1/5

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Alila Ventana Big Sur

Big Sur • Big Sur • OVER THE TOP

avg. $1,967 / night

Includes $104 / night in cash back

Cash back is redeemable via Virtual Visa, Venmo, or bank transfer starting 24-48 hours after check-out

World of Hyatt property

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5% cash back on all completed stays (redeemable via Virtual Visa, Venmo, or bank transfer starting 24-48 hours after check-out)

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Points accrual and status eligibility with major hotel loyalty programs: Marriott Bonvoy, Hilton Honors, World of Hyatt, and others

Free breakfast

Breakfast-included rate options available

Room upgrades

Complimentary room upgrades (subject to property availability)

Extend your stay

Early check-in and late check-out (subject to property availability)

Location

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At a glance

A 160-acre Big Sur retreat carved into a dramatic ridgeline, with cedar architecture and unobstructed Pacific views.

Best for: Travelers seeking remote coastal solitude and geology

Highlights:

  • 160-acre ridgeline campus at 1,200 feet above the Pacific
  • Cedar-clad structures with Douglas fir beams and fieldstone fireplaces
  • Restaurant terrace overlooking the coast with unobstructed ocean views
Rugged-refinedremote

PB hotel design editorial

Carved into a south-facing ridgeline above the Pacific at roughly 1,200 feet elevation, where coast redwoods give way to chaparral and the Santa Lucia mountains drop almost vertically to the sea, this property has anchored itself to one of the most geologically dramatic sites in American hospitality since 1975. Alila Ventana Big Sur — originally opened as the Ventana Inn and long considered the property that defined California's adult-retreat typology — spreads its cedar-clad structures across 160 acres in a loose, campus arrangement that refuses to compete with the landscape. The architecture defers at every turn: board-formed cedar siding weathers to grey against the hillside, exposed Douglas fir beams carry vaulted ceilings in the larger suites, and fieldstone fireplaces anchor rooms furnished with dark four-poster frames, chunky hand-knit throws, and canvas campaign chairs. The interiors, refreshed under Alila's stewardship after the brand acquired the property in 2018, maintain a Northern California ranch sensibility rather than imposing the cool minimalism Alila favors elsewhere in its portfolio. Outside, the pool terraces step down the slope in flagstone-edged tiers, overlooking a lawn that falls away to an uninterrupted Pacific horizon. The teak-decked restaurant terrace, where woven rope dining chairs face the coastline with nothing between them and the Channel Islands, makes the case that the site itself has always been the primary design gesture here.

Travel notes

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About

Alila Ventana Big Sur is a luxury resort set along the iconic coastline of Big Sur, California. Tucked among rolling meadows and towering redwoods, our 54 guestrooms and suites are thoughtfully spaced across 160 secluded acres, offering privacy, serenity, and connection to nature. Designed with sun-bleached cedar exteriors that blend seamlessly into the landscape, each accommodation features private outdoor space. Your stay includes all meals thoughtfully prepared and inspired by the region, along with daily curated programming designed to immerse you in the beauty and spirit of Big Sur. Guests also enjoy access to luxury amenities including two outdoor pools, Japanese hot baths, and tranquil spaces throughout the property for relaxation and renewal.

Amenities

Free Parking

Restaurant

Pool

Internet

Room service

Free Internet

Wifi

Free Wifi

Fitness center

Suites

Alila Ventana Big Sur Reviews

1,341 reviews

"Absolutely stunning property set amidst the red wood forests and cliffs of Big Sur. Excellent restaurant with farm to table menu options, top notch service and panoramic vistas. The service and natural beauty of the landscapes offset the fact that the rooms haven't been freshened up in ~20 years."

A Tripadvisor traveler review

Jul 23, 2026

"Ventana is a special place. We were married there 10 years ago and returned for our anniversary trip, which was so special. The events team set up a private dinner at the “Glass House” overlooking the ocean and it was very romantic. Our suite was well appointed, and I loved the private hot tub on our patio. I felt very serene and connected with nature throughout the entire stay. The Sur House served wonderful brunch and dinners, and the staff are so friendly, maybe of them have been working there for decades. We also enjoyed an incredible couples massage amongst the redwoods. I can’t say enough about good things Ventana."

A Tripadvisor traveler review

Jul 20, 2026

"Beautiful resort and seamless check in. Staff is overall wonderful and kind. The average rating I gave is due to the restaurant server. He seemed new and was given our table against his will. When asked if we could have a wine menu, he said, “yes, if we have one available” which is odd for a resort of this stature- to not have a wine menu memorized or at least a few recommendations at hand. When asked for a blanked which the host had offered and others had received, we received the same answer. This is a very expensive resort. Figure it out. Saying such an odd thing, twice, was off putting. The 2 servers helping other tables were friendly and amazing. Ours made us not want to return to this space again."

A Tripadvisor traveler review

Jul 20, 2026

"Great stay overall! Wonderful customer service and amenities. Sur House food was delicious and the staff throughout the property went above and beyond."

A Tripadvisor traveler review

Jul 19, 2026

"Over the top luxury at a remote and beautiful destination. I’d give it 6 stars if I could. Everything was wonderful! The room was perfect…we stayed in a Pacific house suit, and were surrounded by gorgeous trees and had an ocean view. The room was spacious and well appointed, and housekeeping did a great job. Pro tip….don’t close the shades at night…the stars were amazing…we saw the Milky Way. The grounds are beautiful and well maintained. There is a nice walking trail all around the resort. The pools and tubs are nice and clean and the views spectacular, but we also had our own hot tub on our deck. The food was AMAZING. Great selections and everything was delicious, fresh, and expertly prepared and served. All our servers were friendly, efficient and made us feel welcome. We had a special and memorable time, and this resort is definitely well managed. Highly recommended! Another tip…there are a couple local walks that were beautiful…Pfeiffer Beach is lovely, and Partington Cove trail takes you right down to the water where it breaks on all kinds of rugged rocks."

A Tripadvisor traveler review

Jul 18, 2026

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