Ventana Big Sur, An Alila Resort

Tucked away amid redwood forests off the Pacific Coast Highway, the Ventana Big Sur is a gorgeous, luxe property offering a romantic, cozy stay for adults only. The property is nestled on 160 acres of land set high on the mountain, allowing for panoramic ocean views and natural, quiet surroundings. Consisting of a few dozen buildings made of wood and glass, the resort feels quite rustic, however, interiors and amenities are high-end, and everything here is thought out down to the very last detail. Common areas and rooms have wood wall paneling, plush leather seating, and rugs. Fireplaces keep spaces warm and cozy, while large windows bring the gorgeous outdoors in. The grounds are vast and carefully planned, with a mix of winding trails amid redwoods and ample lawns dotted by Adirondack chairs set facing the ocean.

The Big Sur property has two main sections -- the more manicured main hotel area, which features guest rooms, suites, villas, and most common areas, and the glamping (upscale camping) site, which is tucked away in the forest and is made up of high-end canvas tents with private fire pits and picnic tables. As an adults-only hotel, the property draws mostly couples seeking to get away from it all, and the vibe is serene and cozy. The gorgeous setting and stunning views make it a coveted small-wedding venue as well.

Rates are some of the highest in the area, but the Post Ranch Inn across the road -- which offers a similar experience -- is even more expensive. Still, for a relaxing, adults-only experience amid nature, it’s worth comparing both properties.

Set on the mountain on the eastern side of scenic Highway 1, Ventana Big Sur is for those who want to get away from it all. This Big Sur property is tucked away in thick redwood forests, and the only thing around it is hiking trails and nature. The entrance is directly on Highway 1, allowing for easy access to the area’s many quaint small towns, which are home to numerous shops, galleries, and restaurants. The hotel is a five-minute drive from great local attractions, including Big Sur Village, Point Sur Lighthouse (there’s a steep half-mile hike), Julia Pfeiffer Burns State Park -- home to a waterfall and coastal hikes -- and Pfeiffer Big Sur State Park's redwood trails. Pfeiffer Beach is 10 minutes away by car, and it’s a 20-minute drive to Bixby Bridge, one of the highest single span bridges in the world, with spectacular views. Other tourist sights farther afield include Point Lobos State Reserve (popular among sea lions and seals), Carmel, and Jade Cove, all within 50 minutes of the property. Ventana Big Sur is a two-hour-and-30-minute drive from San Jose International Airport, and a three-hour drive from San Francisco International Airport.

Ventana Big Sur is divided into two main areas: the proper hotel section (so to speak) and the glamping site. The former takes up the lower half of the property, while the latter is tucked away amid redwoods higher up on the mountain.

The hotel section is home to 59 rooms, suites, and villas, all housed in low wooden buildings with furnished outdoor spaces. Interiors are chic and cabin-like across the board, with wood paneling throughout, rugs over tiled floors, and soft lights. Leather and wooden accents make spaces feel warm, while the earth-tone palette is elegant and cozy.

Starting at 414 square feet, rooms are spacious, and the design makes the most of the resort’s picturesque setting, with huge windows that bring the outdoors in and let in lots of sunlight. In-room amenities are upscale and include smart TVs, curated minibar items, Nespresso machines, and free high-speed Wi-Fi. All but entry-level Ventana Guestrooms have wood-burning fireplaces, and Superior units and higher categories feature cozy alcoves with dining spaces and seating. The Coast House is the only room type that has a full kitchen.

Bathrooms feature glass-and-stone walk-in showers outfitted with rainfall showerheads, plus separate soaking tubs set next to windows that open to the bedrooms. Toiletries, hairdryers, and magnifying mirrors are also provided. Forest Shower Suites have additional double showers on the terraces, and most other suite categories have outdoor hot tubs for two.

The campground, or glamping site, offers a number of high-end canvas tents, complete with upscale mattresses, fire pits, USB ports, picnic tables, and hot and cold potable water. Heated blankets are available free of charge, but there is no heating in these units. Housekeeping is also provided daily in this section of the resort, and glamping guests get free morning coffee and tea, as well as picnic baskets for hikes in the nearby forests. Several teak showers are housed in a separate building that features heated marble floors and spacious sink areas with mirrors. The glamping sections is only accessible by foot.

The Ventana Big Sur’s two heated outdoor pools are a major highlight here. Both offer ocean views, loungers, and umbrellas. The Meadow Pool features an infinity-edge whirlpool, while the Mountain Pool offers direct access to the Japanese hot baths, which have separate men’s and women’s sections, as well as a coed area.

Alila Spa, located adjacent to the reception area, provides an array of individual and couples’ treatments in several indoor cabins, as well as a sauna that opens directly onto a deck with views over the Meadow Pool, the forests, and the ocean. The spa menu includes Asian-inspired massages and treatments, along with a number of activities that guests can book as private sessions, such as astrology readings and meditation. The 24-hour gym houses a handful of cardio and strength-training machines, including TRX equipment, treadmills, spinning bikes, and cross-trainers. Yoga classes are available daily free of charge.

Sur House is the main Ventana Big Sur restaurant. It serves up local cuisine, cocktails, and a more casual bar menu in a cozy dining room with views and a spacious patio. Although food gets good reviews and there’s an extensive wine list, complaints of small, overpriced portions and limited options are common. Housed in a small Airstream, the SurStream offers snacks, cocktails, beer, and wine seasonally.

The Glass House Gallery is the hotel’s charming art gallery, housed in a wooden structure with a glass wall that offers expansive views of the woods and the ocean. There is also extensive meeting space with audiovisual equipment, as well as a common living area with a fireplace, books, a pool table, games, and a bar with outdoor seating.

A resort fee is charged on top of all room rates, and it covers Wi-Fi, daily hikes, organic garden tours, and evening wine and cheese receptions, among other perks. A part of the fee goes to local community services.

Ventana Big Sur weddings are common and there are multiple ceremony venues. An outdoor setting amid redwoods, an expansive lawn with stellar ocean and redwood views, and an outdoor terrace overlooking the Pacific Ocean are highlights. Wedding packages are available, and wedding costs vary.