Alila Ventana Big Sur

The refined Alila Ventana Big Sur sits atop 160 acres of meadows and woodlands in the heart of stunning, unspoiled Big Sur.

• The dramatic coastal views
• The rooms and suites featuring patios with hammocks as well as private hot tubs
• The world-class Alila spa, which has immersive mind-body-soul experiences

Ventana Big Sur sits in the heart of Big Sur, just off the cliffside Highway 1. The inn’s low cedar structures, connected by beautifully landscaped pathways, blend into the surrounding acres of meadows and woodlands. As with Big Sur itself, scenery takes center stage here and guests of the resort, which sits over 1,000 feet above the ocean, are constantly drawn outdoors by the views.

An iconic hideaway for the Hollywood set since the 1970s, Ventana completed a multi-million dollar renovation in 2017 that transformed its 59 rooms and suites with modern furnishings. The redesign is both luxurious and refined, incorporating natural elements at every opportunity. The accommodations are spacious and sophisticated, offering high ceilings, fireplaces (in most rooms) and warm textures and earth tones. For more intrepid travelers, Ventana Big Sur offers a glamping experience in the Redwoods, where they have 15 platform tents with daily housekeeping service and run activities like garden tours, meditation and tai chi classes, wine and cheese hour and more.

Amenity-wise, Ventana now has an array of inviting public spaces such as the Library & Music Room, Game Room and Bar Room, each of which fosters a cozy-chic vibe. The hotel also has an Alila spa with two pools and Japanese-style (clothing optional) hot baths. Just in case the abundant opportunities for hiking, mountain biking, swimming and outdoor pursuits aren't enough, the property provides a gorgeous fitness facility as well.

As an adults-only property, this hotel is best for couples and groups of friends looking for a luxurious and tranquil resort experience amidst an unbeatable landscape.

Indagare Impact hotels have been carefully vetted according to our Impact Hotel Criteria.

Big Sur is a tightly knit community of artisans, craftsmen and otherwise handy people who have learned to take care of each other fiercely in the times the roads are blocked by landslides. This sense of self-reliance has laddered up into the ethos of Alila Ventana, where the hotel proudly displays its commitment to the land through holistic sustainability initiatives. The on-site farm supplies most of the greens and eggs on the menu, as well as all of the honey, while the furniture is created from naturally fallen on-site redwood. To more communal point, the hotel works hard to engage residents, including the indigenous Esselen people, to conserve what makes Big Sur special. The property works closely with the Big Sur Fire Fund as well as the Ventana Wildlife Society to protect the land for all those upon it.