2 people so if you wanted an additional entree, there was a cost. Lobster tails are extra too. DEFINITELY recommend the Ventana chocolate chip cookies. The ones in the mini fridge (all included) were good too but the fresh baked ones were amazing. They only came with the takeaway sack lunch or room service unfortunately. Attractions: they have activities you can do too for extra or you can visit the nearby state park/river but overall it was just nice to enjoy the resort and relax. read more

See all

My standards for resort hospitality is extremely high now after staying at Alila Ventana Big Sur. This is the most sought after and expensive all-inclusive Hyatt resort. It's only a two hour drive from Bay Area so it makes for the perfect romantic weekend getaway. I wouldn't say Alila Ventana Big Sur is extremely grand or glamorous, especially when compared to Park Hyatt or international Hyatts, but it has a very unique charm that you won't find anywhere else in the world. It's this charm and attention to detail that creates that highly sought after atmosphere. First off, the location is amazing. It's in the heart of Big Sur - the views, air quality, and hiking trails are spectacular. The resort, like many other lodgings in this area, is old but renovated enough that it seems new while keeping its rustic feel. Secondly, I need to talk about how incredible the staff is. Everyone from the activity guides to the cleaning staff to the restaurant servers just seemed genuinely happy and were very accommodating. Leo was our dinner server at Sur House for multiple nights. He always remembered us and served our table - some of the friendliest and nicest restaurant service I've ever had. I casually texted the reception that we are checking out at 5am and they sent us a pleasant surprise - a bellhop to our room to pick up our luggage and drive us down to the parking lot! Sydney was really helpful and friendly (super happy at 5am) and even offered us coffee/tea. Of course the resort amenities are great - pool, sauna, infinity jacuzzi, magical Japanese bathhouse. I really liked the activities as well. We tried both the free and paid activities and were really impressed by the expertise of the instructors. For instance, they don't just have anybody leading the meditation practices - they have a professional who has studied internationally at meditation retreats under great meditation masters since 2003. The same can be said about beekeeping or falconry or hiking, the activities and the people leading them are extraordinary. Since it's an all-inclusive resort I have to mention the food. It is hands down the best resort food I've ever had. Their head chef is from the Michelin restaurant down the road. The quality of the breakfast, lunch, dinner was insane. I will probably write an entirely separate review under Sur House. My only regret is not having more stomach space to be able to try more things! Part of the magic of Alila Ventana Big Sur is that the resort is pretty small and there are not that many guests on property. Because of this, I felt that the staff was extra attentive towards our needs and were able to add nice, considerate touches and details throughout our whole stay. The level of hospitality made our three days here extraordinary and is what truly makes Alila Ventana Big Sur such a special experience. read more

See all

Decided to use up credit card points for a great get away from the fireworks for a bit with our dog. This place is pure bliss and serenity. I can totally see Alila being a great spot to go to recharge and reset. The whole property is so magical. The trees, the fog rolling in, the awesome hot tubs and most importantly.. how dog friendly they are!! I truly loved the infinity pool/hot tub overlooking the redwood trees. The room we stayed in had a balcony that our dog loved to be on and a nice fireplace to set the vibes at night. The bed is soooo comfortable too. The food was all pretty solid. We ate outdoors for breakfast, lunch, and our dinners at the Terrace. The staff attentive and made sure we were happy with our food as well. You can also ask for a to go box if you have left overs. They have two menus at the Terrace.. brunch and dinner. Their hummus was outstanding, their yogurt bowl was so tasty. Their tomato salad omggg we ordered that again on our second night and we ordered one for each other. We did not want to share it since it was so good! The Meadow pool has their own menu and set from 11:30a-4:00pm. This is the pool area that has the hot tub overlooking the forest and has the large grassy meadow area where if it's not foggy, you can see the ocean. There is plenty of spots to sit at with sun or shade and your dog can be with you.. just not in the water. We ordered the chips with guac and salsa, the pressed almond butter and jelly, California cheese dish and their grilled cheese. Great food to eat while lounging by the pool. They have 2 pools. We mainly hung out at the Meadow pool. They also have a Japanese bath house.. we thought it would be a little bit bigger but thankfully while we were in it, no one else was in it so it felt very private. The water in their pools were set just right. Dog friendly: They have a dog menu and they provide a dog bed and bowl for the room. The bed was unfortunately too big and tall for our dog so I was glad we brough one of ours for him to be comfortable in. We mentioned he is a bit older and is unable to eat crunchy treats now.. they staff was awesome and provided soft treats for him. They also etched his name on a name tag for us and provided us a poopy bag holder. We did order our dog one meal and he LOVED IT! They also provided him a little blanket to lay on during our dinner so he too could be comfortable. Brunch at the sur house: 7:30am -3:00pm Dinner at the sur house: 5:00pm-9:00pm Deducted a star because unfortunately even though they have staff to help with luggage, my husband had to carry everything himself while the staffer sat in the go cart. Also because we had scheduled a room turn down while we were going to be out for a few hours (they won't do turn down service if your dog is in the room by themselves); unfortunately they never came during the 4hrs we were out. Our late night left over plates were left outdoors over the whole night too. Not sure how they do it to not have raccoons go to town on these meals. We didn't get to try out the s'mores. The times we went to see if they were available they did not have them. We had read that they usually provide you a glass of rose or ice tea at the check in office but we did not get that either. Pro tip: - They have a happy hour but it is only at the Meadow pool. It is no longer included with your stay. Drinks are at a discount. Tasty though! Happy hour was from 3-5pm daily. - Food delivery to your room is a $10 - Take at least one of the free classes they offer. We took the chakra alignment mediation and it was an awesome way to start my day. - They give you a water bottle so you can refill it throughout your stay and I will say.. I am pretty picky with the way water taste and the water here is just SO GOOD!!! - If you don't want to take the ~10min walk from your room to Sur House for food, text or go to the social house to have them call you a go cart. Your dog is able to go in it (our is about 25lbs and was comfortable sitting in there with us). They're nice and fast in taking you to and from. -Mini bar: They provide you some snacks (gummy bears, granola bars, sparkling water, cookies..) all were super good and included in your stay. I would totally love to come back; maybe with a girlfriend for a girls weekend or for another special occasion with my husband. Perfect spot for a quiet and relaxing stay. We stayed for 2 nights, 3 would have been perfect! I would have loved to try out more of their amenities like their spa for a nice relaxing massage (at an extra cost) and enjoyed another quiet night at Big Sur. **** Dog Friendly ****** read more

See all

We were able to get a 2 night stay here with Hyatt points just after Valentines Day. It was 45,000 pts per night, or would have been $1800-2800 per night for the stay. Due to the high prices, we had high expectations and have also wanted to visit this property since before COVID. We arrived on our first night a little early (2:30pm), and were told our room was not ready yet. This was fine as check-in is at 4pm and we were given a welcome drink as well. It was raining pretty good the entire two days of our stay, so we unfortunately were unable to enjoy many of the activities, pool areas, etc. We were able to get into our room a little early, I think it was around 3:30pm. We were given an upgrade to a King room with a fireplace which was a nice touch. The room itself was great (other than noise)! The bed was extremely comfortable for starters! We got a downstairs room which made it a bit more private but also made it so you could hear your neighbors upstairs all night. I mean, practically every move they made, the ceiling was creak. There was also a pass through bathroom with a large soaking tub which was nice. They include a little bag of wood for your wood burning fireplace, and a record player in the room (you can borrow records from the main lobby area). Our room also had a nice and comfortable couch, as well as a small balcony with seats overlooking the redwoods. Overall, the room was amazing and well past our expectations. Our main complaint was with the toilet paper and the showing age of the property. Right away when we walked into the room, we tried to dry our hands on the hand towel and the holder came right off the wall. The toilet paper was expected to be comfortable for the price of the rooms, but instead was harsh and very thin. Sort of a weird place to try to save on money. To get around property, they offer you little golf carts which was also a nice touch. We were looking forward again to walking the property which got ruined by the amount of rain and wind. There was very limited self parking, as it did seem to fill up each night. The Sur House restaurant was quite a distance away if you chose to walk (about 10 min) which isn't too much fun when you arrive soaking wet. They do provide umbrellas as well, but our pants were wet by the time we got there. The Sur House was a bit of a let down for us. The food itself was good and filling. But the breakfast and brunch menus were the same, and options for both breakfast/brunch and dinner were a bit limited. You also had to pay $10 for room service which was odd for being an all-inclusive type property. But perhaps the biggest issue with the Sur House is how they seemed to try to pressure you into giving a tip at the end of the meal. The property is an all-inclusive resort with tips/gratuity included, and they give you a bill at the end to leave additional tips. I get it, if the service was exceptional. But never was the service exceptional, until right before they would bring the bill, they would try to make small talk and be really helpful. It just struck us in a bad way. As I had mentioned, we didn't get a chance to do any activities or use the pool due to the weather. But I feel like was still enjoyed our stay. We were able to stay and relax in the room for one full day (with room service), using our wood burning fireplace! To be honest, I'm not sure we would come back. It was great getting to experience it, but the price is quite high. For instance, for 90,000 pts, we could get 4-6 nights at a really nice Hyatt Regency, or even stay at a Andaz property for 3-4 nights. And then the little things not really adding up to a luxury experience for us (horrible toilet paper, can hear everything above you, pressure from staff at the Sur House). I guess what you are paying for is the area of Big Sur and the views, which were amazing. read more

If you're seeking a restorative escape where redwoods meet rugged coastline, Alila Ventana Big Sur is pure magic. From the moment I drove past the gates, stress evaporated--traded for birdsong, ocean mist, and an almost meditative hush that blankets the property. The adults-only policy keeps things blissfully serene, yet the layout never feels stuffy; hammocks swing beneath towering trees, and sunset decks invite lingering with a glass of wine while the Pacific roars below. Dining exceeded every expectation. Breakfast on the terrace--think house-made pastries, perfectly poached eggs, and a view that charges your spirit more than any latte ever could--sets the tone for the day. Dinner was equally memorable: local abalone crudo, wood-fired wagyu, and a vegetarian tasting that finally proves veggies can steal the show. Service strikes that sweet spot between attentive and invisible; refills appear before you notice you're low, and dietary quirks are handled with genuine enthusiasm instead of eye rolls. Pet parents, rejoice: Ventana treats four-legged guests like VIPs. My dog was welcomed with a plush bed, gourmet biscuits, and miles of pet-friendly trails right outside our suite. Staff even supplied eco-friendly waste bags and pointed out shaded picnic spots where we could dine together. It's rare to find a property that delivers high-end luxury without compromising on pet policies, but Ventana nails it. Yes, rates trend high--but you leave feeling lighter, calmer, and a little in love with life again. If serenity, stellar food, and a genuinely pet-friendly attitude top your wish list, Alila Ventana Big Sur is worth every penny. read more

See all

Our stay at Alila Ventana We just returned from a night at Alila Ventana in Big Sur. The place is a paradise for nature lovers and those who enjoy a quiet, serene retreat. It is very pricey, but the rate includes food, drinks, in-room refreshments and snacks, as well as valet and self-parking. We found the food at the Sur House to be very good. For breakfast, my favorite dishes were the shakshuka and waffles. For lunch, the pizza was my favorite. For dinner, we loved the carrot soup and the seared tuna. For dessert, we enjoyed the lemon gelato and passion fruit cheesecake. The food was truly excellent. The property radiates wellness and relaxation -- greenery, ocean views, and wooded trails everywhere. The room was spacious and fully stocked with all necessities. We loved the Japanese bath facilities -- a hot jacuzzi surrounded by wood and nature, open 24 hours. The service was excellent, and I loved communicating with reception via text. This place is a luxurious gem! read more

See all

We has been racking Hyatt points waiting for the perfect place to enjoy. After some research the Alila Ventana was the winner. Highlights: -The room was very nice and clean. We had a top floor suite with vaulted ceilings and a nice balcony with a partial ocean view. We really enjoyed the fireplace. Only negative was the shower and faucet water pressure. -Views on views. We enjoyed the views by the main pool and the Sur House restaurant. -Hikes adjacent to the resort were great. The redwood hike was an easy access from the property and provided the opportunity to view the redwood trees up close. The ridge hike starting from the resort was highlighted by spectacular ocean views. -Food was very good overall. Highlights included the fish and chips offered at lunch at the Sur House restaurant, the burger by the pool. Dinner highlights included the Spanish octopus, the rigatoni and the pork chops. We ordered breakfast delivered to the room one more king which was average. - Service was friendly. Most of the communication was done seamlessly via text which added convenience. - we skipped the Japanese bath house and instead opted for the infinity jacuzzi by the main pool which was awesome. read more

See all

I want to share that my experience with the spa supervisor, Katy Hughes, was not at all what one would expect from a property of this caliber. I booked a day visit through ResortPass and, upon asking about spa services, was told, quite rudely, that guests paying $3,000 a night take priority. I understand policies and limitations, but there is a professional and respectful way to communicate them. The way this was presented felt dismissive and unnecessary. Initially, I gave her poor communication and lack of customer service the benefit of the doubt as a one-off. For context, I have many years of experience in healthcare and customer service, including managing difficult situations and people, so I am very aware of what professional communication looks like. Unfortunately, after interacting with her in person, her behavior continued to feel off-putting and difficult to understand. After enjoying the our spa services that were luckily available, outdoor sauna and pool, I returned to use the shower facilities that were mentioned as available. There were towels clearly accessible to my right as I entered, and I took one to use. Moments later, Katy approached me, after I had already used the towel, and said those were reserved for overnight guests. I explained that I had already used it, yet she still took it from me to check whether it had been used. The entire interaction felt uncomfortable and unnecessary. I'm not sure what her issue was, but the way I was treated made me feel unwelcome. Overall, this experience significantly impacted my perception of Alila Ventana. I was genuinely considering staying at the resort in the future, but this interaction made me want to avoid the property altogether. I hope the resort reevaluates how guest services are handled, especially in roles that are so customer-facing. At this level, the service should reflect the luxury being advertised. read more

How do I put 10/5 stars?! Alila Ventana Big Sur is hospitality at its absolute best. My wife and I recently stayed here to celebrate our 3-year anniversary and her birthday, and I can honestly say this was one of the most thoughtful, emotionally meaningful hotel experiences we've ever had. What sets Ventana apart isn't just the stunning setting--it's the people. Anthony (Front Desk Assistant Manager) made us feel special from the very first moment. His welcome was warm, intentional, and never transactional. After we had settled into our room, he personally called to check in and see how we were enjoying the space--such a small gesture, but incredibly thoughtful. Later, he surprised us with two Alila-branded water bottles customized with our names. It wasn't flashy, just deeply personal. We felt genuinely celebrated. Anthony doesn't just provide great service, he creates emotional connection. Joel (Front Desk) was equally wonderful. When we asked to borrow printer paper and a Sharpie so we could leave thank-you notes for staff members, he smiled and said, "No--I can do better than that." He returned with beautiful Alila-branded note cards and Big Sur postcards. He understood why we were asking and elevated the moment with kindness and heart. That meant a lot to us. At Sur House, Mina (Manager) was a true standout. From the first greeting, she made us feel remembered and valued. She congratulated us on our anniversary, wished my wife a happy birthday, and took the time to actually get to know us. Every interaction felt genuine and unhurried. Her warmth sets the tone for the entire dining experience. Sophia (Host) greeted us each time with the biggest smile and such sincere joy. We never once felt like "just another table." Her presence alone made us feel welcome before we even sat down. And Juan (Server)--wow. Juan didn't just serve us, he connected with us. He remembered our names, our drink orders, and details about our stay. He even brought my wife a special birthday dessert every single day we dined at Sur House. He made us laugh, made us feel at home, and treated us like family. Juan creates memories, not just meals. At the Meadow Pool, Bhavith and Hannah-brought such positive, relaxed energy. They were attentive, warm, and genuinely interested in conversation. Thanks to them, some of our most peaceful and happy moments of the trip happened right there. Hannah is unforgettable, they both are clearly passionate about what they do! Lalo and Mario (Bellmen) were among the first and last people we interacted with, and they set the tone perfectly. Always smiling, always kind, always ready to help. They handled our luggage with care, made getting around the property seamless, and made us feel more like family than guests. We also booked a 50-minute massage with a 20-minute soak, and it was incredible. The soak alone was deeply relaxing, and the massages were easily a 100/10--we both fell asleep. Huge shout-out to Jeff and Devon for outstanding service. The spa amenities are not to be missed--definitely take time to enjoy the sauna and showers. You truly have to experience it to understand. The woman who checked us in for our spa appointment was also incredibly kind and bubbly--we didn't catch her name, but her energy made us smile instantly. Finally, a special thank you to Jamie, the Front Office Manager, who has continued helping us after our stay by making sure our thank-you notes reached the team. That follow-through speaks volumes. Beyond individual moments, the entire Alila Ventana Big Sur team created a stay that felt seamless, restorative, and intentional. From the peaceful setting and curated amenities to nightly turndown service and all the subtle "Ventana touches," it's clear that hospitality here is a shared value--not just a standard. We felt genuinely cared for and completely at ease, which allowed us to fully be present and celebrate our time together. This experience is exactly why Hyatt continues to be our preferred brand. We will never forget this stay--and we can't wait to return. read more

One of the best hotel resort experiences we've ever had. We celebrated our 8th year anniversary here and from the moment we checked in, you could feel the sense of relaxation on the property. Imagine the most picturesque resort that's situated in the clouds amongst redwood trees. The staff is really what set it apart for us. They were each so good, you remember them by name. First was Brian, one of the front desk staff who checked us in and was so calm and welcoming. He even followed up with us on our last night to make sure everything was ok. Juan, our server, at the Sur House was hands down one of the best, if not the best we've ever had at a restaurant. Other front desk staff we loved were Jamie and hotel manager Julia who went above and beyond the whole trip. They gave us 3 different Happy Anniversary greetings including cookies, a bottle of wine, and personalized notes. Our room was immaculately clean and the linens smelled like flowers. The soaps, fireplace, ambiance, turn down service were all top notch. We've stayed at 5 star hotels before but this on another level... 6-7 stars and set the bar really high for us. Overall, just wanted to say thanks. Their entire team deserve the recognition, and can't wait to come back. read more

Alila Ventana Big Sur - Resorts Near Me - Big Sur, California

See all

I've been here twice and it's such a treat to come visit! The property is amazing. Every corner is breathtaking but my favorite spot is the lawn area that overlooks the ocean. It's expensive but all the bells and whistles they provide make the price more palatable. All meals are included in your stay and the food is actually very good. We loved being able to try the food at Sur House for dinner and having lunch poolside. And we ordered room service for breakfast and second dinner/late night (the food was that good that we had second dinner!). Not to be missed are their chocolate chip cookies. We also took a soap making class which was a fun activity. I forgot the name of the woman who led the class but she was great and made the class enjoyable for my sister, mom and me during our last stay. Some of the activities come at an additional cost and some are free (yoga, hikes, etc). The rooms are spacious and luxurious while still feeling cozy. We were kindly upgraded to their 2 story suite that had a jacuzzi on the balcony. All the staff were so sweet from the front desk staff to the people driving us around the property on golf carts. read more

See all

My favorite place to use my Hyatt points. The food is actually pretty good - I usually hate all-inclusive resorts specifically due to their food and beverage options, but this hotel's food is actually really good (beverages are not included). My primary complaint is the pools - the Japanese hot tub has these weird walls that makes it feel cramped. I wish it were more open. The large pool next to it is not really useful since it's never heated enough at night. I wish they added more hot tubs. read more

I stayed for three days. Having researched extensively beforehand, I felt prepared for what to expect - from fantastic views to luxurious amenities to occasional operational disruptions. Pros: - Staff is super friendly - Views are truly great. Our room had a balcony overlooking the redwoods and rolling hills. I also did not get sick of seeing the ocean panorama from Sur House restaurant everyday. - The 0.3-mile walking path to Sur House is beautiful, shaded by redwood trees (helps to walk off the meal after (: ) - The property is quiet the entire day - Golf cart shuttles available for rides to the restaurant or overflow parking areas - Good portion sizes for the food. I enjoyed 80% of what we ordered, particularly the beef short ribs, burger, and lox. Cons: - For some reason, even though the waiters always write down your order, any custom food modifications was consistently missed. For example, for the Ventana breakfast plate, it asks you to choose between bacon and sausage. I chose sausage and was given bacon. In another instance, I ordered a salad and asked for the dressing to be on the side but it came mixed in. - There was construction as early as around 8 am. - When the room above us was having a cleaning, all the debris they blew off the above balcony ended up falling onto our balcony. - No coverings for the valet parking. When my car was returned, it was covered in pollen and bird droppings. - Extra lunch charge noticed post check-out. This ended up being fixed but good reminder to always keep an eye out for what gets billed. read more

An incredible stay from reservation through check-out. Everything was top notch and we can't wait to return! Easy online reservation which had to be changed when the road washed out in a storm earlier this year and coordination with a call for new dates was just as smooth. This adults only resort is the perfect relaxation destination. It is tranquil, a place to rejuvenate, the spot to just enjoy your surroundings. Sizeable rooms, a beautiful restaurant with dining patio, 2 pools, jacuzzi, sauna, spa, game room, gym and more. Communication once on-site via text for anything we needed was easy. Shuttle service throughout the resort was available as well. A wonderful all-inclusive where the only additional costs are drinks and a handful of experience options. The little things, like reusable water bottles, mini bar items, turn down service extras are beyond appreciated. S'more bar in the lobby in the evening was a nice trear + ice tea, lemonade, snacks, etc anytime you want. The books around the facility were wonderful and so many other little touches. Our stay was for 2 nights, but next time we'd stay at least 3, it was that enjoyable. The staff was the friendliest I've experienced at any US hotel. This Hyatt property deserves some Yelp love. Happy my first visit was to celebrate my birthday and to be celebrated by numerous staff throughout the stay was much appreciated. read more

See all

This is a luxury, all-inclusive resort in the Hyatt hotel chain. My review will mostly focus on how to maximize your time and the inclusive benefits offered. I've stayed twice now using Hyatt points. Once in the Spring of 2022 and recently in the summer of 2024. Each time I enjoyed my stay because of the stunning beauty of the resort and the high-end amenities and service. The resort feels cozy, intimate, and well staffed. The staff are also incredibly friendly and accommodating. As far as the food goes, I think there's room for improvement, but you really can't beat it as far as all inclusive hotels go. On to the tips on how to maximize your stay: All meals, starting with dinner at check in and even lunch on check out day (goes until 4pm at the pool and 3pm at Sur House is included). Alcohol, aside from the welcome drink, is not. Before you arrive, text the hotel and make a dinner reservation at the Sur House. You can also make activity and spa reservations. Some activities are included in your stay and some are not. On check in day, you can arrive early and enjoy the amenities (infinity hot tub, pool facing the meadow and the ocean, bar at the pool, Japanese hot baths, mountain pool, hikes, and common areas). There is an outdoor shower by the infinity hot tub with soap, shampoo, and condition. There is also a shower in the spa that you have access to as a guest even without a spa appointment. Towels are placed on each lounge chair at the pools. Lunch is served by the pool but is not included on check in day. After being greeted at the gate upon arrival, you can choose between self park and valet. Valet is included, but self parking is close by. Even with self park, a bellman will meet you with a golf cart to help you with bags and get you to the check in desk. Check in is at the "social house". They give you a cute little round wooden key and a map. Grab a complimentary lemonade with lavender syrup or an iced tea. There is usually a fresh fruit bowl too. At the social house you can reserve beach chairs, day bags, coolers, hiking sticks and more - all included. You can also grab some vinyl records to play back in your room. The bellman will have your bags delivered to your room so you can go straight to the Sur House for the welcome drink. Happy Hour - a welcome drink served between 4-5PM is included in your stay. We also received a little cheese board with fruit, French fries, and mixed nuts - all include. Any alcohol during your stay beyond the welcome drink is an extra charge. After the happy hour with snacks, which was enough to hold us over until dinner, we went to the Japanese baths and lounged in the hammock on our private balcony of our room. Tea and coffee are provided in the room. Two nice reusable water bottles are also provided in the room. There are water refill stations in the fitness area and the pools. Dinner: We decided on an 8PM reservation at the Sur House to capture the sunset (8:30PM) over the ocean. The marine layer was thick over the ocean this time of year but because the restaurant is above it, you feel like you're dining on the clouds and it's gorgeous. We each ordered an appetizer, an entree (extra entree is $25 each), a side, but we got three desserts! My favorite was the kale salad and the duck. We ordered cocktails but because the bar was backed up, and it took 30 mins to arrive, they were comped. We had so much food - the portions were perfect though. Before we retired for the evening, we made s'mores (pick up the s'more kit at the social house) at the firepit. You can also start the fireplace in your room and make them there. Before you go to sleep, you can order your in-room service breakfast. Food deliveries are an extra $10 plus tax. We ordered two breakfast entrees, avocado and sausage sides, oat milk latte, coffee pot, fruit bowls, sweet pastries, and it was all included. The entrees actually come with a lot more food than described in the online menu. It was an incredible breakfast that we were happy to pay a little extra to enjoy in our rooms in the morning. You can set the arrival time and there are areas to make special requests under the menu checkout items. Check out day: We did an 8am fitness class (included), ate breakfast in our rooms that we ordered the night before, leisurely finished our coffee, and had the bellman take our bags to storage. Late checkouts were not available even with Hyatt Discoverist status. You might have better luck asking right at check in. We packed a little changing bag, dropped it off at the social house and headed out for the coastal ridge hike. When we return from the hike, we showered off (spa or outdoor shower available), and enjoyed complimentary tea and coffee by the pool and took a few turns in the dry sauna. Around 2, we headed over for lunch at Sur House (better than the lunch offered at the pool). (Cont'd) read more

See all

Alila Ventana Big Sur is absolutely beautiful. The views, peaceful setting, and attention to detail make it a perfect getaway. The staff were kind and welcoming, the room was comfortable, the food was amazing, and the overall experience felt relaxing and special. A great place to unwind and enjoy nature. Also cannot forget about the Japanese hot bath!!! Highly recommend! read more

See all

One of the most popular Hyatt destinations for points and notoriously hard to find award availability. Prices have increased to 40K/night, but it is still an incredible value as most rooms go for $2K. I wouldn't stress about the room types as the main draw is the surrounding area. This is an adults-only "all-inclusive" resort. They have become more stringent with their food offerings as it used to be truly AYCE a couple of years ago. Now, they limit you to one appetizer and entree for dinner and room service now costs $10 plus taxes. Quality of the food went down compared to a couple of years ago, but is still solid. They offer a variety of paid and complimentary activities on-site, but many of the complimentary ones get cancelled or have a location change last minute without notification, which is a bit frustrating. Nice tips: - Gratuity include except for alcohol and spa - Lunch is included on check-in and check-out dates - Sunset hour at the Sur house 3-5pm offers cheaper cocktails and a complimentary drink as well (Marine Layer). - Grab a record from the social house to play in your room - Temperature drops at night so make sure to bring layers for dinner. - EV chargers on-site with complimentary valet - Pace yourself with meals, because it is a lot! You can request half portions if you want to try more items! - If you let them know about any celebrations, they'll leave a treat for you. read more

See all

This place is awesome! Went to the Ventana Big Sur House restaurant and my girlfriend and I had a wonderful dinner experience. You get beautiful mountain views and ocean views at the same time while dining. Not to mention a beautiful sunset. Food was delicious and to top it all, Michael B our server was on top of things and explained what we are about to eat. Five stars all the way! Will come back to this place if we are ever in the area again. read more

***Urgent Food Safety and Service Concern - Alila Ventana Big Sur*** I am writing as a returning guest, currently staying at Alila Ventana Big Sur with my partner, who is a World of Hyatt Globalist member. On a prior visit, staff were attentive, thoughtful, and brought extra desserts with a candle for my birthday during brunch on their own accord, unasked, and even delivered champagne and stocked our room with standard amenities and snacks. As avid travelers and Hyatt Globalists, we understand that small gestures like this are not atypical at hotels of this caliber, especially for special celebrations or Globalist members, where each night involves substantial cost in cash or points. I want to be clear: we are not expecting these exact gestures again, but that prior experience set the standard we expected from this property. Unfortunately, this visit has been disappointing right off the bat. During brunch (INDOOR dining due to rainstorm), my salad was served with a large, live insect crawling and moving in the salad -- obviously marinated with the food. I immediately called over the server, who took the salad back. I explicitly told staff I did not want a replacement salad, as the incident had already shaken my trust in the food. After seeing the bug, we lost our appetite entirely. I was a little tearful because I am afraid of bugs (I know, embarrassing lol), and the thought that I almost ate it was extremely upsetting. Despite this, a young male waiter, probably in his late 20s, later brought a replacement salad and chuckled, laughing while saying, "because of that little thing," to which I responded, "it was not little" (please refer to the attached video for evidence). This behavior was unprofessional, given the seriousness of the situation. When a manager eventually came to speak with us, he apologized and offered compensation, including free alcohol or additional food/off-menu items. However, we felt he was subtly shifting the blame onto the greens vendor, suggesting the bug likely came from an external supplier rather than in-house staff. We found this explanation confusing because the resort sources some greens from a vendor and also washes some salad greens in-house. Given how alive, fresh, and large the insect was, it seemed much more likely to have originated from in-house handling, which made the explanation feel unclear. Additional service issues compounded the experience: * We were not offered welcome drinks at check-in, though other arriving guests were offered them right in front of us. * There was no acknowledgment of my partner's birthday during brunch, unlike the personal recognition I received on a prior visit with a candle. * Our room was not stocked with standard amenities and snacks. * A staff member later delivered a plain birthday card late, without any accompanying gesture. A resort at this caliber should not be delivering experiences like this. Between the food-safety lapse, mocking waiter behavior, subtle shifting of blame by management, missing birthday recognition, and decline in room amenities and service standards, this visit was extremely disappointing and unacceptable. I am sharing this experience so that corporate is aware of the issues, and to raise awareness about serious lapses in food safety and service standards. Attached is a video showing the insect, which was clearly alive, crawling, and large, underscoring the severity of this concern. read more

My husband and I booked this resort right before the July 4th weekend and it was beautiful with wonderful weather everyday. The service was excellent and all the staff were very nice and friendly. The resort also offered shuttle services with these golf carts that could pick you up from almost anywhere, including right in front of your room. I also loved the s'mores that you can make in your room (if you have a fireplace) or in front of the community center every night. My husband and I did the beekeeping and wilderness apothecary add-ons and both of them were really fun, although a bit pricey. We wanted to do falconry as well but they didn't offer that activity on the days of our vacation. There are a couple of pools but quite a few dead bugs in them, although the infinity pool that overlooks the forest is absolutely stunning and the most unique view. However, there was only 1 restaurant for food with a minimally rotating menu, so there isn't much variety in your meals. Some of the food items were good, especially all of the fish, but some of the food was just okay. Each meal also took a long time, so prepare to spend up to 2 hours for lunch/dinner, breakfast is usually faster. Lastly, it is quite a drive to get to Big Sur! We are from the east coast so we flew into the San Francisco airport and then it's a 3 hour drive to this resort. read more

See all

One of the best hotels in the USA. Great food, great service, amazing spa and amazing rooms. Only downside was the blackout curtains on the door didn't cover the door completely Room: we stayed in the vista Big Sur suite and the room was huge. The fireplace and outdoor hot tub was a great addition to the room. Indoor bathtub was too small for 2 people. Service: the service here is amazing. From the restaurant, to the activities to the room serviced everything was perfect. When we checked in they told us to text them for anything (in room dining, room service, etc) and they were super fast and responsive. Activities: we did the perfectly imperfect and bees and Big Sur and both were amazing. Very educational and highly recommend Spa: the massage here was AMAZING. Prob one of the best ever. For facilities, there's not much besides an outdoor dry sauna but there's plenty of pools and the couple room outdoor was great read more

Alila Ventana Big Sur - Resorts Near Me - Big Sur, California